From Kyoto: Japanese Sword Workshop & Himeji Castle Guided Tour

4.8(4)9 hFree cancellationBy LIMON and Yui Olivia

About this activity

*The photos of Himeji Castle are of Courtesy of Himeji City

Explore the rich history of Himeji area on this 1 day tour from Kyoto, featuring a visit to an authentic swordsmith and the UNESCO World Heritage Himeji Castle. The journey begins with a comfortable ride in a deluxe bus that feels like business class on an airplane, offering a selection of complimentary soft drinks and sake.

Visit a Japanese Sword (Katana) workshop for an authentic sword-making demonstration and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local sake brewery. An English-speaking guide will lead you through the breathtaking Himeji Castle, showcasing its architecture and samurai history. After a memorable day, we will accompany you by bus to Himeji JR Station and provide you with a shinkansen (bullet train) ticket to return to Kyoto or Osaka on your own.

- Deluxe bus transportation from Kyoto to Himeji

- Return by shinkansen (bullet train)

- Japanese sword workshop

- Himeji Castle guided tour

- Sukiyaki lunch at sake brewery

What's included

✓English-speaking service attendant
✓In a sake brewery
✓USB plugs on board
✓WiFi on board
✓Enjoy a curated selection of complimentary local beverages, including sake, plum wine, and fruit juices made from regional ingredients, along with other soft drinks onboard.
✓Himeji Castle's entry fee and guide tour
✓Amenities
✓Return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket : Himeji → Osaka/Kyoto
✓Restroom on board

Not included

✕Hotel pick up and drop off

Meeting and pickup

Exit JR Himeji Station via the South Exit and proceed to the bus terminal. Look for our attendant holding a blue 'Yui Prima Olivia' sign.
From Kyoto JR St ①From 1F go to 2F West Exit ②Follow Hachijo West signs & go downstairs ③Walk past Shinkansen exit (on your left) ④Follow Group Bus Terminal signs & take stairs left ⑤At McDonald’s cross the street to the Tourist Bus Terminal ⑥Search the blue bus Check Additional Info for details

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
If you are late for the tour start time, you will not be able to join the tour midway.
If you decide to leave the tour midway, we will not be able to give you the return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket
Please be aware that Himeji Castle has many steps. Additionally, you will be required to remove your shoes inside the castle, so we recommend bringing a pair of socks.
We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 20 years old and above. Minor travelers below 20 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
Detailed info about Kyoto meeting point: If you are arriving via JR, please head towards the JR Hachijo East Exit (located near McDonald’s). Please note that this exit is on the south side of the station, which is the opposite side of the JR Central Entrance. If you are on the 1st floor of the JR station, please go up to the 2nd floor and follow the signs for the West Exit (Nishi-guchi). After passing through the West Exit, follow the signs for the Hachijo-guchi West Exit. Go down the stairs and continue straight, keeping the Shinkansen exit on your left. Continue walking straight until you see the sign that says "Group Bus Terminal" and take the stairs on your left. Walk straight past the lockers, and once you are in front of McDonald's, turn right and cross the street. Then, immediately turn left and cross the street again toward the Tourist Bus Terminal. Our bus attendant will be waiting for you in front of our blue bus.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

More things to do in Himeji

Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mt. Shosha Ropeway operation is suspended from January 20 2025 to March 23 2025 due to regular inspections and maintenance. This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Himeji! Himeji is home to Japan's biggest and best-preserved feudal-era castle, Himeji-jo. Its white-plaster facade and ele…

4.9(277)6 hFree cancellation

From £79.62 per person

2.5 Hour Private History and Culture Tour in Himeji Castle

Visitors start by gathering at the entrance, where knowledgeable guides provide an introduction to the castle's history and significance. As they enter the castle grounds, visitors walk through beautifully landscaped gardens, appreciating the meticulous design and seasonal beauty. Inside the main keep, guests climb steep and narrow staircases, exploring various floors that once served as, storage…

5.0(223)2 h 30 minFree cancellation

From £135.12 per person

Himeji Castle Easy Bike Tour: Samurai History, Garden & Matcha

Experience the ultimate Himeji Castle adventure! While most tourists only see the surface of this World Heritage site, your local guide will bring its rich samurai history to life. 1. Easy & Leisurely Bike Ride : Walking the massive castle grounds is exhausting. Our easy bike ride makes exploring completely effortless and stress-free! We will cruise at a relaxed pace to a hidden local shrine for…

5.0(106)4 hFree cancellation

From £50.67 per person