Himeji Things to Do

Elegant design outside and interesting historical ruins inside.
Himeji castle is regarded as the most beautiful castle in Japan.
It is called "White Heron" castle.
And we can walk into the castle and climb it.Pillars and corridors can be seen as they were many many years ago.

Elegant design outside and interesting historical ruins inside.
Himeji castle is regarded as the most beautiful castle in Japan.
It is called "White Heron" castle.
And we can walk into the castle and climb it.Pillars and corridors can be seen as they were many many years ago.

Elegant design outside and interesting historical ruins inside.
Himeji castle is regarded as the most beautiful castle in Japan.
It is called "White Heron" castle.
And we can walk into the castle and climb it.Pillars and corridors can be seen as they were many many years ago.

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.

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.

Himeji Castle Park is an area west of Himeji Castle, right next to the castle grounds. It`s a great place to go if you want to go for a stroll or if you want to get away from the busy streets & traffic. There are EXCELLENT play areas for children: wooden structures, slides, ropes to climb, poles, etc. In good weather, you can see people playing frisbee on the lawns, having a picnic, walking their dog, bicycling, exercising.
The park is big enough so that you can have your own private space with out anyone bothering you. You can come alone or with friends. There is a bit of exploring you can do as well since the park is so large. Enjoy!!

The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History is a great place to learn about castles in Japan, modernization in Japan, see how people lived in ancient times & the differences between then & now, etc.
A special space is devoted to Himeji Castle & includes a miniature model of the castle & displays of other castles in Japan.
Hands-on activities include trying on a 12-layered kimono (on Saturdays only, & only 3 people that day can try it on) & wearing a samurai outfit (for kids).
Their free video library has more information than in the exhibits. They have both Japanese & English languages to choose from.
There is a bit of information in English in the permanent exhibit but special exhibits unfortunately there are none. The last time I went to the museum they had an exhibit on Edo period toys. Very interesting!!

Open 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Only 200yen/adults, 100-150yen/students entrance fee.

The Himeji Castle is a magnificent example of Japanese castle architecture. It's claim to fame national treasure and one of the best castles you could possibly see in Japan. In 1931, Himeji Castle was designated a National Treasure, one of only four castles in Japan so honored. In 1993, it was one of the first structures in Japan to be put on the list of UNESCO World Cultural and Heritage Sites.

Because the layout of the castle's white-plastered donjon and towers suggests the lyrical image of a white heron about to take flight, it is often called the White Heron Castle. Like all Japanese castles, it is built of wood, some 360 tons in all, and the white plaster that covers its walls serves as fire and water protection. Amazingly, it has known neither fire or battle in its centuries of existence.