A complete guide to visiting Himeji Castle
Image Source: Matsuyama Tourism
Table of Contents
Overview
Himeji Castle is without a doubt the most impressive castle in Japan. The original structure dates back over 400 years, and it's one of the few castles that's never been destroyed by war, fire, or earthquakes. The massive castle grounds comprise over eighty buildings, which are connected by multiple paths, gates, and expansive gardens.
The outer castle grounds are free to enter and consist of a mote, an expansive garden area, and hundreds of cherry trees. They provide beautiful up-close views of the castle and are popular during the cherry blossom season which peaks in early April. The main castle structure is at the centre of the garden and costs ¥1000 to enter.
The paid area takes visitors along the approach to the main castle keep, featuring a labyrinth of walled paths, gates, and courtyards designed to slow down and expose attacking forces. The centrepiece of the castle complex is the main keep, a stunning six-story wooden structure in pristine condition, which visitors can explore while they learn about the castle.
The main keep features a series of steep, narrow staircases that allow you to ascend the various floors of the castle. Each floor contains multilingual signs that provide some useful info and explain the function of architectural features such as portholes, concealed spaces, and windows. The top floor has a 360 panoramic view showcasing the full complexity of the castle, the view is beautiful and allows you to see the maze-like defenses, intricate design, and the vantage point over Himeji city.
Location & Access
Image Source: Nathanphoto
Himeji Castle is located only 15 minutes' walk from Himeji Station. Its very easy to find as it's the first thing you'll see when you step out of the station. When planning your visit, you should expect to spend at least 3 hours exploring the entire castle complex.
🕗 Opening Hours
9am - 5pm
📍 Location
Himeji City (Google Maps)
💴 Entry Price
¥1000 per person
🚂 Trains From Major Cities
Tokyo: 3 hours
Kyoto: 60-90 minutes
Osaka: 30-60 minutes
Seasons
🌸 Cherry Blossoms
Late March to Early April
🍁 Autumn Leaves
Late November to Early December
☀️ Summer
June - August
Average temp. 32°C
❄️ Winter
December - February
Snowfall: 1-3 times per year
Interesting Facts & History
Image Source: Wikipedia
The castle walls were coated with white plaster to help prevent fires
The castle was originally constructed as a small fort in 1333, but was gradually improved and rebuilt over the centuries. In 1609, it was expanded into the huge castle complex you see today.
It's one of the few castles that has survived undamaged despite centuries of war and natural disasters.
It survived extensive bombing during WW2 and the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.
The main castle keep is 6 stories high.
It has appeared in several films, including the amazing 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice, where it served as a ninja training ground.
Fish ornaments are believed to help protect the castle from fire and can be found decorating the rooftops.
The castle has numerous defensive elements including hidden rooms, angled loopholes for archers, and stone-dropping slots, all blending in with the architecture.
Nearby Attractions
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
The most notable attraction near Himeji Castle is the beautiful Engyoji Temple. It's located on a small mountain known as Mount Sosha and can be accessed via a cable car or hiking trail. It's an impressive temple which is rarely seen by foreign visitors, and was used for filming some scenes of The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise.
