Excursion Exploring himeji castle with lunch tour at Kobe

Explore the most beautiful feudal castle in Japan and its beautiful, adjacent garden during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion to Himeji.

Kobe, Himeji Castle, Huge, Central Pillars, Castle Top, Spectacular Views

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Himeji Castle, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Himeji Castle’s white appearance is nicknamed Shirasagi-jo (white heron). The castle features huge, central pillars to support, and it remains a mystery how they were able to build it in ancient times. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the Himeji Castle. Ascending the 110 steps required to access the top of the Himeji Castle is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of its surrounds.

Kokoen Garden, Nine Separate Gardens, Blooming Flowers

Following your tour of the Himeji Castle, proceed on-foot to the adjacent Kokoen Garden. This expansive garden complex is nestled on the former site of the feudal lord's residence, and consists of nine separate gardens. Many kinds of flowers bloom throughout the year at the Kokoen Garden. Your visit is followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Finally, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Kobe, Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing for approximately 1.05 miles (about 1.7 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited, and 100 steps to access the top floor inside the Himeji Castle. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Although credit cards are mostly accepted, Japanese Yen is required for any purchases; guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. Proper attire is required to enter temples and shrines; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 20 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in Kobe may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.