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3-56 Higashinobusue, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, 670-0965, Japan
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Himeji Castle from a distance
Yellow Bamboo in Kokoen Garden
Himeji Castle
Himeji castle
Hi
My wife and I will bring our 1 year old son to Himeji from Kyoto.
I look fwd to visit the castle.
May I know really how big is the place and how much time is needed?
Thinking of either day trip from Kyoto OR spend a night there. Thks in advance.
Hi, I think a day trip would suffice as Himeji is only 55 minutes from Kyoto by train. It's a pretty big place with many steps so be prepared to carry your son and stroller. Bring lots of water! For more info, visit my Himeji page
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/a0985/ee6f4/
Jennie
A day trip is good if you just want to visit the castle. Allow for about 2 hrs at the castle and castle grounds itself. It's a lot of walking and the steps inside the castle are steep so be careful. It's beautiful though...take lots of pictures! :)
I used to live in Himeji so feel free to browse through my Himeji pages for information on your visit.
The place is pretty huge, if you include the castle grounds. (See my Himeji page, there's a photo on the model of the entire layout of the city with the castle in the centre, and also a description of what to expect when you enter the castle.)
I took 1.5hrs to get in from the very first gate to the top of the castle, but that's also we stopped along the way to take pictures. I didn't take note of how fast we got out; we were plain hungry by then.
YOu can definitely do it as a day trip, I did. Went to Himeji in the morning, got there around 10am, went to the castle, and after that walked the streets before heading off to Kobe (halfway between himeji and Kyoto) for our lunch, shopping and sightseeing (art museum) as well.
Himeji Castle is an awesome sight. I think we went on the perfect day. The overcast day made for some great pictures!
Himeji is a designated World Heritage Cultural property. Many visitors to Japan often miss seeing the castle. It is a real shame because it is the most beautiful castle in Japan (in my opinion!).
Admission fee into the castle and grounds is 500 Yen.
Get yourself an English speaking guide! Ask at the castle reception. Guide service is only available on Sunday (but you can call up to check, tel: 0792-851146) & I managed to get myself a very knowledgable guide who's actually an Engineer! He's doing voluntary work on Sunday & at the same time practising his spoken English! What a great idea!
According to my guide, Nobby Komatsu San, the emblems on these roof tiles dates back from the different era of shogun rulers. Every oni-gawara (or devil tile) & maru-gawara (or circle tile) used on the eaves has a family crest of the lords who built or repaired the castle.
SWIMMING at the HOTEL SUN GARDEN HIMEJI!!
I`ve swam in their pool many times & I highly recommend it! Their pool is not Olympic size but there is a retractable roof so that during the summertime they open the roof and you can feel the warmth of the sun!!
There is also a sauna and jacuzzi next to the pool.
The shower/bath area is typical Japanese style and fabulous (about 10 sit down showers, 2 stand up showers, a hot bath w/ massage outlets, a cold bath, and a steam room)!
The locker area and rest area has 2 music chairs (speakers on the side) and about a hundred channels(!) and free drinks (soda, juice, tea).
Costs about 1500yen for nonstaying guests.
This view of Himeji was taken from the top of the donjon. Himeji can be visited as a day trip from Kyoto & the castle is about 10 minutes walk from the station. You can easily find the castle, just walk along Otemae-dori & you'll soon see it.
Nan Phu is another great okonomiyaki restaurant in Himeji. It is a chain restaurant & there are a few of them in Himeji. The best one that I`ve gone to is south of JR Himeji station, about a 20 -25 min walk. There is a new one that just opened up close to the north side of Himeji station (2 min walk).
Good atmosphere with traditional style seating (you have to take off your shoes at the south location). Modern okonomiyaki (with noodles) with squid, pork, & shrimp!
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Q: Time needed for the castle "Hi My wife and I will bring our 1 year old son to Himeji from Kyoto. I look fwd to visit the castle. May I know really how..."
A: "Hi, I think a day trip would suffice as Himeji is only 55 minutes from Kyoto by train. It's a pretty big place with many steps so be prepared to carry your son and..."
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