Would you like to visit an original 17th-Century castle in Japan? Especially, if it is one of the only 12 existing ones in the country! Over the years, the beautiful Himeji Castle has managed to remain untouched from all calamities, both natural and manmade, including war, earthquakes, fires, etc. This enables one to soak in the original grandeur and air of this spectacular national treasure in Japan.
Himeji Castle is also called the Hakurojo ("White Heron Castle") or the Shirasagijo ("White Egret Castle"). The castle has earned these names due to its white plaster walls and bird-like profile. It comprises of more than 80 buildings spread across numerous baileys. These baileys are all interconnected with a series of winding paths and gates. The cherry blossoms in the courtyard of the Sannomaru bailey are absolutely spellbinding.
Himeji Castle is an extremely beloved and invaluable part of Japan’s culture and heritage. So much so that, UNESCO has added it to its list of World Heritage Sites. It is almost impossible to not visit the biggest and possibly the most popular castle in Japan.
By Train:
From Kobe/Osaka, the Sanyo Shinkansen Line: About 30 min from Shin Osaka
JR Kobe Line (Special rapid service) (bound for Himeji, Aboshi, and Banshu Ako): About one hour from Osaka, and 40 minutes from Sannomiya.
From Hiroshima/Okayama: 20 minutes from Okayama by Shinkansen and about one hour and 25 minutes by the local line.
15-minute walk from JR and Sanyo Dentetsu Himeji station
By Bus:
Take a Shinki bus at the North Exit of Himeji Station and get off at Otemon-mae Stop. A five-minute walk from the Otemon-mae bus stop.
By Car:
Chugoku Expressway: Around 15min from Tohori Ramp via Bantan Expressway
Sanyo Expressway: Around 15 min from Hanada IC via Bantan Expressway
From Himeji Nishi IC: Around 25 min
Hanshin Expressway: Around 15 min from Chuji Ramp via Himeji Bypass
September 1 - April 26
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
April 27 - August 31
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed days: December 29 and 30
Waiting Time
Entrance Fee
Individual
Adults: 1000 Yen
Children: 300 Yen
Group discount for 30 persons and over
Adults: 800 Yen
Children: 240 Yen
Combine ticket of Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden
Adults: 1040 Yen
Children: 360 Yen
Time you can spend
Weather
Be the first one to start a thread.
UNESCO 