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Japanese Sword Workshop & Himeji Castle Guided Tour by Luxury Bus

By LIMON and Yui Olivia

Features

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Overview

*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

Activity location

  • 羅漢の里
    • 28番地 字羅漢口
    • 678-0091, Aioi, Hyogo, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Tourist Bus Terminal, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance (Kyoto Avanti)
    • Higashikujo Nishisannocho
    • 601-8003, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Wed, 8 Apr
Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    English-speaking service attendant
  • What's includedWhat's included
    In a sake brewery
  • What's includedWhat's included
    USB plugs on board
  • What's includedWhat's included
    WiFi on board
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Selection of complimentary sake, alcoholic and soft drinks on board
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Himeji Castle's entry fee and guide tour
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Amenities
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket : Himeji → Osaka/Kyoto
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Restroom on board
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Hotel pick up and drop off

Know before you book

  • 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.

Activity itinerary

羅漢の里

  • 1h 30m
  • Admission ticket included
Observe the process of making an authentic Japanese Sword (Katana) with an experienced swordsmith in the countryside of Himeji. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about this ancient technique by witnessing firsthand the process of heating, hammering, and folding the metal. You will also have the unique chance to ask questions to the artisan and learn about the true essence of the katana and what it takes to become a real swordsmith.

Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Enjoy lunch at a famous sake brewery in Himeji.

Himeji Castle

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket included
Visit Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Himeji Castle is one of the 12 original castles in Japan that remains untouched by war and natural disasters, preserving its original appearance. Explore the same floors that samurai once walked 400 years ago and immerse yourself in the atmosphere while listening to your guide's castle trivia that even locals don't know.

HIMEJI STATION

  • 15m
After visiting Himeji castle we will accompany you by bus to Himeji JR Station and our attendant will purchase and give you the shinkansen (bullet train) ticket to your preferred end point.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    羅漢の里
    • 28番地 字羅漢口
    • 678-0091, Aioi, Hyogo, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Tourist Bus Terminal, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance (Kyoto Avanti)
    • Higashikujo Nishisannocho
    • 601-8003, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    姫路駅南貸切バス乗降場
    • Minamiekimaecho
    • 670-0962, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan

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