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Core city in Kansai, Japan
Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
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姫路城 Himeji-jō
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.
好古園 kōko-en
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.
兵庫県立歴史博物館, hyōgoken-ritsu rekishi hakubutsukan
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.
姫路市立美術館, himeji-shi ritsu bijutsukan
Features artwork from local artists and European art, along with special exhibitions.
千姫天満宮, senhime tenmangū
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.
姫路市立動物園, himeji shihitsu dōbutsuen
This zoo has a pretty comprehensive array of animals, but usually only one of each and all in very small cages or enclosures.
書寫山圓教寺, shoshazan engyō-ji
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.
手柄山
A district with a large park with a small WWII museum, aquarium, amusement park, botanic garden, and a monorail museum..
平和資料館, heiwa shiryōkan
A small museum in remembrance of air raid victims during the Pacific War, WWII. It sits right next to a monument in the shape of a sword struck into the earth with a listing of the casualties and fatalities by prefecture in Japanese. Sobering and confronting.
日本玩具博物館, nihon ganku hakubutsukan
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.
A drive-in safari park, amusement park and car racing tracks. It is possible to rent a campsite in summer months.
太陽公園
An "around the world" theme park split into two areas; the "Stone Area" features replicas of the Terracotta Warriors, Moai Statues, and the Arc de Triomphe among other things, and the "Castle Area" centers around a recreation of Neuschwanstein Castle that can be entered and explored.
A small ramen shop with a jazz theme that is famous among the local expat crowd for its unusual Milk Ramen. Koba is the owner and ramen chef.
さくらさく
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant (also a kind of greengrocer's) with nice open-air frontage and view of Himeji castle. You can get a fantastic veggie meal of (for example) rice with peas, tofu steak and pumpkin, pickles, soup, dessert with coffee, and all the green tea you can drink, all for ¥1000.
An Irish-English type pub, except that the city's small Irish population tend to avoid it at all costs. Serving good food in a warm and relaxing setting. Expensive and a bit lifeless but some members of staff may speak English.
A tiny, cramped little bar with English-speaking Japanese and foreign staff. It may be small; but Nobu is a friendly place. Frequented mainly by a younger crowd, mostly English teachers and foreign engineers working for one of the big factories in Southern Himeji.
Teeda is wonderful creative cafe/pub, with great Asian fusion foods, amazing staff and great vibe.
ゲストハウス 縁楽堂
Old tiny but cosy house with tatami rooms and friendly owner.
ガハハゲストハウス
Traditional tatami rooms with futon and a shared bathroom and common space. The first floor has a small cafe that serves free coffee and tea. WiFi, bike rental and laundry services are available.
A pleasant hotel for the business traveler.
Simple business hotel. Rooms are small, but the price includes internet in the room and Japanese-style breakfast.
perpendicular to the shopping arcade next to Miyukidori, turn at the 7-Eleven and Taiyaki corner shops
Two floors of anime and manga. The ground floor has a large selection of manga and doujinshi for all tastes and ages. The second floor has anime goods, CD soundtracks, and DVDs.
ボンマルシェ
Gourmet grocery stores with an impressive (though sometimes pricey) selection of foods, including some import foods.
フェスタ、グランフェスタ
Festa building is a small four-story shopping complex in front of the station. Grand Festa is an underground arcade around it with about 50 shops and restaurants.
ピオレ姫路
The section next to the North exit consists of women's clothing stores, zakka (home goods) stores, and a large Junkudo book shop. The other section consists of some omiyage (food gift) shops and a few restaurants like McDonald's and KFC.
山陽百貨店
A standard department store with a variety of goods on multiple floors, including a small LOFT, a popular chain of stores that sells hip accessories, stickers, home goods and pop culture items.
By train
Himeji is along the Sanyo Shinkansen Line (山陽新幹線) from Osaka and Kobe to Okayama and Hiroshima.
By bus
Himeji is served by a few overnight buses from Tokyo.
By Sightseeing Loop Bus
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.
By city bus
City buses operate to sights far from the castle, such as Engyō-ji Temple.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Kobe · International · UKB
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