Kyoto to Himeji - A One-Day Scenic Train Journey

Day 1: Historical Highlights

Himeji, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel, which features a variety of Japanese and Western dishes, perfectly fueling you for a day of exploration.
Dine at the hotel restaurant before heading out.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Himeji Castle Tour

Visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can explore its stunning architecture and learn about its rich history.
Take the bus from your hotel to Himeji Castle, approximately 10 minutes.
JPY1000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Matsubara-So

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at Matsubara-So, a restaurant known for its authentic soba and tempura dishes, offering a delightful taste of local cuisine.
A short 15-minute walk from Himeji Castle.
JPY2000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kokoen Garden Stroll

Take a leisurely stroll through Kokoen Garden, located right next to Himeji Castle, to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of traditional Japanese landscaping.
Walk 5 minutes from the restaurant to Kokoen Garden.
JPY300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Engyo-ji Temple Visit

Explore the scenic Engyo-ji Temple, which is situated on Mount Shosha and offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere, accessible by a short cable car ride.
Take a taxi from Kokoen Garden to the Engyo-ji cable car station, about 15 minutes.
JPY1000 (entrance fee for the cable car), 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Shunraku

Conclude your day with a lovely dinner at Shunraku, where you can savor seasonal kaiseki dishes that beautifully represent the essence of Japanese culinary artistry.
Take a taxi back down from Engyo-ji to Himeji city, about 20 minutes.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to Kyoto

After a fulfilling day, take the JR Sanyo Line train back to Kyoto and reflect on the memories created in Himeji.
Catch the train from Himeji Station back to Kyoto Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour
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