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Himeji Castle, also referred to as Himeji-jo, is considered the largest medieval Samurai castle in Japan and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive and picturesque locations in the nation.
The remarkable design and historical significance make Himeji Castle a must-see destination, drawing visitors from all over Japan. It is conveniently accessible for day trips from nearby cities such as Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto.
As a child, I developed a passion for all things Samurai, so it’s no surprise that Himeji Castle has been on my Japan travel wish list for years. We’ve made several day trips from Osaka to visit the castle, and each time has been incredibly captivating.
Discovering How to Reach Himeji Castle from Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
The Historical Background of Himeji Castle
Construction of Himeji-jo began in the 1300s and was further expanded in the 1600s by Samurai ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The Himeji-jo Complex: A Hub for Thousands of Soldiers and a Survivor of War and Natural Disasters
Himeji-jo: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan, with 3 million annual visitors
The restoration work on the castle has been completed after 5 years, and visitors can now enjoy the view without the obstruction of scaffolding on the main keep. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the castle.
Visiting Himeji Castle in Japan: A Guide to What You Can Anticipate
Easily visit Himeji as a day trip from nearby cities such as Osaka or Kyoto.
The fortress complex spans nearly 240 hectares (600 acres), reaching a height of approximately 60 meters (200 feet), and is fortified with numerous defensive gates and walls dating back to medieval times.
Plan to spend at least a few hours walking around the castle complex to see everything, as we spent nearly 4 hours exploring the grounds and could have stayed longer.
Since I was a child, I have been eager to visit Himeji Castle, so when I recently traveled through Japan, I made sure to set aside a whole day to explore it.
The castle is truly a masterpiece, especially when seen from afar.
The castle complex is HUGE and there are a lot of different areas to explore; it’s easy to get lost in, but that’s part of the fun.
The main keep has 6 stories and you can climb to the very top and look out through the bow-and-arrow slits for a better view of the surrounding city.
There are some great restaurants and gift shops near the castle that are worth checking out as well.
Admission Charges
- Admission for Adults is ¥1000 ($7 USD) and for Kids is ¥300.
Hospital Visiting Hours
- Regular Operating Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM; Summer Operating Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM.
The final entry time permitted is one hour prior to closing.
The castle is open every day of the year except for December 28 and 29, and it is not possible to reserve tickets in advance.
Visiting Himeji Castle in Japan: A Guide
The most efficient way to get to Himeji is by train, as Japan boasts an excellent rail network, making the journey quite seamless.
To access the precise routes in Google Maps, simply click on the provided links if the instructions seem unclear. No need to guess!
Tokyo-based
Why I don’t recommend visiting Himeji Castle on a day trip from Tokyo due to long transit time and expensive tickets.
Consider visiting Himeji from a nearby location such as Kyoto or Osaka for a more convenient experience.
From the city of Kyoto
- Traveling from Kyoto to Himeji: Shinkansen and JR Special Rapid Train options available.
Osaka City Insights
- The Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen connects Osaka and Himeji, with a journey time of around 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station, and a one-way fare of ¥3,220 ($22 USD). Alternatively, the JR Special Rapid Train takes about 1 hour for the journey from Osaka Station to Himeji Station, with a one-way fare of ¥1490 ($10.50 USD).
Once you leave Himeji Station, you’ll find the castle entrance a short 15-minute walk from there. Enjoy your journey!
Ideal Time for Your Visit
The peak months to visit Himeji Castle are from late March to mid-April, with the first week of April being particularly crowded due to cherry blossom season. Golden Week (first week of May) is also a busy time due to the holidays.
The castle is fantastic in any season, so I recommend visiting when it’s less crowded. We visited in January and had the castle mostly to ourselves.
You cannot pre-book tickets, so if you visit during peak season, you will need to arrive early in the morning to purchase tickets.
The Himeji Castle website provides a prediction of visitor congestion and a calendar indicating the busiest days of the year.
Top-rated Tours and Activities in Japan
Best Accommodation Options in Kyoto
Our Accommodation
Hotel Mikado in Osaka offers affordable accommodation for solo travelers or couples at a rate of 4,000 Yen ($30 USD), making it a great budget option for those visiting Japan.
At this price, we were able to secure a tidy, private room equipped with heating/air conditioning, a refrigerator, television, and very fast WiFi. The room is on the smaller side but still cozy, and the bathrooms are communal, but this is standard in Japan.
The location was ideal – only a short 2 minute stroll from restaurants and the train stations, and just a 15 minute journey to Osaka Castle and Dotonbori shopping street. We also took day trips to Himeji, Kyoto, and Nara!
Keep an eye out for good deals as prices might change occasionally.
Additional Resources
- Top Attractions in Japan: Explore the Islands, Temples, and Traditional Shrines – A Visual Guide to Japan’s Rich Cultural Heritage and Scenic Beauty