Kobe & Himeji: Timeless Castle and Modern City Life

Explore the rich history of Himeji Castle and its lush gardens, then dive into the lively atmosphere of Kobe. Discover serene shrines, vibrant markets, and stunning waterfront views. This tour blends timeless charm with modern energy for a truly memorable experience.

￥11,250 per person (≈76 USD)

*price is for 4 pax

• Private tour

• Up to 8 PAX

• Recommended start time: 9:00 am

• Duration: 8 hours

• Free for children under 12 years old

Himeji & Kobe

Walking Tour

Public Transportation

• English

• Spanish

• Catalan

Private Tour

• Filipino

• Bisaya

• Japanese

Description

Let's embark on an incredible journey to explore the blend of history and modernity in Kobe and Himeji! Our adventure begins in Himeji, where the majestic Himeji Castle stands proudly, inviting you to enter Japan's remarkable feudal era. Stroll through the castle's grounds and lush gardens to soak in the rich history and magnificent architecture. 

After soaking up the historical charm of Himeji, we'll make our way to the vibrant city of Kobe. Our first stop is the tranquil Ikuta Shrine, a perfect oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Then, get ready to roam through Motomachi Shotengai and Nankinmachi, where you can experience the lively atmosphere and diverse cultural heritage of Kobe. 

Our journey continues to Meriken Park, a modern waterfront area offering stunning harbour views. Finally, don't miss the chance to take in the panoramic views of Kobe and its bustling port from the top of Kobe Port Tower.

This tour encapsulates the modern allure of Kobe and the timeless beauty of Himeji, providing an unforgettable experience of Japan's history and contemporary life.

Itinerary

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s Japan’s most spectacular and well-preserved feudal castle. Often called the "White Heron Castle," it offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and architectural elegance.

Castle Gardens

The gardens surrounding Himeji Castle are beautifully landscaped, featuring traditional Japanese design elements. They offer well-maintained paths, tranquil ponds, and seasonal blooms.

Ikuta Shrine

Ikuta Shrine is a peaceful Shinto shrine in Kobe, known for its serene atmosphere and traditional architecture. It offers a tranquil retreat amidst the city, with lush surroundings and a history that dates back over 1,800 years.

Motomachi Shopping Street

A lively, charming area with a blend of traditional and modern shops. Known for its unique boutiques, cafes, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great place to explore local fashion, souvenirs, and delicious treats.

Kobe's Chinatown

Nankinmachi, Kobe’s Chinatown, is a bustling area known for its vibrant streets, colourful architecture, and diverse food options. It’s a district where you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, explore unique shops, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Meriken Park

Meriken Park is a scenic waterfront area in Kobe, featuring modern landmarks, open green spaces, and beautiful views of the harbour. It’s a relaxing spot to stroll, enjoy outdoor art installations, and take in the city’s maritime charm.

Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Port Tower is an iconic red structure offering panoramic views of Kobe’s skyline and harbour. Its distinctive design and observation deck provide a vantage point to see the city’s blend of modern architecture and natural beauty.

Optional: Kobe Beef Restaurant

Experience the culinary delight of Kobe beef with an optional visit to a top Kobe beef restaurant. We can arrange a reservation for you to savour this world-renowned, tender, and flavorful beef, whether for lunch or dinner. It’s the perfect way to indulge in a truly authentic local dining experience.

Entrance Ticket Prices

• Himeji Castle ￥1000

Estimated Transportation Expenses

On this tour, we will use the train. The average cost per person is around ￥1,000.

The average meal cost is around ￥2,000 per person.

What's Not Included?

Entrance ticket prices, transportation costs, and estimated meal expenses

Estimated Meal Expenses

What's Included?

Guide in your chosen language and an 8-hour private tour

Meeting Point

The meeting point is inside Himeji Station, in front of the 7-Eleven.

How to get there

When you arrive at JR Himeji Station, exit at the Central gate, turn right, and you will find a 7-Eleven inside the station building.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RBc7cPmLSTjkZ4fYA

If you wish to be picked up and dropped off at the hotel feel free to inform us.

How to Book this Tour?

1. At the end of this section, select the number of people in your group.

2. On the next screen, choose your preferred date and time.

3. Fill in the fields with your details. This information will be used to contact you and will also appear on the receipt.

4. Select your preferred payment method. If you wish to pay in cash (in yen, please), choose Cash Payment.

If you would like more information about payments, reservations, cancellations, or other frequently asked questions, please visit this page.

Below, you will find the section to select the number of participants.

How many people?

Please, let us know the size of your group.

Remember, children aged 11 and under can join for free, so there's no need to include them in the total group count!

If you are a bigger group, or if you would like to customize the tour, please fill out the following form and we will study your situation. Thank you!

Reviews

4 reviews

★★★★★

Pere is a very friendly and welcoming guy who obviously enjoys showing people around his adopted country. We covered a lot of ground on our 8 hour tour, and learned a great deal about Himeji Castle and Kobe itself. I would definitely recommend Pere to guide you.

One thing we thought about afterwards is that it might be a good idea to give people an idea of the price range of the Kobe beef lunch/dinner in advance. It is pretty expensive, and some people may not want to pay/be able to pay that much. We expected these sort of prices and were more than happy to pay it, but others may not realise. Thank you again for a fab day. Sonya and Sharon

★★★★★

Sonya - England

March 21, 2025

A great tour in Kobe with Pere!

Thank you for a wonderful tour of Himeji and Kobe. The informations about the castle and the city was amazing. The local lunch in a authentic restaurant and the visit in an izakaya was perfect. Thank you for the reservation in the Kobe-Beef-Restaurant. We can absolutely recommend booking.

★★★★★

Angelika - Germany

March 17, 2025

Tour in Kobe

Thank you for your attentiveness—everything was excellent: the places, explanations, company, and food. Unforgettable days!

★★★★★

Ismael Benavides - México

October 22, 2024

4-day tour in Kyoto, Uji, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji.

Thank you Peri for a fabulous tour of Himeji Castle and Kobe. Your knowledge and information was fascinating. The Kobe dinner at the end of the day was a perfect end - thank you for booking it on our behalf.

★★★★★

Lyndy - Australia

October 2, 2024

Himeji & Kobe: Timeless Castle and Modern City Life

Peri is an excellent guide who showed us wonderful places, introduced us to many delicious foods, and was always willing to answer our questions with extensive knowledge of the cities. We are very grateful and highly recommend him!

★★★★★

Esther - México

August 24, 2024

3-day tour in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Himeji.