This is a full-day tour starting with a fast trip on the bullet train to Himeji to visit the Himeji Castle, nicknamed the "White Heron Castle", and designated a World Cultural Heritage site. Take lunch and relax at the beautiful Kokoen Gardens before sampling some sake at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery. Explore the museum and learn about sake brewing methods dating back to 1743.

Start with a bullet train ride to Himeji to visit the Himeji Castle, one of the most famous castles in Japan and designated a World Cultural Heritage site. Its sublime form and white walls have earned it the nickname of "White Heron Castle". The castle grounds are divided into inner and outer-walled zones, with gates built around maze-like spaces to confuse enemies, and a double moat for extra protection.

Bring your own lunch at enjoy it at the Koko-en Garden, which is a short distance from Himeji Castle. The gardens where opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lords' west residence (Nishi-Oyashiki). They consist of nine separate gardens designed in various garden styles of the Edo period.

After lunch you'll explore the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery. Hakutsuru was founded in 1743 and has come to establish its present "sake" brewing techniques by maintaining old traditions combined with the latest development in new techniques. The museum exhibits the actual process of sake making and its history, then experience a taste test.