Best Castle Day Trips in Japan — Our Top 9

1.Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 339 reviews · 10 hours · from $53Our pick

Review of the Osaka day tour to Himeji Castle, Koko-en, Arima Onsen, and Mt. Rokko, with practical advice on value, timing, lunch, and guides.

“Liu/Nick was very professional. He was informative and helpful to the guests. We learned a lot from him. He goes above and beyond to answer any questions you have and was the best tour guide we’ve had in Japan. Also, this tour allows sufficient free time and plenty of delicious food. We strongly recommend booking tours with Liu/Nick as your guide.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 105 reviews · from $201Top rated

See Matsumoto Castle and alpine Kamikochi in one guided day from Nagano, with transport, castle entry, walks, and free time included.

“We really enjoyed the day. Both the castle and the walk were great, and our guide made the trip especially memorable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 78 reviews · 12 hours · from $180

Visit Matsumoto Castle, Frog Street, and Kamikochi on a long but rewarding English guided day trip from Nagano.

“Our guide was amazing, she made sure everybody had a great time. We got so much beautiful photos and this was definitely the highlight of our trip. Although the tour is a bit expensive, it is well worth as it is only a small group and you will be well taken care of”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.1 Day Tour From Nagano to Matsumoto Castle and Narai-Juku

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · from $201

Review of Nagano’s Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku tour, with transport, costs, timing, highlights, drawbacks, and practical booking advice.

“i think for us the Narai-juku post town was the highlight of our tour. A cart came by and we ate the traditional sweet potato. A great experience to just stroll down the longest post office street. The Frog Street was ok ( I don't like frogs haRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, & Nishiki Market Half day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 4 hours · from $90

Review of Kyoto’s 4-hour Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, and Nishiki Market tour, with guide Roberto, costs, transport, sights, and practical tips.

“Super visite très instructive et joyeuse! Le petit film final était un vrai plus! Et notre guide a été vraiment à l’écoute!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Nagano/Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 1 day · from $180

Explore Matsumoto Castle, Frog Street, and historic Narai-juku on a guided day trip from Nagano or Matsumoto with scenic transport.

“Bellissima escursione eravamo solo in due per cui praticamente un tour privato prelevate direttamente all’hotel. Tutto perfetto, Joyce la nostra guida super disponibile e gentile, ci ha anche insegnato a fare gli origami. Tutto molto bello, ma Narai è una chicca inaspettata, un paesino con le tipiche case in legno sperduto in mezzo alle montagne. Joyce ci ha anche consigliato un ristorantino tipico locale dove abbiamo pranzato con un’ottima zuppa di carne e pesce con udon spendendo poco più di 10 euro a testa. Per il fatto di essere sole abbiamo potuto godere di più flessibilità nei tempi e nel programma. Consiglio vivamente”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Nagoya: Full-Day Tour of Castle& Toyota Commemorative Museum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $126

Explore Nagoya Castle and Toyota’s craftsmanship museum on a guided six-hour tour with transport, admissions, and practical local insight.

Check availability →Read our full review

8.1-Day Tour from Okayama: Kurashiki, Gardens & Okayama Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 8h 30m · from $153

Explore Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, and Kurashiki’s canal district on an 8.5-hour guided day tour from Okayama.

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Osaka/kyoto: Himeji Castle, Kobe. Luxury Day Trip with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews

Review of a private Osaka or Kyoto day trip to Himeji Castle, Kobe, Arima Onsen, Mount Shosha, and scenic Mount Rokko.

“Sunny was perfect guide for our tour. Kind guy who provide perfect assistance. Good driver. Will definitely recommend. Thanks”

Check availability →Read our full review