Optional day trip to Himeji Castle

Unleash your inner samurai on a family friendly day trip to Himeji Castle

Himeji is a great family day trip from Kyoto, just 45 minutes by bullet train. Here you'll find the famous 'White Heron' Castle, one of only twelve original castles that have survived from the feudal era. It's certainly the most impressive of castle in Japan, with extensive ramparts and a dramatic keep rising up above the city. There's tons to explore? You could even go the whole hog and get dressed up as a samurai or ninja, shop for toy samurai swords or enjoy a visit to a ninja-themed café!