KV

Himeji

Experience the Essence of Japan in Himeji

Himeji is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. The crown jewel of Himeji is undoubtedly Himeji Castle, also known as the ""White Heron Castle"" due to its elegant, white appearance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Japan's most well-preserved and stunning castles, and you can glimpse into the country's feudal past. The castle's intricate architecture and expansive grounds must be a must-visit attraction.

Adjacent to the castle is Koko-en Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden that features nine different traditional Japanese gardens. Each garden showcases a unique style, from tranquil ponds and waterfalls to meticulously maintained tea gardens.

Engyo-ji Temple in Mt. Shosha is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of nature and spirituality. The serene atmosphere and historical significance have made it a popular pilgrimage site and a period-movie shooting site, such as ""The Last Samurai,"" where Tom Cruise starred. You can reach the temple by taking a scenic ropeway ride up the mountain.

Tours in Himeji

Himeji Tour Guides

  • Yuko Smiley Hirai

    Yuko Smiley Hirai

    • Guide Experience:5 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji

    Fluent in Indonesian; TV Announcer Experience; Voice Trainer; Enthusiastic about Japanese Castles; Friendly Guiding with Smile

  • Yuko Smiley Hirai

    Yuko Smiley Hirai

    Guide Experience

    5 years or more

    Area

    Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01045
    • Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

    Expertise

    Castle,FOOD

    I am an English-speaking tour guide based in Kansai area including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe and Himeji. I was born in Kobe and raised in a small town near Kobe where I live now. I have worked for a TV station in Kyoto as a reporter. Therefore, I am familiar with lots of attractive spots loved by locals as well as well-known sightseeing spots in Kansai area. I especially love showing my guests around Japanese castles such as Nijo castle and Himeji castle, both of which are well-known UNESCO world heritage sites in Japan, Japanese Sake breweries, Japanese gardens, traditional temples, and shrines. Besides English, I am a fluent speaker of Indonesian since I used to study and work in Indonesia for three years. I love traveling around the world, too! I am flexible and love pleasing guests during the tour. Let's enjoy exploring cities in Japan like locals! I am looking forward to meeting you soon!

  • Emi

    Emi

    • Guide Experience:10 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga,Okayama,The Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

    Licensed Museum Curator; Fashion, Art, & Golf Expert; Provides Worry-free Tours with 20 years of Secretary Experience at Osaka University.

  • Emi

    Emi

    Guide Experience

    10 years or more

    Area

    Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga,Okayama,The Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00629
    • Certified Itinerary Control Manager

    Expertise

    Shrine/Temple,Castle,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pottery,Shopping,Art Crafts

    Hello, I am Emi Matsuda, a professional interpreter and tour guide with 6 years of experience. I am also working as a secretary in Osaka University with over 20 years of experience, which has honed my ability to offer flexible and elegant attention to clients. I have a license of museum curation, which extends my knowledge and expertise in the arts and culture field. Based in the fashion city of Kobe, I feel privileged to share Japan's rich cultural destinations with travelers from around the globe. Having lived in this beautiful country for years, I have developed a deep passion for the country's rich heritage and customs, making every tour experience I offer more insightful and meaningful. As a professional tour guide and interpreter, flexibility and adaptability are vital aspects of my job. I've learned to anticipate and respond quickly to different issues that may arise during tours, ensuring that my clients enjoy a worry-free experience. I take pride in creating unforgettable experiences for my clients, each tailored to their preferences and interests. In Japan, we have many beautiful destinations, from the traditional temples and palaces to breathtaking gardens and festivals. I'm passionate about showcasing all the hidden gems of my country, and my extensive planning and research reflect this. Moreover, I enjoy creating customized tours, combining culture and leisure outings, giving clients the opportunity to witness Japan's breathtaking sites and experiences. In conclusion, I look forward to welcoming you to Japan and curating an unforgettable tour that showcases the country's history, culture, and beauty. I strive to create unique memories for my clients, and I am confident that you will have a wonderful experience with me as your guide.

  • Rumiko, Sunshine

    Rumiko, Sunshine

    • Guide Experience:10 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Shiga

    "Wow" and "Ah-ha" Moments Creator, Witty & Humorous, Behind-the-Scenes Buff, Food and Drink Enthusiast, Nara Prefecture-certified Guide

  • Rumiko, Sunshine

    Rumiko, Sunshine

    (1)

    Guide Experience

    10 years or more

    Area

    Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Shiga

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00067
    • Certified Itinerary Control Manager
    • Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
    • TOEIC 900 or above

    Expertise

    Shrine/Temple,Castle,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Shopping

