Himeji travel guide

Places to visit in Himeji
with your Japan Rail Pass

Welcome to Himeji

The cozy little town of Himeji is perhaps best known for its Shirasagijo Castle, said to be the most beautiful in all of Japan. The city has also acted as props for numerous Japanese, as well as foreign movies, due to its picturesque and ancient Japanese architecture. The film The Last Samurai is just one of many. Here you will also find an abundance of temples, restaurants, and shopping. The further north you go, the quieter and more rural the atmosphere becomes.

SHIRASAGIJO

Shirasagijo, White Heron Castle, or Himeji Castle. Yes, dear child has many names. This castle is known for its elegance, impressive size, and well-preserved castle garden.

The castle is a national treasure and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Unlike many of Japan’s castles, Shirasagijo has not been destroyed by war, earthquakes, or floods and remains beautifully in its former glory.

The castle consists of 80 buildings distributed in different castle yards with winding beautiful paths between them. Of course, there is also an oasis here with beautiful Japanese cherry trees.

KOKO-EN

The city of Himeji is a pro at cozy and quiet places. The pleasant city park of Koko-en is no exception. The beautiful park was constructed as late as the 90s, but the buildings and gardens are still in the style of the ancient Japanese Edo period.

The park is divided into nine different gardens with rippling ponds, waterfalls, and a tea garden with an associated tea house. There is also a garden with only pine trees, one with bamboo, and one with beautiful flower arrangements.

In addition, the park overlooks Himeji Castle. Don’t miss stopping at the historic restaurants and enjoying a bowl of local ramen soup.

ENGYOJI

On top of the 371-meter-high Mount Shosha is the Engyoji temple complex. The temple consists of several different wooden buildings scattered among the vegetal atmosphere of the peak.

Due to the absence of modern infrastructure and the beautiful surrounding forest landscape, several films have been shot at the location. Among other things, the film The Last Samurai. The mountain is located about 30 minutes from the center of Himeji and is easily reached by bus.

If you don’t want to walk up, there is a cable car up to the temple area. This is a cool area that showcases Japan’s rich culture.

HIMEJI CENTRAL PARK

Right in the center of Himeji is a genuine safari park. Here you can either walk around or drive side by side with giraffes, lions, wildebeests, and elephants.

In addition to the safari, there is an amusement park here with several different carousels. In the summer you can take a dip in the pole, and in the winter the park offers ice skating. Don’t miss the elephant cafe, where you can enjoy an ice cream or a cup of coffee and look at the animals that wander around right next door.

This is an adventure for both young and old. Price and opening hours vary depending on the season and what you want to do in the park.

HIMEJI CITY MUSEUM OF ART

If you’re into art, head to the Himeji Art Museum. Housed in a large red brick building, paintings by French artists such as Monet, Matisse, Corot, and Rouault are hidden. There is also a sculpture garden, a collection gallery, and a large collection of weapons, photographs, and paintings from ancient Himeji. ‘

The special red building was originally a military storage warehouse but has housed a museum since the 80s. Nowadays, the building is registered as a tangible, cultural property by the Japanese government.

TAIYŌ PARK

Would you like to travel around the world in less than an hour? How lucky! The Japanese are professionals at finding new ways to experience the world.

Here Taiyo Park, in a relatively remote and rural area of Himeji, is a large park that displays replicas of famous landmarks, monuments, and buildings from around the world.

The Terracotta Army of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Bavarian Castle, the Great Wall of China, the Statue of Liberty, and the Arc de Triomphe are just a selection of the miniature replicas that you can visit in less than an hour.

The park was created by a Japanese philanthropist to help and please people in need. The park is run by staff and residents of a nursing home that is right next door. The park is not particularly well maintained but it is worth a visit.

HIMEJI CITY ZOO

Right in the center of Himeji is Himeji Zoo. The zoo opened back in 1951 to celebrate the peace treaty held in San Francisco, where Japan was recognized as independent.

Here in the park, there are around 400 animals and 100 different species. The park is divided into four different animal enclosures where you can see reptiles, and small animals and interact with them animals.

Wander around and say hello to Asian elephants, polar bears, cat bears, and hippos overlooking Himeji’s famous castle.

JAPAN TOY MUSEUM

Japan’s Toy Museum is insane. With an impressive collection of over 90,000 objects, the museum is among the largest in the country.

The museum is divided into different sections. Here you can find everything from old and handmade Japanese toys to modern action figures from all over the world. Perhaps best known are the Japanese wooden and paper dolls that bear witness to a bygone era.

