Excursion to Himeji - a hotel in Tokyo.

06:30 Breakfast at the hotel in Tokyo.

07.15 Independent transfer to Shinagawa station in Tokyo.

08.10 Shinkansen superexpress Hikari 463 in Himeji (both ways are included in the cost of the tour).

11.42 Arrival at Himeji Station. Meeting with the guide on the platform by the train car. Walking (15-20 minutes) or moving by taxi (5-10 minutes) to Himeji Castle.

12.15 White Heron Castle, as it is sometimes called Himeji-jo, is located in Hyogo Prefecture, about 45 minutes by Shinkansen from Kyoto and 30 minutes from Osaka. A unique complex of defensive structures of the early 17th century, preserved to our time in its original form. It is one of the largest Japanese castles (included in the UNESCO World Heritage List). For its white walls and white clay seams on a tiled roof, the castle was nicknamed the Castle of the White Heron - Shirasagi-jo. Entrance tickets to the castle are included.

13.30 Lunch in one of the Japanese restaurants (payment on the spot).

**.** If you wish and time, visit the Kokoen Himeji Garden, which is located near the main gate of Himeji Castle. Kokoen Park unites 9 completely different gardens, demonstrating the traditional styles of the Edo period (early XVII-mid XIX centuries). There are artistically planted trees, ponds with decorative stone bridges and flower beds. You can relax in one of the cane-covered gazebos or in the local tea house, where a fragrant green drink is served. Kokoen Garden is amazingly beautiful at any time of the year, but it is especially beautiful in spring, when the fragrant fruit trees bloom throughout the district. Previously, it was the eastern residence of the lord and samurai (this fact was confirmed by archaeological excavations). Kyoto University professor Makoto Nakamura oversaw the planning and design of the garden. The name "Koko-en" is derived from "Koko do" the name of the sixth provincial school of Japan, founded in 1692 in Himeji by the last Lord Himeji, Lord Sakai. Walking along the paths of the nine gardens, you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo era. Among the main attractions of Kokoen Garden are: Oyasiki-no-niwa – the garden of the Lord’s House; Cha-no-niwa – the tea garden with an ancient tea house, where guests can enjoy an authentic tea ceremony; Nagare-no-hiraniwa – the garden of the current, where guests forget about time, admiring the flow of streams among the flowers, from this garden you can enjoy excellent views of the main watchtower of Himeji Castle. Finally, walking through the gardens, you can appreciate the beautiful trees and flowers of the four seasons, waterfalls, pine trees and paths built from Japanese cypress.

16:40 Arrival at Himeji Station. The guide escorts you to the train car.

16.59 Shinkansen superexpress Nozomi 136 in Tokyo.

19.56 Arrival in Tokyo at Shinagawa Station. Self-transfer by taxi to the hotel.

20:45 Return to the hotel in Tokyo. Independent dinner. Rest.