Himeji
Discover Himeji
Himeji (姫路) is a city near the western edge of the Kansai region of Japan, which has a World Heritage castle. Himeji's main attractions are its gorgeous castle, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, built in the late 1500s, and Mount Shoshazan, a temple with a history of over 1,000 years.
What to Experience in Himeji
Taste of Himeji...
As you exit the station facing the castle (North), the main shopping street (Miyuki dori) will be on your right and the main entertainment area on your left. Both areas have some fine restaurants. Himeji has a full selection of foods, from fast food (Western and Japanese) to gourmet dining. For breakfast there are countless coffee shops, including a Starbucks that has small waffles. Bars tend to be frequented mostly by foreigners living in the city. There are many hotels near the train station. Another possibility is to sleep in Kakogawa, and prolong your trip into the country side of Hyogo.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsHimeji is along the Sanyo Shinkansen Line (山陽新幹線) from Osaka and Kobe to Okayama and Hiroshima. The Sakura and Hikari offer frequent service to Himeji within the Sanyo region, as do the all-stopping Kodama trains. Since the station is elevated, it is possible to see Himeji Castle from a passing train. From Tokyo, one Nozomi train per hour runs through to Himeji (3 hr, ¥16160), otherwise you have to change at Shin-Osaka. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, there is also one Hikari train departing each hour, running through to Himeji, which you can take at no charge (3 hr 40 min). The overnight Sunrise Izumo/Sunrise Seto from Tokyo stops at Himeji. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can book a carpeted floor space at no charge; otherwise you can travel in a compartment or room by paying the applicable room fee and surcharges....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
For a large number of travelers who just want to visit Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, and/or some of the city's museums, you can reach the castle by walking straight for 15-minutes down Otemae-dōri from Himeji Station. To explore the city beyond the castle vicinity, it will be difficult to accomplish on foot, so consider other options. Shinki Bus operates Sightseeing Loop Bus (¥190; one day pass \400), which makes a loop around the cultural area, starting at Himeji Station, with stops near the castle, garden, and museums. City buses operate to sights far from the castle, such as Engyō-ji Temple. Himeji isn't particularly famous for crafts or goods. Wind chimes made of iron tongs and white leather accessories are popular higher-end Himeji souvenirs, and they can be bought in many of the department stores or along the Miyuki dori shopping arcade. There are also numerous shops along the route to the castle selling a variety of Himeji Castle and other assorted souvenirs.
Where to Stay
There are many hotels near the train station. Another possibility is to sleep in Kakogawa, and prolong your trip into the country side of Hyogo.
Money & Budget
Himeji isn't particularly famous for crafts or goods. Wind chimes made of iron tongs and white leather accessories are popular higher-end Himeji souvenirs, and they can be bought in many of the department stores or along the Miyuki dori shopping arcade. There are also numerous shops along the route to the castle selling a variety of Himeji Castle and other assorted souvenirs. Additionally, the streets in the area surrounding Himeji Station are filled with shopping arcades (particularly Miyuki dori) and the usual department stores (there are several lining the way to the Castle, including Sanyo, Forus, and Yamatoyashiki.) As you exit the station facing the castle (North), the main shopping street (Miyuki dori) will be on your right and the main entertainment area on your left.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Himeji
Himeji Castle, Japan
The historic Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, towers above the traditional trees in the gardens that surround it.
white concrete building under blue sky during daytime
white and gray concrete castle surrounded by green trees under white clouds during daytime
Someone who is praying in a shrine next to Himeji castle in Japan.
aerial view of city buildings during daytime
people walking on pathway near white and gray concrete building during daytime
View from Engyoji temple, just outside Himeji Japan.
a large building with a tower
a tree with red leaves in the rain
Himeji Castle, Japan
The historic Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, towers above the traditional trees in the gardens that surround it.
white concrete building under blue sky during daytime