From Osaka: Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen and Mt.Rokko 1Day Bus Tour

Explore Himeji Castle, relax at Arima Onsen, and enjoy panoramic views from Mt. Rokko on this enriching day trip from Osaka.

Duration: 10 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Himeji Castle - Himeji Castle, also known as “White Heron Castle,” holds the distinction of being Japan’s first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and is counted among Japan’s national treasures. Unlike many historical buildings in Japan, Himeji Castle has never been destroyed or burnt down, making it one of the 12 original castles still standing in Japan today. Visitors to the castle can explore its extensive grounds and climb to the top floor for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Iakuya Shiji Park preserves the former residential area of the Iakus, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily life and cultural heritage of the Japanese during that era. It’s a great place to immerse oneself in history and experience Japan’s rich cultural past firsthand.

  • Koko-en - After descending from Himeji Castle, visitors can take a leisurely stroll through Kokoen Garden, conveniently located adjacent to the castle grounds. Kokoen Garden is renowned for its meticulously designed landscape, divided into nine distinct areas, each showcasing different styles from the Edo period.

Before returning to the bus, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch (not included) at one of the nearby shops or restaurants situated near the entrance of the castle area. This provides a relaxing way to conclude the visit, surrounded by the historical ambiance of Himeji Castle and its picturesque surroundings.

  • Karoyashikiato Park - When visiting Himeji Castle, a notable area to explore for dining options is Kouroen Former Residence Park. Here, you’ll find a charming lineup of restaurants and souvenir shops. This park creatively repurposes Edo-period residences, transforming them into dining establishments where you can enjoy a meal amidst historical surroundings.
  • Arima Onsen - The next destination of the tour is the hot spring town Arima. Relax in the historic Arima Onsen, known for its therapeutic hot springs. Enjoy a quiet walk around this town, home to one of the three most famous onsen in the country. The entire area can be explored on foot and you can find old wooden houses, shrines and temples among other places worth a visit. (Not include entry tickets to the hot springs.)
  • Mt. 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.
What's Included
  • Entrance fee to Himeji Castle and Kokoen garden
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • English / Chinese-speaking Conductor
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Hot Springs entrance ticket for those wishing to bathe
  • We do not provide hotel pick-up or drop-off.
Additional Information

Join this bus tour from central Osaka to explore Hyogo Prefecture’s historical landmarks and natural beauty in one day. Enjoy a relaxing bus transfer with guided commentary as you travel between stops, including:

Himeji Castle: Renowned for its pristine white exterior and exquisite architecture.
Kokoen: Features nine distinct-style gardens showcasing Japan’s four seasons.
Kouroen Former Residence Park: Preserves the ambiance of past residences.
Arima Onsen: One of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs.
Mount Rokko: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kobe and the Seto Inland Sea from its 931-meter peak.

We’ll wrap up the day and return to Osaka Namba, where our memorable journey ends. Witness the captivating charm of Himeji Castle, relax at Arima Onsen, and be enchanted by Mount Rokko. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best of Japan in one day!

  • For those planning to use the hot springs, please be aware that tattoos and swimsuits are not permitted.
  • Depending on the number of participants, Chinese and English commentary might be given inside the same bus.
  • Please note that the tour schedule may be subject to traffic conditions on the day.
  • Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book with children’s price.
  • In the event of severe traffic caused by holidays or adverse weather conditions, there may be a reduction in planned attractions without refunds.
  • Be present at the right meeting point 10 minutes before the departure.
Location
VIP Villa Namba
VIP Villa Namba (Depart at 8:00AM) ※Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.0
(4 Ratings)
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H2htravel
May 14, 2024
One of the best castles in Japan - This castle was not an shore excursion option on out crusie. But we were able to find a local guide to pick us up in Kobe and take us to this Amazing castle. There is ecen a Lego model of this castle. We only spent about 3 hours there but easy you could spend the entire day. Sadly we ahd to get back to the ship and only go to see a small part of the gardens.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
214kassandraj
Apr 2, 2024
Excellent - This trip was amazing, we had a big group and had plenty of time to visit each stop on the trip. The bus was clean and comfortable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Santiago
Mar 25, 2024
Regrettable. I don't recommend it, a waste of time, it's not a guided tour, it's just a bus service that doesn't give you any experience. - The guide does not explain anything, he only takes you to the site. The guide limited himself to giving a brief explanation before entering Osaka Castle. He did not tell us that in the time he left us, in addition to seeing the castle for free, we had paid for it and included it in the ticket to see the kokoen garden, so we were left without seeing it. A real disaster because the most beautiful part of the excursion was seeing the outside of the castle and the gardens. Regrettable. The castle inside is not worth it, it is just a wooden structure and you have to climb seven floors, barefoot, with super steep wooden stairs. When we arrived at the city of Arima he left us on the central street and did not give us any further instructions. There were several sanctuaries to see and we had to investigate on our own. It was a rainy day with fog and we still went up to Mount Roko although beforehand he told us that we wouldn't see anything, and so it was when we got to the top he told us that we could go into the souvenir shop and again there was no point in getting on the bus to not being able to see the views of Kobe from above. And we finished an hour later than planned.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Victor_j
Nov 16, 2023
Rubbish - The pick up point is almost impossible to find and Google maps is useless. We and another couple were searching for it in vain and both tried to call the “hotline” for help but it rang and no answer. The tour left without us. would highly recommend anyone not to book this tour or any tour with the VIP Villa start point
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
September 2024
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