This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:30 Departure from Himeji Port
- 10:15-10:20 Mount Shosha Ropeway (ascending)
- 10:30-12:30 Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple
- 12:30-12:35 Mount Shosha Ropeway (descending)
- 13:00-15:00 Himeji Castle
- 15:30 Arrival at Himeji Port
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Mount Shosha Ropeway (ascending) at 10:15, Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple at 10:30, Mount Shosha Ropeway (descending) at 12:30, Himeji Castle at 13:00 and Himeji Port at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Himeji Port to Himeji Station by bus (320JPY); Mount Shosha Ropeway (lower) to Mount Shosha Ropeway (upper) (1,200JPY); Mount Shosha Ropeway to In front of Himeji Castle Otemon Gate by bus (320JPY); Himeji Station to Mount Shosha Ropeway by bus (320JPY); In front of Himeji Castle Otemon Gate to Himeji Station by bus (210JPY); Himeji Station to Himeji Port by bus (320JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 2,690JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Tour of Mount Shosha and Himeji Castle Like from Himeji Cruise Port? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group from North America who arrived at Himeji aboard a cruise ship. Since Mount Shosha was a new destination for me, I visited it in advance two days before the tour to prepare.
It seemed to be the first time a cruise ship had docked at Himeji Port, and on both the day before and the day of the tour a large number of international visitors came to Mount Shosha. Even the staff at the ropeway company were surprised by the crowds.
At the summit of Mount Shosha stands Engyoji Temple, which is known as the "Mount Hiei of the West." As the name suggests, it features many massive wooden structures such as the Maniden Hall, the Great Lecture Hall, the dining hall, and the Jogyodo Hall, all of which were truly spectacular.
For lunch, we had a quick meal at a light dining facility within the grounds of Engyoji Temple. The view from the ropeway did not have much impact, so unfortunately it felt difficult to promote as a highlight of the tour.
In the latter half of the day, I guided the guests through Himeji Castle.
Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Himeji Port～Himeji Station | 320JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Mount Shosha Ropeway (lower)～Mount Shosha Ropeway (upper) | 1,200JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Mount Shosha Ropeway～In front of Himeji Castle Otemon Gate | 320JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Himeji Station～Mount Shosha Ropeway | 320JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | In front of Himeji Castle Otemon Gate～Himeji Station | 210JPY |
| Section 6 | Bus | Himeji Station～Himeji Port | 320JPY |
| Total | 2,690JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Mount Shosha Ropeway (ascending), Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple, Mount Shosha Ropeway (descending), Himeji Castle and Himeji Port.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 2,690JPY per person across 6 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Ichiro is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Hyogo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello!
I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
(I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )
In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.
I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.
I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.