Meet at JRHimeji station
Himeji Castle: the first world heritage site in Japan. One of only 12 castles which keep the original main keep. You might come across SAMURAI and can take a picture with them.
Koko-en Japanese garden: consists of 9 different sorts of gardens such as samurai mansion garden, bamboo garden, pine tree garden, tea leaves garden (Macha tasting) etc. You'll see many pretty plants and Koi carps swimming in the pond.
JR Himeji station central gate
Himeji castle, popularly known as Egret castle, has been virtually unharmed, by tremors and the wars. The 400-year old castle was listed as the first Japanese World Cultural Heritage site in 1993 because of its well thought out strategic layout and the dazzling white-plastered beauty. It is one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. In Nishino-Maru (west bailey) you can take a glimpse of the life of Sen-Hime (granddaughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan in 17th century ). From the top of the main tower you'll see the stunning view of Himeji city.
Koko-en is very famous for autumn leaves, red, yellow, orange. It consists of 9 different kinds of gardens, and you can taste Macha (Japanese green tea) in one of them (tea garden). In Koko-en many movies and TV dramas have been shot, such as "Ruroni-Kenshin".
Let's stroll around the castle town through Miyuki-dori street & Omizo-suji alley. Have lunch if you like. I'll introduce Hemeji's specialties, restaurants and cafe.
If we have time, we can visit Harimakoku-sosha, a popular shrine where a wedding and Shichigosan (event to pray for children's happy and healthy life) are held.
JR Himeji Station
Guide fee
Admission fee: castle + Kokoen (￥1,100)
Mach tasting: ￥500
Bus fare if necessary(￥190 ～ ￥230)
Your own lunch, cafe and other purchases. I'll cover mine.
Tue. Fri. Sat. Sun. : 10:00～17:00
Stairs inside are very steep and narrow, so put on comfortable clothes to move around.
You are supposed to take off your shoes inside the castle, so put on thick socks, or your feet might get cold.