
histórico
histórico
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As a kid, my school and parents often brought me here, but I wasn’t very interested in castles back then. Looking back now, Himeji Castle is truly impressive—you can climb to the top for a fantastic view, and seeing all the defense mechanisms up close is really fascinating.
About:
Known as White Heron Castle for its elegant white facade, Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s most breathtaking feudal-era fortresses. Built in the early 1600s, it has never been destroyed by war, fire, or earthquakes, making it a rare, fully intact original castle.
Inside, visitors can explore steep wooden staircases, hidden passages, and defensive structures once used by samurai. The six-story main keep offers sweeping views of Himeji City, while the surrounding Kokoen Garden provides a tranquil retreat with Edo-period landscaping.
Unique Experiences at Himeji Castle
1. Samurai-Themed Guided Tour
Join a guided tour led by experts in feudal Japan, some in samurai attire, who share fascinating stories about the castle’s history, defense systems, and legendary battles.
Cost: ¥3,000–¥5,000
Booking: At the entrance or online
2. Explore Hidden Defense Features
Discover the castle’s ingenious security measures, including:
Steep staircases designed to slow down invaders
Secret rooms for samurai ambushes
"Murder holes" (ishiotoshi) where boiling water or rocks were dropped on enemies
3. Tea Ceremony at Kokoen Garden
Next to the castle, Kokoen Garden offers a peaceful setting with waterfalls, koi ponds, and a traditional tea house where you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets.
Cost: ¥310 (garden entry), ¥500–¥1,000 (tea ceremony)
4. Try Local Himeji Specialties
Anago-meshi – Grilled conger eel over rice, lighter than unagi
Himeji Oden – A unique take on oden, served with ginger soy sauce
Almond toast – A retro café favorite, featuring thick toast with sweet almond butter
5. Seasonal Nighttime Illuminations
During cherry blossom season and autumn, the castle hosts special evening light-ups, showcasing its white walls against the night sky with stunning seasonal colors.
Check schedules in advance as light-ups are held only a few times a year
6. Rickshaw Tour Around the Castle
For a different perspective, take a traditional rickshaw ride around the castle moat and nearby historical streets.
Cost: ~¥5,000 for a short ride
7. Side Trip to Mount Shosha & Engyoji Temple
A short bus and ropeway ride from Himeji, Mount Shosha is home to Engyoji Temple, a stunning temple complex featured in The Last Samurai.
Access: 30 min from Himeji Station
Cost: ¥1,000 (ropeway round-trip), ¥500 (temple entrance)
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