Location: Himeji
Top Things to do in Himeji
What to do and see in Himeji, Japan: The Best Places and Tips
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. Shoshazan Engyoji
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Reviewed By Creeping_Death_LA - Los Angeles, California
Once you arrive by the rope tram you will realize why Hollywood chose such a magnificent place to film the movie. If it's not crowded you will feel the tranquility of stepping back in time in this peaceful area. There is a lot to see so spend plenty of hours here exploring and hiking the trails from temple to temple.
2. Himeji Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 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 Shadowshadi - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Himeji castle is one of those special things that you can really only do in Japan. It's easy to see why this is one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan, the castle is stunning. I was lucky to visit on a very quiet day. The inside was well worth the climb and the view from the top was great. This is something that you can't miss, just be sure to go on a quiet day, the narrow and step interior stairs wouldn't be much fun on a crowded day.
3. Kokoen Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 802 reviews
Reviewed By Tote919 - Bangkok, Thailand
This is an extremely beautiful Japanese garden, esp in Autumn, with colours of leaves, Waterfalls, tea houses, pavillions, and ponds. Highly recommended! Please spare at least 1-2 hours to visit this place to admire the beauty and enjoy the perfect scenery.
4. Mt Shosha hiking
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By minhttnguyen1 - Melbourne, Australia
After visiting Himeji Castle, you can make your way up Mt Shosha quite easily. Simply cross the street, and make your way to the bus stop for Bus #8. It's not a long wait. The bus terminates on the Ropeway.
We pre-purchased our tickets combination at Himeji Bus Terminal. The Office where you purchase your tickets from is in the cluster of buildings opposite the bus terminal, next to the information centre.
The combination ticket included bus and ropeway transfers. You simply tear the ticket off the stub and hand it over.
The hike up to the temple is enchanting, with lovely look-outs and lots and lots of Buddha statues of all kinds. Its a serene and calming walk, but also picturesque for the snap happy. The walk is relatively easy - we went on a hot day, and found the climate up there much cooler and pleasant. Do make sure you are covered up as mosquitoes can be out and about.
As you near the temple, you will pass restaurants, rest houses and sub-temples. On the day we were there, not much was open (we arrived at closing time). Nevertheless, it was quite deserted, and the lovelier for it.
The temple is stunning, a looming wooden structure that sits like a tree house among lush forest. The view from the temple as you look onto the mountain side is meditative and peaceful, and simply stunning!
5. Himeji City Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By bob2bkk - Bangkok, Thailand
As you leave Himeji JR Station, west exit, the tourist information center is on your left, just before exiting the terminal. Very knowledgeable ladies and good English also. I am sure they get the same question hundreds of times, how to get to the castle. But it is visable from the train station. We gave the ladies coupons we received at the travel show in Bangkok, and got a free pen. Ok it was really nothing, but we acknowledged that we had visited their booth at the show, and they were very appreciative. Lots of brochures and maps also.
6. Shoshazan Ropeway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Jonathan A - Jakarta, Indonesia
Shoshazan is a Buddhist temple complex 30 minutes away from Himeji by bus. You take a ropeway at the bus terminus to reach the area.
These temples are old, grand dames. The oldest building there is a 1000 year old original. Having said that, they were pleasant to look at but not as spectacular as the temples in Kyoto and Nara.
More interesting for us was the hilltop view of Himeji city. Breathtaking Panorama.
Frankly, Shoshazan is not a must visit. But if you have time after visiting Himeji Castle and want a calm, restful afternoon I can recommend taking the trip to Shoshazan.
7. Otemae Street
Overall Ratings
4 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By Amy B - London, United Kingdom
This is the street that goes directly from the train station to the castle. It's got lots of souvenir shops on it, plus supermarkets to get cheap and excellent food.
8. Viewing Deck, Himeji Station Square
Overall Ratings
4 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By McChickenNugget - Perth, Australia
The viewing deck outside the JR Himeji station has very good views of the Himeji Castle and is ideal to take a look at when going through the JR Station. Though it is not necessarily a must visit, it is a good spot to view Himeji Castle from!
9. Taiyo Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 101 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".
Reviewed By McChickenNugget - Perth, Australia
When we arrived at Taiyo Park, I really had no clue what to expect. It looked quiet, empty and lonely. But, WOW! We had so much fun!!
At Taiyo Park, you can take the monorail (or walk) to the top, where the castle is located. Inside the castle there are many, dozens - in fact, floors - of 3D scenes which you can have photos of yourself in! So make sure you have a friend with you to help take the pictures! On top of that there is a doll exhibit and more! I would highly recommend a half day visit out to Taiyo Park.
For those planning to visit, I did not entirely research deeply into it, but it seemed as if there wasn't really a public transport link out there, or at least a frequent one. So make sure you get a car or driver of some sort out there!
10. Himeji City Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By McChickenNugget - Perth, Australia
The Himeji Aquarium seemed a great educational and fun activity for younger children. There are plenty of hands on activities as well, and the majority of the aquarium is indoors, though there is a small portion outside, so it can make for a good rainy day activity as well!
Though, if you are a tourist, in particular without children, it isn't necessarily a must see attraction. As it can be troublesome to reach without car or taxi. But certainly, if you happen to be in the area, it is worth a stop if you have young children!
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