Explore Himeji Castle, Japan's most spectacular surviving feudal castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the "White Heron Castle" for its brilliant white plaster exterior, your government-licensed guide leads you through the maze-like defensive corridors, steep stairways and the six-story main keep while explaining its 400-year samurai history.

Stroll through Koko-en, a beautiful complex of nine walled Edo-period style gardens built on the former samurai residences beside Himeji Castle. Your guide explains the seasonal plantings, koi ponds and tea house as you enjoy classic views of the castle keep rising above the trees.

Drive to Mount Shosha and ride the ropeway up to Engyo-ji, a thousand-year-old mountaintop temple complex used as a filming location for "The Last Samurai." Your guide walks you through the ancient cedar forest to the dramatic Maniden hall built on stilts over the hillside and the great wooden halls of the Mitsunodo, sharing the site's Tendai Buddhist history.

Visit the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History, a short walk north of the castle in a striking building designed by architect Kenzo Tange. Your guide highlights the exhibits on Himeji Castle and Japan's castle architecture, plus displays of regional history, festivals and full-size castle models.

Climb to Otokoyama Haisuiike Park, a hilltop viewpoint just west of the castle. Here your guide helps you capture the classic postcard panorama of Himeji Castle's white keep framed by the city and mountains - one of the best free photo spots in town.

Stop at Nadagiku Shuzo, a historic Himeji sake brewery founded in the Edo period. Your guide introduces the traditional brewing process in the atmospheric wooden buildings, and you can sample and purchase locally brewed sake and amazake made with Hyogo rice and soft local water.

Drive up into the hills north of the city to Hiromine Shrine, an atmospheric thousand-year-old shrine surrounded by forest and revered as a head shrine of the Gozu Tenno faith. Your guide explains its connection to warding off epidemics and good fortune, and you enjoy sweeping views over Himeji from the approach.

Walk along Otemae-dori, the wide tree-lined boulevard that connects Himeji Station to the castle gate. Your guide points out the castle framed at the end of the avenue and the nearby covered shopping arcades, a great place to browse local sweets, crafts and cafes.