Himeji:
A Breathtaking Journey Awaits
Join us on a tour of Himeji that brings its rich history to life through all five senses.
Marvel at the glowing beauty of Himeji Castle at night, feel the artistry behind Japanese swords, and savor exquisite vegetarian cuisine.This one-of-a-kind trip brings history and culture to life.
Himeji's Charms
Join us on a tour of Himeji that brings its rich history to life through all five senses. Marvel at the glowing beauty of Himeji Castle at night, feel the artistry behind Japanese swords, and savor exquisite vegetarian cuisine.This one-of-a-kind trip brings history and culture to life.
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Walk Through History
Get Exclusive Access to Private Areas of this UNESCO Site
Himeji Castle, Japan’s first World Heritage Site, is a sight to behold. But why not make your visit even more unforgettable? Step beyond the usual and dive deep into its rich history with a special private night tour. Explore hidden areas typically off-limits to the public and uncover the secrets of this iconic landmark up close.
Himeji Castle Private Night Tour
A private tour of the World Heritage and National Treasure Himeji Castle, exclusively reserved for you at night, with a curator’s insightful commentary. You’ll also get the chance to explore areas that are normally off-limits to the public.
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Experience Himeji
Witness the Elegance and Precision of Japanese Swords
Join Munehiro Myochin, the second son of the famed Myochin swordsmith family with a history dating back to the Heian period, for an unforgettable Japanese sword workshop. You’ll have the unique opportunity to hold a real katana and experience firsthand the incredible skill and beauty that go into crafting these legendary blades.
Japanese Sword Workshop with Swordsmith Munehiro Myochin
This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience a Japanese sword workshop with Munehiro Myochin, the second son of the Myochin family, who has been swordsmiths for the Himeji clan since the Heian period. The workshop takes place at the Myochin family’s forge.
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Tales of Tradition
A Legacy Stretching Over a Thousand Years
Shoshazan Engyoji Temple is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple with over a thousand years of history. At Juryo-in, a building designated as an important cultural property, you can enjoy traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine while hearing about the history behind each dish. It's a great way to connect with the temple's long and fascinating legacy.
Private Tour with the Head Priest at Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Take a private tour of Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, one of the three major sites for training of Tendai sect founded by the monk Shoku-shonin in the mid-Heian period. With over 1,000 years of history, you'll explore the temple with a personal guide—the head priest himself.
See morePrivate tour with monk and Shojin Cuisine at Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
At Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, one of the three major sites for training of Tendai sect founded by Shoku-shonin in the mid-Heian period, with over 1,000 years of history, you’ll have the chance to enjoy special experiences like shojin (vegetarian) cuisine and Shosha lacquerware.
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Himeji’s Artistic Spirit
Experience Beauty and Tranquility Within this Historic Site
At the Himeji City Museum of Art, you can enjoy a private viewing of world-famous masterpieces by artists like Monet and Matisse, with a curator guiding you. Surrounded by the beauty and calm of the art, you'll fully immerse yourself in the world of creativity and forget all about the time.
Private Tour with the Curator of the Himeji City Museum of Art
Enjoy a private, after-hours tour of the Himeji City Museum of Art, available on its closed days or in the evening. Explore iconic works by Monet, Matisse, Munch, and Sakai Hoitsu, all while a curator shares fascinating insights about the masterpieces.
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About Himeji
Himeji City, located in the southern part of Hyogo Prefecture, is a beautiful city where history and nature come to life. The iconic Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, captivates visitors with its grandeur. After completing restoration work on the main keep in 2015, it has seen record numbers of visitors. Along with Himeji Castle, other valuable cultural heritage sites like Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, which is also famous as a Hollywood movie filming location, can be found throughout the city, allowing you to experience its rich history.
In addition, Himeji was selected as a "SDGs Future City" in 2021, and is actively working towards sustainability, with initiatives focused on green development and becoming a zero-carbon city.
This special tour lets you experience the best of Himeji’s culture and history. You’ll get a private nighttime tour of the World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle, try your hand at traditional Japanese sword-making with a master, enjoy a private tour of Engyoji Temple with the head priest, and taste delicious Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. It’s the perfect chance to soak in the city’s history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty.
Ready to step into a memorable journey in Himeji, where history, culture, nature, and modern charm all come together?
Access
Himeji City is easy to reach from all over Japan. The JR Himeji Station, which is served by the Shinkansen, offers direct connections from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima.
You can also easily access Himeji from Kobe Airport or Kansai International Airport. Once in the city, you’ll find well-developed transportation options like the Sanyo Electric Railway and local buses, making it easy to get to popular sightseeing spots. If you're traveling by car, Himeji is conveniently located with major roads like the Sanyo Expressway and National Route 2, making it perfect for a road trip.
Inquiries
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Himeji Convention & Visitors Bureau MAIL info@himeji-kanko.jp TEL 079-222-2285
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Himeji City Tourism and Convention Department MAIL kanko@city.himeji.lg.jp TEL 079-221-2121