Best of Himeji
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Port
Himeji, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$189
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Begin your introduction to Himeji with a panoramic drive to Mt Shosha. Here you'll find the Engyoji Temple -- a beautiful temple complex with more than a thousand years of history.
Upon arrival at the mountain, board the cable car for a quick four-minute ride to the top. A short walk from the cable car station brings you to the Niomon Gate, flanked by statues that are the two guardians of Buddhism. A little further up, you will reach the Maniden -- a beautiful wooden temple hall constructed on pillars on a steep slope.
Return to the bottom of the mountain and drive to a local restaurant for lunch.
Stop for photos at Himeji Castle Park. The Park is actually the grounds of the stunning Himeji Castle -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance, Himeji Castle is considered one of Japan's most spectacular castles for its imposing size, beauty and well-preserved grounds. Unlike many other Japanese castles, it was never destroyed by war, earthquake or fire and survives to this day as one of the country's twelve original castles.
Located just beside Himeji Castle is Kokoen Garden, opened in 1992 to commemorate the city's centenary. This Japanese-style garden consists of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various Edo Period styles. Among the gardens are a Japanese water garden, a tea garden, a pine tree garden, a bamboo garden, and a flower garden.
A short transfer returns you to the pier.
Notes:
Participants must negotiate stairs and/or uneven surfaces. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Admission to the castle is not included. Tour sequence may vary.