This place is a must-visit and suitable for all ages.

MUSEUM OF HISTORY

This exciting historical museum opened to deepen the understanding of local history and promote education and culture.

The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History has dedicated an entire room to Himeji Castle, where small-scale models and floor plans show the construction of the castle and the surrounding city.

In another room, the history of the Hyogo region is displayed with several famous temples and statues. There is also an experience room where you can get close to history “for real”. A very exciting destination for history buffs.

IESHIMA ISLANDS

About a 30-minute boat ride from the port of Himeji is the island complex of the Ieshima Islands. The islands are close together in the middle of the beautiful Seto Naikai Inland Sea. The name Ieshima means “home islands” in Swedish.

It is said that Japan’s first emperor described the islands with the words. “So quiet that it feels like home”. Check with your local guide which tour suits you best. Depending on which island you choose to go to, white sandy beaches, thriving fishing ports, rustic houses, and really good food straight from the sea are promised.

Don’t miss a visit to the island that holds a temple called Bentejima, or pass by Dongamessan – a giant rock representing a turtle.

HIMEJI CITY AQUARIUM

Isn’t there a city in Japan that doesn’t contain an aquarium? Japan is known for its fine fish, although usually in the form of food. Here at Himeji Aquarium, there are both turtles and penguins. A very welcome and fun feature if you are traveling with children. The aquarium is located on top of a mountain and is also sometimes called the mountain aquarium.

ICHIJO-JI TEMPLE

The Ichijo-Ji temple is located about 35 minutes by bus from the center of Himeji. The beautiful temple boasts the title of Japan’s oldest temple building. It was already founded in 650 by the then-emperor Kutsokus. The temple is of Buddhist origin and belongs to the Tendai sect. A steep climb up several stone steps is required to reach the temple gate. Therefore, it is appropriate to bring a little extra good condition and a jug of water.

However, you won’t be disappointed because this place is something out of the ordinary. Almost so that even the most non-religious get something religious in their eyes.

The temple is also the filming location for the movie “Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple”.

TATSUNO CASTLE

The beautiful Tatsuno Castle sits high on a hill overlooking the old Tatsuno City district. The original castle is over 500 years old, but only walls and ruins remain. Nowadays, the castle is reconstructed and free for everyone to visit. Don’t miss wandering around the castle garden where a kind of ancient Japanese atmosphere seems to exist.

Narrow streets, old samurai houses, temples, and cherry trees blend in with the castle’s shape and create a genuine feeling. The castle is located about 15 km from Himeji’s city center and is easily accessible by bus.

MUSEUM OF LITTERATURE

If you love Japanese books and literature, a visit to the Himeji City Museum of Literature is preferable. This cool and modern museum building was created by a world-famous architect and will be a nice addition to the history of the contents. Among other things, the museum contains books and literature describing Himeji Castle and its history, as well as more modern exhibits and stories about contemporary authors.

TAKAMIKURA-YAMA

If you’re up for some rock climbing and a nice view, head 304 meters up to the top of Mount Takamikura. The mountain offers around 30 different hiking trails that are suitable for both beginners and professionals. Along the road, there is everything from mountain cherries and azaleas, to bamboo lilies and beautiful trees. Despite its height, the top is reached in half an hour’s hike – if you take the easy route, of course. Once at the top, you are greeted by the beautiful Takamikura Temple and a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. It’s certainly worth a few drops of sweat on your forehead for the feeling of standing on top of the world.

Anything else to know before arrival?

Don’t worry, we got you covered with the most important information below.

What is the name of Himeji Airport?

Himeji does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Kobe Airport (UKB) and is located 52 km from Himeji.

Address : 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0048, Japan

Phone: +81 78-304-7777

How much time for Himeji Castle?

To fully enjoy Himeji Castle, plan to spend about half a day. This gives you enough time to explore the castle’s expansive grounds, the multiple floors of the main keep, and the surrounding gardens. Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance, making it a must-see destination that deserves a dedicated visit of at least three to four hours.

How far is Himeji Castle from Kyoto?

Himeji Castle is about 130 kilometers (80 miles) west of Kyoto. The journey by Shinkansen (bullet train) takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, making it an accessible day trip destination from Kyoto.

How to get to Himeji from Tokyo?

To get to Himeji from Tokyo, the best way is to take the Shinkansen (bullet train). The journey typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the train service you choose. For those planning multiple train journeys across Japan, it’s a good idea to buy a Japan Rail Pass before your trip.

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