From Kyoto: Japanese Sword Workshop & Himeji Castle Guided Tour

4.8 (4 reviews) 8–9 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

4 reviews

4.8

From Kyoto: Japanese Sword Workshop & Himeji Castle Guided Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Yui Prima Olivia bus interior — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

*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

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours Culinary Tours Sake Tasting Likely to Sell Out

At a glance

Duration: 8–9 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–4
Guide: English
Operated by: LIMON and Yui Olivia

Ages: Children (0–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: English-speaking service attendant
Included: Lunch: In a sake brewery
Included: USB plugs on board
Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: Alcoholic beverages: 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.
Included: Himeji Castle's entry fee and guide tour
Included: Amenities
Included: Return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket : Himeji → Osaka/Kyoto
Included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board

Not included

Not included: Hotel pick up and drop off

Itinerary

Stop 1

1 h 30 min Admission included

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.
Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery

one hour Admission included

Enjoy lunch at a famous sake brewery in Himeji.
Himeji Castle

2 hours Admission included

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 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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).

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
If you are late for the tour start time, you will not be able to join the tour midway.
If you decide to leave the tour midway, we will not be able to give you the return Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket
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.
We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 20 years old and above. Minor travelers below 20 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
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.

Options

Return train ticket to Kyoto

Return train ticket to Kyoto: At the end of the tour we will accompany you by bus to Himeji JR Station & give you a train ticket to go to Kyoto on your own
Return train ticket Shin-Osaka

Return train ticket Shin-Osaka: At the end of the tour we will accompany you by bus to Himeji JR & give you a train ticket to go to Shin-Osaka on your own