Himeji () is a city at the western edge of the Kansai region of Japan.
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.
Because of its picturesque old Japanese appearance, Himeji has been used for filming many Japanese and foreign movies; props from these films, including "The Last Samurai," can be found in the JR station information center.
Himeji 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.
An inexpensive method of reaching Himeji from within the Kansai region is to take one of the frequent Shinkaisoku (新快速 - Special Rapid) commuter trains on the JR Kobe line (JR 神戸線) that begins in Osaka, which charges only the price of a local train. The ride takes 38 min from Kobe's Sannomiya station (¥950) or 57 min from Osaka (¥1450).
From Kyoto, the Hikari bullet train whisks travelers to Himeji in about an hour (¥5270). This trip can be taken without charge by Japan Rail Pass holders. Otherwise the local train (Special Rapid Service) reaches Himeji in around 1 hr 30 min (¥2270).
Northwest of the JR station is Sanyo Himeji, which is operated by the private Sanyo Railway. Kansai's Hanshin Railway offers direct express services to Sanyo Himeji every 10-20 minutes, with journey times of 1 hr 40 min from Osaka Umeda (¥1280) and 70 min from Kobe Sannomiya (¥960). These private lines are much slower than the JR, but are an option for those holding passes such as the 2 or 3-day Kansai Thru Pass. Discounted one-day passes include the Hanshin and Sanyo Seaside Ticket from Osaka (¥2000) and the Sannomiya-Himeji One Day Ticket from Kobe (¥1400).
Himeji is served by a few overnight buses from Tokyo. The fastest is the Keio Bus/Shinki Bus overnight service which is timetabled at 8 hr 30 min from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and 8 hr from Shibuya. Fares start at ¥8700 each way (¥7400 with advance purchase). Willer Express also offers an overnight run departing Tokyo Station (10 hr 20 min, starting from ¥5800) and Tokyo Disneyland.
For a large number of travelers who just want to visit Himeji Castle, Kokoken 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.
Sightseeing Loop Bus (dead link: January 2023) (¥100) 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 Castle (姫路城 Himeji-jō), 34.839444°, 134.693889°. Daily 09:00-17:00 (admission is only until 16:00); May-Aug until 18:00 (admission is until 17:00); closed December 29–31. The Main keep is limited to the first 15,000 visitors each day. Dating to 1609 and also graced with the name "White Egret Castle" (白鷺城 Shirasagi-jō), this striking white edifice is generally considered the most beautiful of Japan's castles and is one of the few that has escaped the ravages of civil war, World War II, earthquakes, and firebombings. The castle was designated as a national treasure in 1931 and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. It is virtually the last castle in Japan that still manages to tower over the surrounding skyscrapers and office buildings. Although renovated, much of the castle looks as it did when it was first built, and in contrast to European castles, is very empty, consistent with the Japanese minimalist style of the time. On extremely busy days, you may have to wait to enter since the number of visitors at any one time is limited. Check the website for a "congestion forecast" and status. ¥1,000 adults and ¥300 children. A ¥1,040/¥360 combination ticket gets you into both the castle and the nearby Kōkoen Garden. A free guided tour in English is included if a guide happens to be available (no reservations are possible)
Kōkoen Garden (好古園 kōko-en), 34.83816°, 134.68980°. Open from 09:00 daily and closes at either 17:00 or 18:00 (last admission at 16:30 or 17:30) depending on the time of year. This magnificent collection of 9 Edo-period-style walled gardens was laid out in 1992 on a site where samurai houses once stood. The street plan and gated partitions preserve the appearance of the old residential quarter, except that within the various enclosures visitors find beautifully landscaped gardens and water features instead of noble residences. There is a tea arbour and a restaurant within the grounds, but eating and drinking outside of these places is prohibited. ¥300 adults and ¥150 children. A ¥1,040 combination ticket gets you into both Kōkoen and Himeji Castle
Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History (兵庫県立歴史博物館, hyōgoken-ritsu rekishi hakubutsukan), 34.8411°, 134.697°. 10:00-17;00, closed Mondays. Unlike most prefectural museums, this one actually has very little information about Hyogo prefecture's history, and historical artifacts also tend to be lacking, so if you really want to learn more about Hyogo, you may be disappointed however, if you are interested in Japanese history as a whole, this museum is well worth visiting. It contains replicas of all twelve original castles remaining in Japan, has a room dedicated to festivals (while they feature Hyogo festivals, most are done nationwide), and toys throughout history. There is an art gallery, as well, which often features some of Japan's most interesting artwork. The artwork is not limited to Hyogo artists. Check the website to see what will be displayed when you arrive. Entrance fee ¥200 yen (adult), ¥150 college and high school students. During special exhibitions admission changes, typically to around ¥700.
Himeji City Museum of Art (姫路市立美術館, himeji-shi ritsu bijutsukan), 34.8397°, 134.6967°, +81 79-222-2288. Daily 10:00-17:00. Features artwork from local artists and European art, along with special exhibitions. ¥200 (prices are raised during special exhibitions)
Senhime Shrine (千姫天満宮, senhime tenmangū), 34.8415°, 134.6889°. This is the only shrine in Japan associated with a castle. While the shrine is rather small and not very interesting, travelling up the stairs to the next lookout reveals a spectacular view of Himeji Castle.
Himeji City Zoo (姫路市立動物園, himeji shihitsu dōbutsuen), 68 Honmachi, Himeji, 670-0012 (in the park in front of the castle), 34.8368°, 134.6942°, +81 79-284-3636. Daily 09:00-17:00. This zoo has a pretty comprehensive array of animals, but usually only one of each and all in very small cages or enclosures. Entry ¥200 adults, ¥30 children
Engyō-ji Temple (書寫山圓教寺, shoshazan engyō-ji), Shosya2968 (a 30-minute bus ride from Himeji castle on the orange bus #8), 34.89159°, 134.65718°. Daily 09:00-17:00, 18:00 in spring and fall. The beautiful temple complex founded in 966 is in the northern area of Himeji. This temple is best known among the locals as the setting for part of Tom Cruise's The Last Samurai. Mount Shosha, where the temple complex is located, is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the Japanese maples change colors. ¥500 entrance + ¥900 cable car return trip
Tegarayama (手柄山), 34.819°, 134.6754°. A district with a large park with a small WWII museum, an aquarium, a amusement park, a botanic garden, and a monorail museum.
Japan Toy Museum (日本玩具博物館, nihon ganku hakubutsukan), 671-3 Nakanino Kodera-cho (10 km north of Himeji; take JR Bantan line to Koro Station and walk east for 15 minutes), 34.907444°, 134.745389°, +81 79 232 4388. 10:00-17:00. A small museum based in the home of the toy collector and founder Mr Shigeyoshi Inoue. The toys may have aged over the decades but they are still fun for anyone with an inner child. Inoue-san has collected toys and dolls from several prefectures and several countries since the 1970s. Adults ¥500, students ¥400, children ¥200
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. 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.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division