1-Day Walking Tour in Himeji : Castle, Garden and Aizome (Indigo Dyeing)

You may have heard about different places and things around Japan. When people talk about Japan, the first thing that comes to mind may be food, kimonos, or Tokyo Tower. However, there is one thing that is even more distinctive.

Compared to other world-famous cities in Japan, Himeji City is relatively unknown to most people. But when you look at the photos of Himeji city, an idea immediately comes to mind. That's right, a castle. You have probably seen this castle somewhere on a website or brochure introducing Japan. Himeji City is home to a renowned castle. Himeji Castle is not only the largest existing castle in Japan, but is also registered as a World Heritage Site and a National Treasure of Japan.

Not only is the castle itself prominent, but there are also hidden wonders around the city. Gardens, temples, and monuments, all of which are over a thousand years old, reveal much of Japan's history. In addition to tangible historical buildings, there is also a lot of intangible culture waiting for people to know about it.

Himeji City may be overlooked by most people, but it is a place where you can slow down, enjoy the ancient atmosphere and architecture, and experience a different Japan. Join us and explore for yourself.

Highlights

• Himeji Castle: Explore Japan’s largest remaining castle, a registered World Heritage Site and National Treasure that has survived wars, earthquakes, and fires intact.
• Kokoen Garden: Relax in a beautiful Edo-period style layout right next to the castle, featuring nine distinct strolling gardens with unique landscaping themes.
• Itatehyōzu Shrine: Visit a historic local shrine located along the way back to the shopping district, known for its rare, multi-decade ritual traditions.
• Hands-on Aizome Experience: Learn about the history of traditional Japanese indigo dyeing and create your own custom textile keepsake to take home.

Note: This tour involves up to 16,000 steps of walking as well as steep stairs up the castle keep.

Review

Description

Our journey will begin at 09:30 and we will meet at JR/ Shinkansen Himeji Station. Our first destination is the world famous Himeji Castle. As soon as you leave the station, you can see the castle in the middle of the city. Along the way, as we gradually approach the castle, you can see the beauty and grandeur of the entire castle.

Once we arrive at the castle, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Japan's largest remaining castle. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji castle was never destroyed by wars, earthquakes, or fire, and survives to this day as one of Japan's original 12 castles. You will be able to discover what made Japanese castle so innovative for the time as well as find quirks in the building of the walls. Although it looks like a single piece of architecture today, it did not become that way overnight. There are layers of different styles built literally on top of each other!

After enjoying at Himeji Castle, we will visit the authentic Japanese garden next to it. Kokoen consists of nine strolling gardens with different Edo period (1603 and 1868) styles and landscaping themes. Take a moment to slow down and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere here. There is almost always something blooming somewhere in the garden so finding that can be a great adventure.

It is time for lunch! You will have free time to each lunch in the city. Feel free to ask you guide about foods they recommend. There are a few ramen places as well as a doroyaki restaurant which is claimed to be a local specialty of Himeji. The arcade is full of a variety of eateries.

Meeting up after lunch will mean it is time for a quick stop to get one of the best photo spots of the castle. Nearby is a famous shrine, Itatehyōzu Shrine which has a famous festival as well as a "demon rock."

The afternoon really kicks off with a traditional Japanese experience, Aizome (Indigo Dyeing). Indigo is one of the oldest vegetable dyes in existence, dating back to the ancient kingdoms of the Middle East. It arrived in Japan via the Silk Road about 1,400 years ago, and has enjoyed a unique place in Japanese culture and society. You can create a special keepsake for yourself or your loved one.

We will return to JR Himeji Station together after the Aizome experience to say goodbye. However, if you would like to spend the rest of your day around the station, you are more than welcome. We will do our best to help you have a wonderful time.

Meetup Points

JR/ Shinkansen Himeji Station central gate @ 09:30

You can see us immediately after exiting the JR/ Shinkansen Himeji Station central gate. We are waiting in front of the directory. We will be holding up a sign that says "Snow Monkey Resort."

Notes

• The times listed in the itinerary are for reference only and the actual tour may vary depending on actual conditions such as weather and trains.
• This is a walking tour that takes you outdoors for hours. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. Please bring sunshade and rain protection if necessary.
• If you feel uncomfortable during the tour, please let us know. We will do our best to help you.
• This tour includes free time. We will make sure you know when and where to meet again. If you get lost or forget your meeting point, please call us immediately.

Included

• Entrance fees for each spot during the tour
• Bus tickets required for the tour 
• Aizome experience fee 
• Guided tour with an English speaking guide

Excluded

• Lunch
• Food and drinks
• Transportation costs before and after the tour