    Hello, I'm Sunshine! Growing up in a family deeply devoted to traditional Japanese cultures, such as classical dancing and Kabuki, I have been immersed in the rich heritage that defines this captivating land. Moreover, my professional background includes extensive training in high-end hospitality and presentation skills from diverse corporate environments, ranging from a publishing company to an advertising agency and an engineering firm. As a result, I've developed a unique blend of traditional charm and modern finesse. During our tour, I am thrilled to share with you the historical and traditional aspects of the cities we'll explore and the excitement of new cultures and cutting-edge technologies that define contemporary Japan. With a dash of theatrics, I may even step into the shoes of historical figures, offering you an intimate glimpse into their lives and stories. As we venture together, I will reveal hidden corners and historical gems that might otherwise go unnoticed, creating countless "Wow-moments" that will stay with you for a lifetime. It is my genuine desire to ensure you experience the true essence of Japan, immersing you in its past, present, and future. So, get ready to embark on a truly unforgettable adventure with me. I can't wait to meet all of you and make this journey genuinely extraordinary!

  • ToshiGG

    ToshiGG

    • Guide Experience:5 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima

    Fluent in English; Offers a Variety of Tours, including Ninja & Samurai Experiences; Well-versed in Local Restaurants and Sweet Shops

  • ToshiGG

    ToshiGG

    Guide Experience

    5 years or more

    Area

    Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00548
    • Certified Itinerary Control Manager
    • TOEIC 900 or above

    Expertise

    Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Shopping

    Hello everyone. I'm Toshiaki Ohbayashi, a cheerful and talkative tour guide. I have been guiding small groups around Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima, and other places in Japan since 2018, which has exceeded 500 days. My top priority as a guide is to be able to offer many options besides temples or shrines. such as Samurai and Ninja experiences. I'm also familiar with lunch restaurants and sweets shops. My nickname is GG, which means grandfather, as I have two grandchildren. I love being a GG, but I also love guiding. I'm looking forward to meeting you and your party soon. Let's have an amazing time with me!

  • TK

    TK

    • Guide Experience:5 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

    Well-versed in the History and Local Culture of Kansai; Expert in Foodie Tours, from Gastronomic Restaurants to Local Hidden Gems;Train Buff

  • TK

    TK

    Guide Experience

    5 years or more

    Area

    Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00557

    Expertise

    Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Trains,Shopping

    Hi there! My name is Tetsuya KAWABATA, a government certified interpreter and guide. I was born and raised in Shiga Prefecture, 8 miles or 14 km east of Kyoto. I spent seven years of high school and college in Kyoto, Japan. I worked for a company in Osaka for over 30 years before becoming an interpreter-guide. Additionally, I am well versed in the history and local information of Kobe, Nara, and Wakayama. The Kansai region, especially Kyoto, Nara, and Shiga, is the motherland of Japanese history; it has always been the center stage of Japanese history for over 2600 years. In addition, I can take you on tours that not only introduce you to Japan's ancient and traditional cultural treasures and wonderful experiences, but also give you a glimpse into the future. For the foodies among you, we offer plenty of choices, from the most exquisite gastronomic restaurants to casual eateries beloved by the locals. Come join me for a great trip!

  • Yuki

    Yuki

    • Guide Experience:5 years or more
    • Languages:English
    • Area:Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima

    Master of Way of Incense; Certified in Japanese Dance and Flower Arrangement; Expertise in Classical Theatrical Arts, incl. Kabuki & Noh

  • Yuki

    Yuki

    Guide Experience

    5 years or more

    Area

    Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima

    Languages

    English

    Qualifications

    • National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : E123456
    • Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
    • TOEIC 900 or above

    Expertise

    Sake,ART,Traditional Culture,Shopping

    Hello! My name is Lee Yukiko. Please call me Yuki. I was born in Hiroshima Prefecture. I have been living in Hyogo prefecture (next to Osaka) more than thirty years. I am cheerful and friendly, and I really love meeting people. I had many guests like celebrities, politicians, CEOs, artists and so on. I am capable of guiding whoever you are. You would definately have a wonderful time if you picked me as a guide. I have a license of Japanese dancing and flower arrangement. I like classical ballet, Kimono, Japanese culture, theater going, like Kabuki. I like meeting new people and want to help you have a wonderful trip in Japan. I’m a Kodo (the way of incense) Master. Kodo is a traditional Japanese culture to appreciate the incense wood of more than 100 years old. It is quite authentic and esthetic culture that Japan can boast. Though, the number of people who enjoy this interesting culture is decreasing in Japan. I’d like to introduce this quite a unique culture as many people as possible. Why don't you try this unique and authentic Japanese culture? [Places to guide] I’m good at arranging a special trip according to your request. Please tell me your interests and favorites. I’ll arrange the best trip only for you. I mainly guide Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Kanazawa, Naoshima. I'm looking forward to seeing you!

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