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Himeji-jo or Himeji castle is the attraction here to visit. It's a UNESCO world heritage site. This white castle is also called "white egret" and you can actually see it from the bullet train if you pass by.
I made a 3 hours stop here in Himeji which was sufficient to see the vast castle grounds and the castle interior.
Himeji-jo is one of the few castles in Japan that survived in the original form and hasn't been rebuilt in concrete. It was originally built from 1333 when Norimura Akamatsu needed a fort. Over the centuries it expanded. What you see nowadays is the shape from the final construction in 1609.
The castle is opened daily except for the last 3 days of the year. With your ticket you get a leaflet in English. Leave a Comment Address: 68 Hon-machiPhone: 0792-85-1146Directions: From the railway station you can walk up the main street which takes you right to the castle.
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Himeji Castle - Japan's World Cultural Heritage is a well preserved castle made of stone walls and white plastered walls.
Opens from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm during the month of September - May
Opens from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during the month of June - August
Closed from December 29 -31 Leave a Comment Address: 68 Hon-machi, Himeji, HyogoPhone: 0792-85-1146
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Inside the castle and the side buildings you can see how the princesses spent their day, what weapons were used etc. You will also see the covered windows from which they shot their guns or let hot water or oils fall on their enemies.
On the top floor you will find Osakabe Shinto Shrine. Such a shrine was originally on the spot where the castle now stands. In order to build the castle it was moved but soon people felt nature's curse and relocated the shrine back into the dojon.
Oh, and did I mention that you need to take off your shoes when visiting the dojon?! Leave a Comment
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The castle grounds are quite extensive but you cannot get lost as you will follow the arrows. From the dojon's top floors there are some interesting views on the castle grounds and the city beyond. One of my favourite things were the roof tiles of the castle. Leave a Comment
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Aside from the Koko-en Garden where you can find a Japanese style tearoom, lakes, waterfalls and streams with lots of flowers and trees flourish, you will also be refreshed and feel rested just by walking towards the Himeji Castle.
The photos I have posted here were taken on our way to the castle. There is a line of trees and lush of greens and flowers along the street. This scenery is good enough to freshen up yourself and prepare for a long journey to the Himeji Castle. Address: Himeji Castle at Hyogo PrefectureDirections: Himeji Castle is ten (10) minutes walk from JR Himeji Train Station
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I consider Himeji Castle as the most popular castle in Japan. It is worth remembering as the castles' entirety is almost in its original architecture. It is worth a visit because if you don't, it's like you did not visit Himeji.
Himeji Castle is on top of the hill and was built for military purposes. The way it was built served its purpose as it is only one of the few castles that survived the World War II. All I see at this castle is old, except for part of the floor where it was replaced with a lighter colour of wood. This can be found at almost the exit of the castle. This exit is where you have to put back the slippers you used during the tour.
I highly recommend Himeji Castle. Don't miss it. It is a 'must see' attraction in Japan. Address: Ten (10) minutes walk from JR Himeji Train Station
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You will be able to see how the city of Himeji takes care of their environment. The lush of green in the surrounding mountains, rivers, and small hills indicates the cities' effort to protect its natural environment. You will also notice a cluster of factories in some of the photos, but eventually all these pollution producing establishments is surrounded with groves of trees.
This type of serene environment is very pleasing to the eye and good for the health and excellent for the relaxation of the locals and tourists alike. Address: City of Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture
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If you are in Himeji on the first Sunday of the month & want to experience a Japanese tea ceremony, go to the 4th floor of Egret (Himeji International Center, Japanese traditional room). It`s from 10:30am-3:30pm & free for foreigners. Sponsored by the Himeji Chuo Rotary Club.
Egret is in front of Otenmae Park, about a 5 min walk from the station. Before you reach Himeji Castle. Leave a Comment Phone: 0792-87-0820
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 The He Gate by freddie18
You will see in the photo a glimpe of one of the gates called the He Gate. This is smaller compared to other gates within the castle premises. Nevertheless, this is built with the purpose of protecting the castle. Address: Himeji Castle at Hyogo PrefectureDirections: Himeji Castle is ten (10) minutes walk from JR Himeji Train Station
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Himeji Castle has a donjon which used to be the place to keep and store armoury. On top of this are the Shachi which you can see in these photos. Shachi or whale talisman are mounted on top of donjons to protect them from fire. One of the photos show clear picture of a shachi that was built on the gables, not on the roof of te donjon. You will definitely appreciate this unique structure, something you can find only at Himeji Castle. Address: Himeji Castle in Hyogo PrefectureDirections: Himeji Castle is ten (10) minutes walk from JR Himeji Train Station
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