A tour of two world-famous castles, lasting three days and two nights

A tour of two world-famous castles, lasting three days and two nights

A tour of two world-famous castles, lasting three days and two nights

On this course, you can tour two world famous castles in one trip. One is Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site. It is also known as White Heron Castle for its resemblance to the graceful figure of a white heron spreading its wings. The other is Takeda Castle. Because of its wondrous appearance that suggests the figure of a sleeping tiger, it has become known as the Resting Tiger Castle. Not only that, it is also known as the Castle in the Sky because it almost seems to be floating in the sky when wrapped in a sea of clouds. For lodging, please enjoy a moment that will last forever at "EN," a 400-year-old brewery renovated into a hotel in the town surrounding Takeda Castle. After summiting the Castle in the Sky, wash off your sweat at the Kinosaki Hot Spring and enjoy a tour of open air baths in a yukata.

Day 1

09 : 00

Himeji Castle 【World Heritage】

Himeji Castle 【World Heritage】

With a history of 400 years since its construction and being deemed a national treasure, Himeji Castle, also known as Shirasagi-jo or White-Heron Castle, was registered as a world heritage, together with Horyu Temple, as the first such registration involving Japanese assets.
The amazing architectural beauty-coalition type castle, which consists of the grand castle tower and 3 small keep towers, and the brilliantly white walls, makes it look as if a white heron (Shirasagi) was flying up in the sky.

About 15 mins

10 : 30

JR Himeji Station

About 60 mins

11 : 30

JR-Ikuno Station

JR-Ikuno Station

About 5 mins

11 : 40

Old Mine Cart Railway Park

Old Mine Cart Railway Park

The mining car tracks that were used to transport silver ores from Ikuno Silver Mine were preserved and turned into a park.

About 3 mins

12 : 00

Ikuno Townscape

Ikuno Townscape

There are streets here that show the lifestyles of people back in the period when mining was still flourishing in Japan. Here, you can feel the spirit of accepting the new Western culture even before it spread throughout Japan, as well as the pride of the locals who have upheld this spirit.

At Izutsuya, the Company House, and the Former Asada Residence, visitors can see the traditional architecture of Japanese houses up close. These places also serve as tourist information centers, and visitors can also hear about how life was back in those days.

About 15 mins

13 : 00

"The archives of recollection" Museum

"The archives of recollection" Museum

There are exhibitions featuring Japanese pop culture like anime and superhero characters.

About 5 mins

13 : 30

Ikuno Silver Mine

Ikuno Silver Mine

This is the preserved site of the Ikuno Silver Mine, which was controlled by the leaders of Japan throughout its history. Records state that silver was first mined here in 1543.

About 2 mins

15 : 00

Workshop "Marie" (Silver Accessory Making)

 Workshop "Marie" (Silver Accessory Making)

This is a facility providing workshops where visitors can make their own silver accessories out of silver clay. Reservations are required for the preparation of materials.

About 20 mins

16 : 20

Asago Tourist Information Center

Asago Tourist Information Center

This is an information center located in the building of JR Ikuno Station. There are panels introducing the Ikuno Silver Mine here as well.

About 19 mins

16 : 44

JR-Takeda Station

JR-Takeda Station

About 4 mins

16 : 48

EN Takeda Castle Town Hotel

EN Takeda Castle Town Hotel

This is a hotel that is housed in the refurbished former Kimura Sake Brewery in the castle town of Takeda Castle. A restaurant and cafe is also located on the premises, making it a multipurpose facility that brings people together.

Day 2

09 : 00

EN Takeda Castle Town Hotel

EN Takeda Castle Town Hotel

This is a hotel that is housed in the refurbished former Kimura Sake Brewery in the castle town of Takeda Castle. A restaurant and cafe is also located on the premises, making it a multipurpose facility that brings people together.

About 1 mins

09 : 01

"Castle in the Sky" Information Center

"Castle in the Sky" Information Center

This is an information center located in the castle town of Takeda Castle. There are exhibits showcasing the history of Takeda Castle here.

About 40 mins

10 : 00

Takeda Castle Ruins

Takeda Castle Ruins

The castle was said to have been built in 1431 to protect the Ikuno Silver Mine. The castle was abandoned in 1600 due to government policies at the time, and has been left untouched and preserved since then.

About 40 mins

13 : 00

Takeda Townscape

Takeda Townscape

This is a street with a traditional Japanese atmosphere, and includes a building converted from a sake brewery with 400 years of history.

About 5 mins

14 : 20

JR-Takeda Station

JR-Takeda Station

About 45 mins

15 : 08

JR Kinosaki Onsen Station