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From Kyoto: Japanese Sword Workshop & Himeji Castle Guided Tour
Product code 485444P17
From
From JPY 64,103
Dates
Sep 30, 2025 to Oct 23, 2025
Start times
8:20 AM
Travelers
Child ages 0-12, Adult ages 13-100
Options
Return train ticket to Kyoto, Return train ticket Shin-Osaka
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
8 hours to 9 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Manual
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From JPY 64,103
From Kyoto: Japanese Sword Workshop & Himeji Castle Guided Tour
View all photos
Duration
8 hours to 9 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Manual
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
*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
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
What's Included
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
Meeting point
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
End point
After the Himeji Castle visit, we will accompany you by bus to Himeji JR Station. We will then provide you with a train ticket to go to Shin-Osaka on your own (this ticket is included in the price).
After Himeji Castle visit, we will accompany you by bus to Himeji JR Station. We will then provide you with a train ticket to return to Kyoto on your own (this ticket is included in the price).
Itinerary
Stop 1
1 hour 30 minutesAdmission included
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
1 hourAdmission included
Stop 2
Enjoy lunch at a famous sake brewery in Himeji.
Stop 3
2 hoursAdmission included
Stop 3
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.
Stop 4
15 minutes
Stop 4
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.
Additional Info
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants Must Sit On Laps
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Physical Medium
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Other
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
Other
If you are late for the tour start time, you will not be able to join the tour midway.
Other
If you decide to leave the tour midway, we will not be able to give you the return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket
Other
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.
Other
We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 20 years old and above. Minor travelers below 20 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
Other
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.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Experience may be cancelled for bad weather.
Experience may be cancelled if minimum traveler count is not met.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
Review Summary
4.8
4 reviews
Collected by Tripadvisor
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