Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Walking Tour from Kyoto

Kyoto , Japan

Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Walking Tour from Kyoto

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour allows you to enjoy both World Heritage Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Fondly called the "White Heron Castle", Himeji Castle takes pride in its rich history of 400 years. Experience the beauty of Japanese architecture and the ingenuity from the age of samurai. For lunch, savor a buffet prepared with local ingredients. Afterwards, visit Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges. From the Maiko Marine Promenade, take in the stunning scale of the bridge from up close, and behold the impressive sight of cars and boats passing by. Look forward to a satisfying tour brimming with history, modern architecture, the scenery of the sea, and gourmet cuisine.

Available options

1-Day Walking Tour

What's included

Buffet lunch

National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter fee

Other admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour

Detailed itinerary

Travel by bullet train "Shinkansen" using non-reserved seat from Kyoto Station to Himeji Station. Travel time is 45 minutes. Meet with your guide and other customers from Osaka departure either on board the Shinkansen or on the platform at Himeji Station, then walk to Himeji Castle.

Stop 2

Also known as Shirasagi Castle [White Heron Castle], Himeji Castle is famous for its beautiful white exterior which was recently renovated. Enjoy a stroll around the grounds as you learn about the castle and its history from a knowledgeable guide.

Enjoy an original buffet lunch featuring a menu that changes with the season.

The tour will visit an observation facility on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges. Take this special opportunity to feel the bridge's grand scale and technological marvel right on your skin. See the Akashi Strait through the glass floor.

Stop 5 Pass by

Travel by local train using non-reserved seat from Maiko station to Kyoto station. Travel time is 90 minutes. Guide service ends at Osaka Station partway. Instructions on how to return to Kyoto Station will be provided.

What's not included

Fees other than those listed in Includes

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

20 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.3

4 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations.

As shoes must be removed to walk inside Himeji Castle, wearing socks is recommended.

This tour uses non-reserved seats on public transportation. Please note that seating is not guaranteed.

Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour.

The lunch meal is served buffet style. All meal requests including vegetarian meals and allergy-friendly meals are not accepted.

At Himeji Castle, there are no facilities such as elevators due to the structure, and there are a series of slopes, stairs, and steps. Please note that wheelchairs or strollers cannot be used to tour around inside buildings.

Sightseeing will be conducted on foot. Total walking distance on this tour is about 4.0 km [2.5 miles], so please wear shoes and clothing which are easy to walk in.

There will be an accompanying guide from arrival at Himeji Station until Osaka Station partway. An assistant will help you board the Shinkansen at Kyoto Station.

Tour's total duration is 9 hours 30 minutes, although the total duration listed in the itinerary is 6 hours 15 minutes. The remaining hours are allotted for travel time.

Meeting point

Please meet at Sunrise Tours Desk in Kyoto Avanti B1 Floor by 8:30 am, across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit. An assistant will guide you until boarding the Shinkansen.

Important notes

• If you have arrived at the pickup location but have trouble finding the meeting point, you can call the local operator JTB Sunrise Tours on +81 3 5796 5454 (Operated between 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.

・You can refer to below link for specific directions:
https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/access/avanti

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.