Himeji Castle is located in Himeji City in the western Hyogo. It was constructed in the mid 14th century and a three layer castle tower was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century. Ikeda Terumasa, a feudal Lord of the castle remodelled it in the 17th century. It's figure was likened to a white heron spreading wings and thus also called White Heron Castle. It was designated as a national treasure in 1931, and the World Cultural Heritage in 1993.
We took a day trip from Shin-Osaka using our JR Pass to Himeji by Shinkansen (bullet train) and journey of about 35 minutes. There are also non-bullet train options which take slightly longer. Do check the train schedule before you boarding as the trains are less frequent to Himeji especially if you are travelling on a JR Pass and not allowed on the Nozomi Shinkansen.
Once you get out of Himeji station, the castle is on a high ground and was visible from the train station. You can either walk about 15 minutes or take the tourist loop bus (at bus stop 6,7,8,9) to your left for 100 yen. If you want to go to Himeji castle and the Kokoen Garden, the cost is 1,040 yen. If you want just to visit Himeji castle only, it is 1,000 yen.
The castle takes about 15 minutes walk from the JR Himeji station. You will be able to see the castle from the station. Walk along the Otemae-dori, you'll come across plenty of bronze sculptures on the sidewalks.
There are two types of tickets to get, the standard, which allows you access to the main keep (1,000 yen) and the combination ticket which allows you access to both the keep and the nearby garden (1,040 yen). if you want the combo ticket, you need to wait in the left side line.
This is beautiful castle and really worth the visit surrounded by gorgeous gardens.. Wander all around the grounds. Its a huge castle with lots of towers and corridors. The main keep has recently been restored and looks magnificent. However, there is not much to see inside. It is seven floors of wooden construction with fairly steep wooden stairs.
The structure, including massive wood posts, beams, floors, is really spectacular if you like architecture, design or construction. When you enter the castle, you will need to remove your shoes and its a one directional walk climbing up the stairs level by level and then down again. The stairs are very steep and the castle seemed much smaller inside
Aside from the main keep. we also visited the west bailey which essentially a long corridor which culminated in a airy room where Princess Sen resided. This room contained a recreated scene of Princess Sen playing a game with one of her handmaidens. However, the story of the Princess Sen was quite interesting and we got some insights into the shogun period of Japan.
Entrance fees
Himeji Castle : 1,000 yen
Kokoen Garden : 300 yen
Castle + Garden : 1,040 yenOpening hours
9.00am to 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm)
9.00am to 6.00 (late April through August)
Closed December 29 & 30
Access from Himeji Station
Himeji castle stands about one kilometer down the otemae-dori Street from Himeji Station. The castle can be reached from the station;s north exit in a 15-20 minute walk or five minute ride by bus (100 yen one way) or taxi (about 650 yen one way).
Location
68 Honmachi, Himeji-shi, Hyogo-ken
Getting here
JR Shinkansen (from major cities)
| From Tokyo | From Tokyo 3h 10min by Nozomi |
|---|---|
| From Shin-Yokohama | 2h 45min by Nozomi |
| From Nagoya | 1h 20min by Nozomi |
| From Kyoto | 45-54 min |
| From Shin-Osaka | 29-37 min |
| From Shin-Kobe | 16-24 min |
| From Okayama | 20-40 min |
| From Hiroshima | 1h by Nozomi |
| From Hakata | 2h 9min by Nozomi or Sakura |
| From Kagoshimatyo | 4h 6min by Nozomi and Sakura |
*Almost Hikari stop at Himeji
*All Kodama stop at Himeji
JR Railway Line (Special Rapid Train)
Kyoto : 1h 32min
Osaka : 1h
Sannomiya : 39min
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