Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour — Guide Hiro

Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report

We met as scheduled at 10:00 am at the central ticket gate of JR Himeji Station and confirmed the planned destinations. The guests seemed quite affected by Japan's intense summer heat after arriving in the country, and they requested that we cancel the daytime garden walk, as strolling in the heat would be too difficult. Since Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha is in the mountains and there is a shuttle bus from the ropeway to the Maniden Hall, we planned to use it, and we headed toward Himeji Castle along Miyuki-dori, a covered arcade kept cool by the cold air flowing from the shops. Along the way, one of the guests wanted to buy a brimmed hat at a hat shop, so we browsed as we walked. Before entering, I explained that inside the main keep of Himeji Castle, being a World Heritage site, we rely on natural breezes, but since a nice wind was blowing that day, I thought it would probably feel a little cooler inside, and then we passed through the entrance gate. At the photo spots, one of the guests took many pictures, and the guests listened with interest to explanations about the defensive mechanisms and the structure of the keep complex. We took breaks at mist spots, in the shade of trees, and where there was a pleasant breeze, and then went into the keep. Thanks to the good wind, it was surprisingly comfortable, but since the stairs are steep, we took more breaks overall. That seemed to work well, and the guests appeared to enjoy the Himeji Castle tour. However, the fatigue from traveling in the extreme heat seemed to have built up, so after lunch they requested that we also cancel Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha and instead go shopping. Since one of the guests mentioned having a peanut and sesame allergy, I guided them to a restaurant for lunch and explained this to the owner, who took care of it. It was a renovated old-house cafe, and the large room had a big table set up like a sunken kotatsu, which the guests seemed to like very much. They enjoyed the food and were satisfied. They were pleased to have been able to relax and rest over a leisurely meal. It was not that anyone suffered heatstroke, but rather that they were tired from sightseeing under the blazing sun. It was a very hot day, so it was a pity that the guests could not enjoy the coolness of the mountains at Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha, but the guests had lived in and traveled to several countries and their stories were fascinating, so for my part I had a wonderful time.

Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Hiro

I am Hiromi Mizoi, call me Hiro. I mainly have Himeji tours because I live in Himeji. I got my National Guide Certificate in 2017. I started to guide tourists as a volunteer guide in 2004. I had been a volunteer guide for a long time. However, I could not have any tours from April in 2020 to November in 2022 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Now, many tourists have come back to Japan. So, I am very excited. I would like to share not only the beauty of Himeji Castle’s Main Tower Complex but also the tricky defense systems of the entire Castle Grounds, which many visitors do not realize, with you. I was born and grew up very close to the west side of the moats of the Castle. So, I love Himeji Castle. I like other tourists’ favorite sightseeing spots such as Kokoen Garden and Engyoji Temple in Mt. Shosya. As one of Himeji locals, I am greatly happy to share the local people’s favorite spots with you. I look forward to your tours.