Location: Himeji
Top Things to do in Himeji
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Himeji, Kinki
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. 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.
2. 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!
