Himeji see · Himeji attractions  TodayTourism All Destinations | Europe | Asia | North America | Africa | South America | Oceania | Hotels

Himeji attractions


Himeji attractions

Himeji Castle gun racks
Himeji Castle gun racks
  • Himeji Castle (姫路城 Himeji-jō), (An easy 10-minute walk north from the station; also accessible by bus.), . The castle is open 9 AM to 4 PM daily or until 5 PM from June until August (The castle is closed between December 29 – 31.). Dating to 1609 and also graced with the name "White Egret Castle" (白鷺城 Shirasagi-jō), this striking white edifice is generally considered the most beautiful of Japan's castles and is one of the few that has escaped the ravages of civil war, earthquakes and firebombings. Most notably, the castle miraculously survived World War II virtually unscathed, despite the rest of the city having been levelled by American carpet bombing. The castle was designated as a national treasure in 1931 and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. It is virtually the last castle in Japan that still manages to tower over the surrounding skyscrapers and office buildings. Admission is ¥600 adults and ¥200 children. A special ¥720 combination ticket gets you into both the castle and the nearby Kōkoen Garden. A free guided tour in English is included ''if'' a guide happens to be available (no reservations are possible). �
    • Travel Warning

    NOTE: Himeji Castle is currently undergoing renovation until spring 2015. It will stay open throughout, but parts may be off-limits and a large tent-like structure is covering most of the castle until renovations are completed. As of Sept 1, 2011, the interior of the main keep was closed to visitors, and the structure itself is covered up. For an additional 200 yen on top of the 300 yen entry fee, you can take an elevator to the top of the main keep to see the work in progress. A live image of the castle may be seen here:

  • Kōkoen Garden (好古園 kokoen), (Located right next to the western edge of Himeji Castle's outer moat), . Open from 9 AM daily and closes at either 5 PM or 6PM (last admission at 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM) depending on the time of year. This magnificent collection of nine Edo-period-style walled gardens was laid out in 1992 on a site where samurai houses once stood. The street plan and gated partitions preserve the appearance of the old residential quarter, except that within the various enclosures visitors find beautifully landscaped gardens and water features instead of noble residences. There is a tea arbour and a restaurant within the grounds, but eating and drinking outside of these places is prohibited. Admission is ¥300 adults and ¥150 children. A special ¥720 combination ticket gets you into both Kōkoen and Himeji Castle. �
  • Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History, (Across the street from Himeji City Museum of Art), . Open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed Mondays. Unlike most prefectural museums, this one actually has very little information about Hyogo prefecture's history, and historical artifacts also tend to be lacking, so if you really want to learn more about Hyogo, you may be disappointed however, if you are interested in Japanese history as a whole, this museum is well worth visiting. It contains replicas of all twelve original castles remaining in Japan, has a room dedicated to festivals (while they feature Hyogo festivals, most are done nationwide), and toys throughout history. There is an art gallery, as well, which often features some of Japan's most interesting artwork. The artwork is not limited to Hyogo artists. Check the website to see what will be displayed when you arrive. Entrance fee ¥200 yen (adult), ¥150 college and high school students. During special exhibitions admission changes, typically to around ¥700.. �
  • Himeji City Museum of Art, ☎ 079-222-2288. Open 10AM to 5PM. Features artwork from local artists and European art, along with special exhibitions. ¥200 (prices are raised during special exhibitions). �
  • Senhime Shrine, (On the flank of Otokoyama, towards the castle). This is the only shrine in Japan associated with a castle. While the shrine itself is rather small and not very interesting, travelling up the stairs to the next lookout reveals a spectacular view of Himeji Castle. �
  • Himeji City Zoo, 68 Honmachi, Himeji, 670-0012 (In the park in front of the castle.), ☎ 079-284-3636, . 9am-5pm. This zoo has a pretty comprehensive array of animals, but usually only one of each and all in very small cages or enclosures. Entry Y200. �
  • Engyo-ji Temple, (A 30 minute bus ride from Himeji castle on the orange bus #8). The beautiful temple complex is best known among the locals as the setting for part of Tom Cruise's "The Last Samurai". Mount Shosha, where the temple complex is located, is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the Japanese maples change colors. �
  • Tegarayama, southwest of Himeji castle, with an aquarium and small amusement park.
  • Asago Sculpture Park, 30 minutes by car or train is a large sculpture park and museum.

    • The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Himeji


    Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Himeji - updated May 2024

    SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Himeji hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!


    >>> SEARCH FOR DEALS <<<

    WHERE TO TRAVEL NEXT IN 2020


    Himeji Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.

    Europe | Asia | North America | Africa | South America | Oceania | All Destinations