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Himeji Castle

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Himeji Castle

A World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous castle buildings. Also known as "Hakuro Castle”.

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This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing. The castle town is located within the moat, making it a “total castle,” and it is large enough to completely encompass the center of present-day Himeji city. The outer moat is said to have been right around Himeji Station.

The only castle ruins that remain today are those within the inner moat, yet they are quite large. The castle, which is a National Treasure, is a hilltop castle with the main keep and three small keeps by corridors. The castle has experienced very little actual warfare and has amazingly survived air raids, allowing it to keep its exquisite appearance.

The slope leading from the “Ro-no-Mon” gate to the “Ha-no-Mon” gate is a popular photo spot, and it is called “Shogun’s Slope” because it frequently appears in samurai dramas that use Himeji Castle as if it were Edo Castle. There is the Japanese garden “Koko-en”, which was created on the site of the Lord's West Residence, located on the east side of the castle, as well as the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History and other attractions in the area.

Highlights

  • A Japanese castle masterpiece and also a World Heritage Site.
  • It used to be large enough to contain the entire city center of Himeji.
  • It’s a valuable cultural asset that still retains the appearance of its original construction.
  • On the way to the castle, “Shogun’s Slope” is a great photo spot.
  • Koko-en, a garden with Himeji Castle in the background, is also worth seeing.

Photos

  • Himeji Castle has a regal and imposing appearance. The “Great Restoration in the Heisei Era” has enhanced its beauty.

    Himeji Castle has a regal and imposing appearance. The “Great Restoration in the Heisei Era” has enhanced its beauty.

  • “Nu-no Mon” gate in Ninomaru is a National Important Cultural Property.

    “Nu-no Mon” gate in Ninomaru is a National Important Cultural Property.

  • “Shogun’s Slope,” where the “Abarenbo Shogun” rushed through.

    “Shogun’s Slope,” where the “Abarenbo Shogun” rushed through.

  • The 2nd floor of the main keep.

    The 2nd floor of the main keep.

  • “Kokoen,” a garden created on the site of the Lord’s West Residence.

    “Kokoen,” a garden created on the site of the Lord’s West Residence.

  • Cherry Blossoms & Himeji Castle

    Cherry Blossoms & Himeji Castle

Reviews

19

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Sunny Liu

    Climbing to the top of the main keep is seriously exhausting, but the view is totally worth it! You can see all of Himeji City from up there!

  • Chin Wei Liu

    Japan's most beautiful castle: Himeji Castle, also known as Shirasagi Castle.
    A must-visit spot during cherry blossom season!
    If you're coming to Japan to see cherry blossoms, Himeji Castle in the Kansai area is the perfect choice for first-timers.
    Kansai is rich in history and culture, and Japanese people have loved cherry blossoms since ancient times. Their love for sakura goes all the way back to the Nara period, as seen in the Manyoshu poetry collection, which has many references to cherry blossoms. You can really feel how much the Japanese cherish these flowers.

    Seeing cherry blossoms in Japan feels like seeing hope and a new beginning—after all, they're the flowers of spring, and their arrival means spring is here.

    Himeji Castle is in Hyogo Prefecture. While Hyogo might sound unfamiliar, most people know Kobe (yep, the place famous for steak!).
    If it's your first visit, here are five places you can't miss:
    1. Himeji Castle
    2. Kobe Port
    3. Kitano Ijinkan (the Starbucks here is a must!)
    4. Mt. Maya night view
    5. Arima Onsen

  • 秦辰楨

    It's truly amazing that Himeji Castle has survived wars, earthquakes, and air raids and is still so well preserved today.

  • 簡家妤

    The gardens and natural scenery around Himeji Castle are also well worth a visit.

  • Hung Tuan

    Himeji Castle has so many gates and stone walls. The scenery changes depending on where you look from, so it's beautiful and impressive from every angle.

Details

Name in Japanese
姫路城
Postal Code
670-0012
Address
68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo
Telephone
079-285-1146
Holiday
December 29th and 30th
Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:00pm)
Admission
Adults 1,000 yen, Elementary - high school students 300 yen
Directions
1) From JR Himeji Station North exit, take the Shinki Bus and get off at Otemon-mae bus stop, then walk for 5 minutes.
2) About a 20-minute walk from JR Himeji Station or Sanyo Himeji Station.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)

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