©Arukikata. Co. , Ltd.  |  ©Bringer Japan Z Inc.

Himeji Castle

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Himeji Castle

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

4.75 19

Last update :

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

If the original text is in another language, the AI will automatically translate and display it.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Grace Lee

    The cherry blossoms at Himeji Castle are absolutely stunning. It's just an hour by JR train if you're traveling on your own. The white castle with the soft pink cherry blossoms looks so beautiful together. Highly recommended!

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)

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more