Location: Himeji
Top Things to do in Himeji
10 Things to do in Himeji That You Shouldn't Miss
One of the best preserved and most architecturally demonstrative, Himeji's 400-year-old castle is so exquisite that it alone is worth a trip to the city. The castle is close to the train station, so it makes an ideal short stop on a day trip to several sights.
Restaurants in Himeji
1. Himeji Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,324 reviews
Built in the beginning of the 17th century when Japan's unique castle architectural techniques had reached their peak, Himeji Castle was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage in 1993 as well as designated as a National Treasure in 1951. It is called "Hakuro-jo" (White Heron Castle) because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a white heron taking flight. Q1. Can I use a credit card? A1. Yes, you can. We accept major credit cards like VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners and JCB. Q2. Do you have a coin operated locker? A2. Yes we do, but the number and kind of them are limited, so you had better use the ones in Himeji station. The biggest size is 1135H x 350W x 640D(mm). Q3. When is peak season? A3. Our peak is usually around late March to early April for cherry blossoms, late April to early May for Japanese Holiday Season so called 'Golden Week', and October and November for travel season for Japanese. Q4. When do I have to arrive to avoid congestion? A4. 15 to 30 minutes prior to opening time (9am (8am-8:30am for peak season)). Q5. How long does it take to walk around the castle? A5. Normally, it takes at least 90 minutes to explore the castle, but you can try to go up and down with no stop in 45 minutes.
Reviewed By v1kk1ta - Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds. One of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
2. Mt Shosha hiking
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By BZimm08 - Iwakuni, Japan
I hiked up to Mt Shosha from the parking lot near the rope-way. The hike only took about 30 minutes to the ticket window. Once you pay the entrance you are free to wander the hilltop. You do have to walk like 10-15 minutes after the gate to actually get to where the temples are, but the trail is full of statues and great scenery. When I was here it unfortunately poured rain the whole time, but it added to the experience. The temples around Mt Shosha are impressive, I can see why filming has been done here as it is untouched by the modern world. Many of the temples can be accessed, don't forget to take your shoes off. The whole area is worth exploring as there are temples, statues, and other structures scattered around the top, so take your time and enjoy the beauty and history.
3. Koko-en
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,110 reviews
Japanese garden 'Koko-en' was constructed in1992 at the exact site of Nishi-Oyashiki(Lord's West Residence) with Himeji Castle, one of the world cultural heritages, as a background. The area of this garden is about 3.5 ha and it is composed of 9 difficult garsens,built on the archaeologically excavated site of samurai houses and roads. Using the gardening techniques in the Edo period(ca.1600-1860) as a good model, 'Koko-en' creates historical atmosphere with the magnificent view of Himeji Castle. We hope you will have agood stroll and feel history in 'Koko-en' with Himeji Castle.
Reviewed By tlarraya - Community of Madrid, Spain
I loved this garden (and we've seen quite a few so far in Japan). It's varied, it has so many beautiful spots with stone bridges, wooden houses and a wooden covered bridge, stepping stones in the water, lots of beautiful kois (some shockingly huge), flowers, trees with beautiful shapes,.. It's a must visit with the castle (there's a combined ticket). Allocate 45 minutes since we couldn't finish it in 30. There's a refreshing spray water tunnel at the entrance that's really appreciated in August. Beautiful!
4. Shoshazan Engyoji
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Reviewed By peterkL9043ZC - Perth, Australia
Himeji has much more to offer than a castle. On Mount Shosha is the magnificent Enkyoji Temple. It’s actually a series of temples and shrines amongst beautiful nature, creating a serene spiritual experience. ‘The Last Samurai’ was apparently filmed here. Caught the rope-way up (600 yen) and hiked down (free and fun - note some areas were quite steep). Lovely views of Himeji in certain spots. Bamboo walking sticks are thoughtfully placed along the track up/down. Highly recommended.
5. Taiyo Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 121 reviews
Park wide rich nature, the Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany at the summit and the "area of the stone assurance program" for a walk, riding on the monorail and architecture culture of stone in the world the Great Wall, Terra Cotta Warriors, etc., the Arc de Triomphe and "Swan Castle" was the city, tour of the area consists of two motifs. But now, in the castle of the swan is the largest West is being held popular "Trick Art Exhibition".
6. Shoshazan Ropeway
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Bouffer9 - Gold Coast, Australia
After a 30 minute bus ride from Himeji station, the modern cablecar takes about 4 minutes to travel up the mountain, leaving every 15 minutes. We purchased a round trip for bus & ropeway for Y1400.
7. Himeji City Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By Kupitdom_2019
Very friendly and informative place where you can get even English apsleaking people to explain to you what to do in Himeji!! Plenty off brodhures and just simple verbal communication in English would offer you great help!!
8. Nadagiku Shuzo Sake Brewery
9. Otemae Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 359 reviews
Reviewed By Kupitdom_2019
Real Carnaval place any day of the week with plenty of shops open there with long hours of operation Plenty of shops selling local specialty food like unagi and anago ( Gresham water eels) Many restaurants serving authentic Japanese food and plenty of souveneer s shops!!
