Himeji Things to Do

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Do not miss Himeji Castle. When you enter the castle, you will feel that you have back to the old century. Not only the castle exterior, but the castle interior also describe the original Japanese castle.

It is about 90 min for looking arround the castle. If you still have time, please visit Kokoen, small beautifull garden outside of the castle.

You can get discount if you buy ticket for both castle and Kokoen. Only castle is 600 yen, Kokoen park is 300 yen, the pass ticket for both is 750 yen. There is vending machine for the pass ticket in front of Kokoen (I am not sure you can buy the pass ticket at the Himeji castle or not).

One thing that is often overlooked is that you can get a free bike rental from the Tourist Information Center. You first go to the Tourist Information Center in the JR Station, and then they will give you a key and you will pick up your bike somewhere on your way to the castle. You can ride your bike to the outer part of the castle area, right before the ticketed entrance, but you are not allowed to park there. The nearest parking spot one is right around the restaurants opposite the castle's entrance. The best biking route is to around the Himeji castle, following the river/canal(?) that surrounds the castle area. I did that route right after entering the castle itself. It was a very peaceful and scenic route, very green so it's not too hot even in summer, and you can see the castle from all the surrounding directions. It doesn't take very long too, only about 15 minutes ride.

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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.

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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?!

As you come up the main road from the railway station you enter a big square. To your right there is the zoo's entrance. I didn't visit the zoo but I think if you travel with children it may be a nice idea to visit it.

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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.

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If you coming to Japan for cherry blossom season then I REALLY RECOMMEND visitor to comeover to Himeji for the memorable experience. By looking at the picture, you cant complaint much except to admire the scenery.

Best time to visit is MID APRIL and come before noon so that you could get a right place under cherry blossom tree.

TIPS TO ENJOY:

Bring a towel or a tatami mat
Bento Box
Green Tea Bottle
Camera

NOTE-If you need to get a Bento Box, please dont buy from JR station as its much expensive. For great choice and great value go to Himeji shopping arcade which is just a walk across from JR station and turn right.

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Himeji castle was built with high level of protection. Visitors can easily get lost if exploring alone without a map on hand. It was called as white heron famous for its white plaster walls which is very important to avoid the castle expose to fire during a battle. Purely built with wood with some stones covering just the beneath the castle as part of the wall.

Opening time is 9am-4pm.

Location : Himeji City

Himeji castle can be seen from the city centre, its does look far away but its walking distance from the JR station and main centre.