Himeji Castle & Japan’s Finest Sake Region Tour

Himeji Castle & Japan’s Finest Sake Region Tour

A premium small-group journey through the land of samurai and sake.
This one-day limited tour takes you to Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Japan’s most renowned sake-producing regions.
Enjoy free time for lunch in Kobe’s vibrant Sannomiya district, followed by an afternoon immersed in the cultural heritage of a distinguished sake brewery.
With a small group setting, we offer a refined and relaxed experience that allows you to appreciate each moment at your own pace.

Himeji Castle, often referred to as the “White Heron Castle” (Shirasagi-jō), is named for its brilliant white plastered walls and elegantly layered rooftops that resemble a white heron spreading its wings. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.

Completed in 1609, the castle represents the pinnacle of Japanese feudal-era architecture, combining exceptional defensive features with refined aesthetic design. It also boasts the oldest surviving castle keep in Japan, with a remarkably intricate interior layout that showcases the advanced military strategies of the time.

Visitors can explore steep staircases, hidden rooms, and other features that reveal the secrets of samurai-era defense techniques. More than just a sightseeing destination, Himeji Castle offers a profound experience of Japan’s cultural and historical legacy.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, a masterpiece of castle construction from Japan’s Sengoku period, is renowned for both its elegant appearance and historical significance. Often referred to as the “White Heron Castle” (Shirasagi-jō), it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kobe Sannomiya (lunch)

In Kobe’s gourmet hub, Sannomiya, you’ll have free time during lunch to dine at your leisure according to your preferences.

From the world-famous Kobe beef steak to beloved local comfort foods like sobameshi and Akashiyaki, the area offers a wide variety of culinary delights. You can also enjoy classic Western-style meals at long-established restaurants, stylish café lunches, and locally made sweets—all popular with both visitors and locals alike.

Take this opportunity to savor the unique flavors and charming atmosphere that only Kobe can offer.

Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake

Located in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, the Hakushika Memorial Sake Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the traditions and craftsmanship of the Nada Gogo region—one of Japan’s most renowned sake-producing areas.

With over 360 years of history, the museum offers visitors a deep dive into the legacy of Hakushika, a prestigious sake brand, and the cultural richness of Japanese sake brewing.

Inside the museum, you’ll find a collection of traditional brewing tools, informative video exhibits, and rare artifacts such as wooden barrels and fermentation vats—all of which convey the skill and passion of the master brewers of the past. Seasonal exhibitions and displays on modern brewing techniques also offer insights into the ongoing evolution of sake production.

After the tour, guests can enjoy a tasting experience featuring a variety of Hakushika sake. By comparing the aromas and flavors, you may just discover your new favorite.

Important Points

Departure policy

  • Please present your booking confirmation e-mail to the Tour Conductor at the pick-up point.
  • Please be at the pick-up point 15 minutes before departure.
  • Change of pick-up/drop-off locations are not allowed.
  • The vehicle will depart on-time, please arrive before departure time.
  • We may occur delays due to bad traffic, accidents on roads, or severe weather etc. We will not be liable to later costs of taxis and/or train fares etc for passengers.
  • Please understand we will not be liable for your other bookings (cars, private vehicles, ferry, public transport, etc) due to delays occurred while on tour.

In the bus

  • The vehicle has no luggage compartment, please avoid bringing large luggage on board the vehicle.
  • The vehicle has no toilets.
  • There is no smoking allowed on board the vehicle.
  • Please be mindful of your belongings.
  • Please refrain from over consuming alcohol. Overly intoxicated passengers may be asked to disembark without compensations.
  • Please refrain from carrying your child on your lap when on board the vehicle.

Other

  • If our staff, tour conductor, translator, driver etc find your actions unlawful, passenger may be asked to leave the tour without compensation.
  • Our vehicle is non-wheelchair accessible.
  • We do not offer cash refunds on the day. *Please see cancellation policy
  • Please be mindful of other passengers.
  • Some facilities, shops, restaurants may be closed on the day of tour.
  • There are some unexpected dates where you may be declined entry to a shrine or temple due to religious activities.
  • Please note that there are some areas, structures, statues, historical sites, etc that prohibit photography.
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Availability Calendar

Private Tour Price

(Total / max 12 passengers)

¥130,000

※Inclusions
・Charter fee/driver
・Highway tolls
・English-speaking Conductor
* There may be only one tour conductor even when two vehicles are used.
・Parking fees
※Exclusions
・Lunch
・Admission fee
Duration 8hours
Inclusions
  • ・Charter fee/driver
  • ・Highway tolls
  • ・English-speaking Conductor
    * There may be only one tour conductor even when two vehicles are used.
  • ・Parking fees
  • ・Admission fee
Exclusions
  • ・Lunch
Req. to Run Tour 1people
Max Num of Passengers Max 12people
*Please contact us for reservations for more than 12 passengers.
Meeting Place Hotel
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