Located in the heart of Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji Castle is a shining example of a classic Japanese castle and a masterpiece of historical architecture.

Nicknamed the “White Heron Castle” for its striking white exterior, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a symbol of Japan’s feudal era, showcasing ingenious defensive designs and offering breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of this iconic Japanese castle, surrounded by attractions like the tranquil Kokoen Garden and the vibrant Himeji City Zoo.

In this article, we delve into the fascinating legacy of Himeji Castle and its surroundings, a must-see destination that embodies the elegance and history of Japan’s Japanese castle heritage.

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What is Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle (姫路城), situated in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, is an iconic example of Japanese castle architecture, often referred to as Hakuro-jo or Shirasagi-jo (“White Egret Castle” or “White Heron Castle”) due to its striking white exterior and resemblance to a bird in flight.

The castle’s origins trace back to the 14th century, initially established as a fort by warrior Akamatsu Norimura in 1333 and later expanded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 1580s.

Renowned for its complex network of 83 buildings with advanced feudal defensive systems, Himeji Castle is celebrated for its survival through wars and natural disasters, notably remaining unscathed during World War II. Its architectural splendor includes a main keep with five stories and six floors, flanked by three smaller keeps, all interconnected in a ‘connected-tower’ style.

The castle underwent major restorations in 1873, 1935, and 2009, maintaining its historical and architectural integrity. Its unique white appearance is attributed to a specialized plastering technique. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, Himeji Castle is recognized for its cultural and historical significance as one of the finest examples of a Japanese castle.

What to See and Do at Himeji Castle

At Himeji Castle, visitors can explore the main keep, which appears to be a five-story structure but consists of seven floors, including a basement and six above-ground levels. Standing at approximately 31.5 meters, it is the tallest of Japan’s 12 surviving original castle keeps from the Edo period.

It stands as one of Japan’s most prestigious castles, known for its beauty in both daylight and nighttime illumination and is a testament to Japan’s rich heritage.

Here are some of the highlights of what you can do at Himeji Castle.

Discover inside of the Himeji Castle

You can explore its renowned connected tower structure, including the main keep, three smaller keeps, and four connecting corridors, all designated as national treasures. Additionally, visitors can use the Himeji Castle Discovery app, which employs augmented reality to recreate the historical ambiance of the castle, including the Ninomaru Palace and the lives of the female attendants.

The exterior of the Himeji Castle

Visitors can admire its freshly refurbished, stunning white facade, reopened to the public in 2015. A short five-minute walk away, the nearby Shiomidai Park is famous for its replica of the castle’s Shachihoko (mythical fish) ornaments, offering a view that is counted among the “Top Ten Scenic Views of Himeji Castle.”

Events at Himeji Castle

Yearly events at Himeji Castle are highlighted by its cherry blossom season, featuring over 1,000 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, Weeping Cherry, and Yamazakura varieties. The castle’s backdrop against the blossoms is so iconic that it’s listed among Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots.

Himeji Park

A lush urban space that harmoniously blends with the historical and cultural significance of Himeji Castle. Chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Historical Parks in 2006, the park features educational and cultural facilities like a zoo, Kokoen Garden, an art museum, a historical museum, and the Japan Castle Research Center.

Kokoen Garden (好古園)

A scenic spot with nine unique Japanese-style gardens. Created on the site of the castle’s historic western residence, it offers diverse landscapes, including a pond with a waterfall and hidden castle views. The garden also features a traditional teahouse and a restaurant, popular for its serene ambiance and historical setting. (*Additional fee required)

How to Get to Himeji Castle

Map

Access

The nearest train station to Himeji Castle is Himeji Station and Sanyo-Himeji Station.
1)From Osaka, you can get to Himeji Station in about an hour with the JR Kobe Line (Special Rapid Service).
2)From Kobe, you can get to Himeji Station in 40 minutes also via JR Kobe Line (Special Rapid Service).
To get to Himeji Castle, you just walk straight up Otemae Street. You will arrive at Himeji Park in about 20 minutes.

Address

68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture 670-0012, Japan.

Business Hours

• Regular Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).
• Summer Hours (June 1 to August 31): 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM).
• Closed: December 29 and 30.

Admission Fees

• Adults (18 years and over): 1,000 yen.
• Students (Elementary to High School): 300 yen.
• Group Rates (30 persons and over):
  • Adults: 800 yen.
  • Students: 240 yen.
• Combined Ticket for Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden:
  • Adults: 1,050 yen.
  • Students: 360 yen. Note: No admission fee for preschool children.

Official Website: Himeji Castle

Tourist Reviews of Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle has quite good reviews from tourists all over the world. On Tripadvisor, the castle boasts an impressive rating of 4.5/5 based on over 5,000 reviews, reflecting its status as a must-see destination in Japan. Similarly, JapanTravel rates it highly with a score of 4.4/5, solidifying its appeal to both domestic and international visitors.

Tourists frequently praise Himeji Castle for its architectural elegance and the sense of history it evokes. One Tripadvisor reviewer shared,

“Another Unesco Heritage Site in Japan! It’s easy to get there from Osaka! The site is huge but I don’t recommend going inside the castle. Save this time to visit the Kokoen Garden.”

– from Tripadvisor

This review highlights the ease of access and the vastness of the site while suggesting an alternative way to maximize the experience by exploring the nearby Kokoen Garden.

A reviewer on JapanTravel described their visit, stating,

“Absolutely stunning castle. Unfortunately, when I was there some years ago it was closed for renovation so I can’t comment on the castle tour itself. The park area surrounding it is also quite nice.”

– from JapanTravel

This comment reflects the castle’s striking exterior beauty and the charm of its surrounding park, even when the castle’s interior is not accessible.

These reviews collectively emphasize Himeji Castle’s iconic status, its majestic architecture, and the added value of exploring the nearby gardens and park areas, making it a rewarding experience for visitors.

Tourist attractions near Himeji Castle

Hiromine Shrine (廣峯神社)

This shrine is perched atop Mount Hiromine and has views from Himeji Castle to the Seto Inland Sea. It venerates ancient deities including Susanoo-no-Mikoto, with its main hall and worship hall designated as national cultural properties.

Himeji City Zoo (姫路市立動物園)

Home to over 100 species, including large and small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It features interactive zones like a petting area and a mini farm, and its unique setting offers views of Himeji Castle, making it a family favorite.

Himeji City Museum of Art (姫路市立美術館)

Housed in a striking red-brick building formerly used by the military and then as a city hall, opened as a museum in 1983. It features three exhibition spaces showcasing a diverse collection ranging from paintings to swords and boasts a garden with 13 outdoor sculptures.

Engyoji Temple (書寫山園教寺)

A Tendai Buddhist temple on Mount Shosha is known as the “Hieizan of the West” due to its numerous halls and pagodas amidst lush greenery. Famous as a film and TV drama location, many of its buildings and statues are designated national and prefectural cultural properties.

 Taiyo Park (太陽公園)

A thematic park with a symbolic white castle resembling Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle. The park is divided into two areas: the Castle Area, with its Western-style architecture, and the Stone Area, featuring replicas of global landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Great Wall, offering a world tour experience.

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I hope you enjoyed this article about Himeji Castle. To fully tour Himeji Castle, it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. However, due to the popularity of the main keep’s public opening, there can be significant waiting times, sometimes extending to 2-3 hours. Therefore, it’s advisable to visit with ample time on hand.

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