Join this bus tour from central Osaka to visit the best of historical landmarks and natural beauty in one single day. Enjoy a relaxing bus transfer with guided commentary as you travel between the stops. Discover the most beautiful castle in Japan, Himeji Castle, and the Kouroen Former Residence Park. Visit Arima, known for it's historic hot springs. and Mount Rokko, a popular spot in the Kansai region, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and savor the tranquility of this mountainous retreat. This exciting journey will take you through some of Japan's most iconic destinations in just one day. Itinerary: 08:30 - Depart from Osaka Namba We will start our journey from VIP Villa Namba in Osaka. 10:00 - Himeji Castle Our first stop will be Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and one of Japan's national treasures. Also known as "White Heron Castle," it boasts impressive architecture and a rich history dating back centuries. 11:40 - Kouroen Former Residence Park After exploring Himeji Castle, we'll visit Kouroen Former Residence Park, where you'll have some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. 14:00 - Arima Onsen Excursion Next, we'll head to Arima Onsen, one of Japan's three famous hot springs. Relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters of this ancient onsen, known as the oldest hot spring in Japan. 16:00 - Mount Rokko Our final destination will be Mount Rokko, a popular spot in the Kansai region, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and savor the tranquility of this mountainous retreat. 18:30 - Return to VIP Villa Namba **New Itinerary coming up from 16-Oct-2023!** 8:00 - Depart from Osaka Namba 9:30-12:30 - Himeji Castle＆Koko-en 12:40-13:40 - Kouroen Former Residence Park (Shopping＆Free-time) 14:50-16:20 - Arima Onsen Excursion 16:50-17:20 - Mount Rokko 18:30 - Return to VIP Villa Namba We'll wrap up the day and return to Osaka Namba, where our memorable journey ends. Join us on this unforgettable day trip and witness the captivating charm of Himeji Castle, the relaxation of Arima Onsen, and the enchantment of Mount Rokko. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the best of Japan in one day!

Explore Himeji in your own way with a private licensed guide. Choose the 6 or 4-hour option depending on what fits with your schedule. Let the guide know what special requests you have for the day and they will tailor your itinerary accordingly. All guides hold the nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification. It is issued by the Japanese government and requires a good understanding of Japanese culture and history. This tour features a morning pickup at your hotel in Himeji, then a visit to any number of possible sites. You can customize your itinerary according to the places you want to visit. See a suggested itinerary below: The first stop is Himeji Castle, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Himeji Castle dates back to 1333, and has survived natural disasters, WWII bombing, and the wear of the weather. In 2015, it underwent restoration works, which helped return its facade to a brilliant white. Visit the castle with a local knowledgeable guide and learn about the castle's architecture. Next is Mt. Shosha, a picturesque temple area located in the mountains behind Himeji Castle. Take the ropeway cable car up to Mt. Shosha. Alternatively, if you’re feeling extremely energetic, you could hike up the mountain in an hour or less. Then stop by the Engyo-ji Temple. With so much to explore on the temple grounds, plan to spend around an hour here to see the main structures. The trails that lead through the grounds reveal Mt. Shosha's gorgeous flora, and little details that create a magical atmosphere. For lunch, you enjoy delicious local food around Himeji Station, such as amen, gyoza, tonkatsu, and sushi. The local shopping street arcade is another charm of Himeji, and your guide will pick out the best shops for you to visit.  Other popular places to visit on this tour could be the Himeji City Museum of Literature, the Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery, or the Hiromine Shrine.

Hotel Pick up 8am Ikuta Jinja Shrine Kobe China-town Nankin Machi Meriken Park Kobe Maritime Museum Kobe Port Tower Kobe Harborland Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens Hakutsuru Sake Brewery

9:00 AM: Depart from Osaka 10:30 AM: Arrive at Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous and impressive castles. Spend some time exploring the castle's many towers, gates, and defensive features. 12:30 PM: Purchase a delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Himeji Castle area. 2:00 PM: Visit Kokoen Garden, a beautiful traditional Japanese garden with several different styles of Japanese landscaping. 3:00 PM: Take a short drive to Engyo-ji Temple, a mountain-top temple complex with stunning views of the surrounding area. 5:00 PM: Return to Osaka 6:30 PM: Arrive in Osaka

Pre-book a 1 or 2-day car rental in Kobe and benefit from a stress-free and seamless car rental service. Simply pick up your reserved car from the rental office at Shin-Kobe Station, start the engine, and begin your driving journey to discover the best of Kobe and nearby Osaka. The rental duration for a 1-day rental is 12 hours and you can pick up the car any time during their opening hour (8:00 AM - 10:30 PM). The rental duration for a 2- day rental is 36 hours.