What makes this tour unique

• Explore inside Himeji Castle, registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Learn about its history and its people.
• Please enjoy exploring a Japanese garden and seeing the back of Himeji Castle from the hidden lookout!
• Enjoy cycling around Himeji City to fully appreciate the beauty of Himeji Castle town.
• Try a beautiful Japanese lunch at a local restaurant beloved by locals.

What’s included

• 5.5 hours with a local guide: An English-speaking guide
• Tour photos: You’ll get photos taken during the tour by your guide after the tour via email.
• Entrance fee for Himeji Castle & Kokoen garden: All tickets fee are included.
• Lunch at a Japanese local restaurant: If you are a vegetarian, please write about it when you book.
• Rental Bike: People older than 12 years old can join this cycling tour.
• A cup of tee at a garden: 1 Drink is served at a garden
• Bike Insurance: Bodily injury liability insurance is included

Highlights

Tour Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site of magnificent scale, wisdom and technology

After meeting at Himeji Station, we will collect our bicycles and proceed to the shopping street in the castle town. There, we will visit a Japanese sweets shop with a history spanning over 300 years and sample “Tamatsubaki,” a refined Japanese confection that was once presented to feudal lords within the castle. Subsequently, we will explore the magnificent Himeji Castle, also referred to as Shirasagi-jo, meaning “White Egret Castle.” During our visit to Himeji Castle, our local guide will elucidate why the castle is deemed impregnable and renowned for its beauty, providing insights into its architecture, exhibits, and historical significance.

After taking in the spectacular view and cityscape from the top of the castle, enjoy lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant beloved by the locals!

After ascending to the summit of Himeji Castle and admiring the breathtaking view, we will cycle through the historic castle town. We will savor a Japanese lunch at a restaurant located in the castle town. Following lunch, we will proceed to a shrine that offers a picturesque spot for capturing beautiful photographs of Himeji Castle.

Relax and enjoy a cup of tea in Kokoen, a beautiful Daimyo garden.

After exploring the shrine, we will cycle once more around Himeji Castle, heading to the picturesque Kokoen Garden. Within this garden, you can admire the flora, ponds, and carp while being serenaded by the melodious sound of a cascading waterfall. Following a leisurely cup of tea at a café within the garden, we will make our way back to the station.

General Information

Itinerary

• Meet up at JR Himeji Sta.
• Try some traditional Japanese sweets
• Himeji Castle
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Otokoyama Hachimangu shrine
• Kokoen Garden
• End of the tour around JR Himeji Sta.

Remarks

• Cycling under the influence of alcohol, and using a smartphone while cycling are strictly prohibited by law in Japan. Penalties will be imposed on violators, as well as on bicycle providers and fellow passengers. (Smartphone use is allowed when the bicycle is stopped.)
• There are many stairs inside the castle, so please check if you have companions who are concerned about navigating stairs without an elevator beforehand. You must remove your shoes upon entering. Please wear shoes that are easy to walk in and remove.
• Individuals aged 12 and above can join this cycling tour.
• If you’re a vegetarian, please note that the lunch options and quantities are limited. (However, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.) Please contact us before the tour date.
• If you have specific dietary restrictions, especially if you’re vegan, we may not be able to provide the lunch option for you.
• Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate gluten-free requests for this tour.
• You are not required to cover the cost of the guide’s food and drinks.
• Please bring cash if you wish to purchase additional snacks and beverages.
• The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
• This tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues. If you have difficulty walking, we recommend booking a private tour.
• Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention.
• Note: Requests made on the day of the tour cannot be accommodated.
• Please note that we cannot guarantee allergy-free meals or accommodate dietary restrictions, as the food is prepared in kitchens not operated by MagicalTrip. Additionally, some stops may not allow substitutions; however, we will make every effort to offer alternatives at other locations throughout the tour.
• Japan’s climate has become more extreme, with summer temperatures reaching up to 40°C (110°F) and winter lows dropping to -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.
• Out of consideration for our other guests and to ensure the best experience for everyone, the tour must start on time.
• Please be aware that if you arrive more than 15 minutes late for the meeting time (10 minutes before the tour start time), you will not be permitted to join the tour, receive a refund, or reschedule.

Cancel Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the tour starting time.
• Free date/time rescheduling up to 24 hours before the tour starting time (depending on availability).

Dietary Information

Dietary Accommodation

Inform us about any dietary preferences or restrictions in advance.

Included Allergens

• We cannot be held responsible for any food allergens present at street food stalls during the tour.
• No known allergens included