Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour — Guide Norio

Title: Can You Do a Private Himeji Castle Tour on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report

Today there was information that "bullet trains would be suspended one after another due to heavy rain." After confirming by phone with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), I contacted the guests to let them know: "If you cannot reach Himeji due to the heavy rain, you can receive a refund from both JR and the travel agency. Please contact me if you wish to cancel the tour." The reply came back: "We are currently heading to Himeji on the special rapid train."

When the guide arrived in Himeji and contacted the guests, the reply was, "We are eating gyoza right now." In fact, the guests had contacted me the day before, saying, "We will arrive in Himeji earlier than the meeting time. Where should we spend the time?" and I had suggested, "Why not have some gyoza?" The guests arrived right on time. Today's guests were six employees of a certain global company, coming from various countries such as Oceania and Europe. A total of the group came to Japan, and they had divided themselves into two groups.

It was raining heavily at the time we gathered. Because of this, I skipped the explanation at Castle View and headed toward Himeji Castle through the arcade-covered Miyuki Street. Even at Himeji Castle, I put off taking photos and headed for the main keep, spending plenty of time explaining things inside the main keep. When we came outside from the main keep, the rain had stopped, so we moved around taking photos at various spots.

Today's guests said, "We won't go to Koko-en. We want to go and drink sake," so after Himeji Castle we went to the "Himeji Sake Drink Shop" on the first floor of Egret Himeji. Everyone seemed to enjoy their drinks, and some of the guests were especially fond of it, purchasing several bottles of sake.

Because the rain had stopped, a "National Pottery Market" was being held at Otemae Park. The guests said they wanted to go there, so we ended the tour at the sake drink shop. The guests were in very good spirits.

Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Norio

Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
I look forward to meeting you soon!