Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour — Guide Hiro

Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests preferred to walk and experience the town firsthand, so although a bus or taxi was suggested, we walked through the shopping street toward Himeji Castle. The explanations of places with streetscapes dating from the Edo period were greatly appreciated, as this was exactly the kind of thing the guests wanted to learn about.

The guests asked many questions, and they seemed very interested in the group of keeps built on two small hills, as well as the other surviving turrets, gates, and walls. We took our time exploring at a pace that suited the guests. After finishing the castle, we took a break and moved on to Koko-en Garden. The guests were surprised to learn that this garden was created on the former site of samurai residences, where, after archaeological excavations, a series of Japanese gardens with different characters were built on each residence site. They enjoyed the distinct features of each garden and were especially impressed by the design of the residence garden. We then took a bus from in front of Koko-en back to the station, and although there was some waiting time, I introduced cafes around the plaza on the north side of JR Himeji Station before ending the tour. It was an enjoyable day.

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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.