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)