On our recent trip in the Kansai region, we decided to go on a side trip to Himeji. Nestled approximately 102 kilometers southwest of Osaka, this city is easily accessible by Shinkansen, taking only a mere 20-minute journey. The quick ride offered us beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, setting the stage for our exploration of Himeji’s renowned landmarks.
Ayacchan and I bought some onigiri and green tea to enjoy on our journey. Just a couple of minutes after finishing our quick snacks, while trying to get a more comfortable position to have a quick doze, the PA started making announcements:
We stared at each other.
“Our seats are just starting to heat up.”
“That was quick.”
Table of Contents
Himeji City
Himeji City is situated in the Hyogo prefecture of the Kansai region in the southern central part of Japan’s main island, Honshu. The city is only a 15- to 20-minute Shinkansen ride from Shin-Osaka Station.
Himeji is one of Japan’s cities where city buses are the primary mode of transportation for getting around. The city also has a network of railways operated mainly by Japan Rail (JR) and Sanyo Electric. If you are traveling from Osaka via the Shinkansen, the main attraction—Himeji Castle—is just a 3-minute bus ride from Himeji Shinkansen Station. Alternatively, you can walk to the castle; it’s only a 900-meter distance from the station, which will take about 15 to 20 minutes.
We walked out of the Himeji Shinkansen Station and were welcomed by a shopping mall linked to the station. We didn’t waste any time and looked for the nearest bus stop, which was located directly in front of the station.
Walking to the Castle
What we love about Japan is whatever it takes or however long the walk is, it’s always a pleasure to walk around the streets of Japan. Himeji, just like most Japanese cities, is clean and pedestrian-friendly. The road immediately next to the castle’s walls are lined with a stretch of willow trees and a moat. A concrete bridge connecting the main road will let you cross across the moat towards the castle gates.
From the gate, it’s a 15-minute walk towards the castle’s main keep. You won’t have to worry, however, since the views inside the complex is truly admirable. We were lucky to catch the autumn views of the castle complex so we took our time walking towards the castle’s main keep, serially stopping by any picturesque location to take photos and to just simply admire the view.
We reached the gate of the main keep where the ticket booth is. Normally, admission fees to the main keep costs JPY 1,000 for adults and JPY 300 for children. But how lucky are we to make it there just in time for the castle’s anniversary of its induction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? For this cause, entrance fees were waived during our visit.
The White Heron of Himeji
The majestic White Heron welcomed us.
Himeji Castle, a stunning example of intricate Japanese architecture, was originally constructed in 1333 as a three-tiered fortress. Throughout its history, the castle endured several phases of destruction due to feudal battles and wars that marked the era. The Himeji Castle Complex that we admire today was built in the mid-1500s when the daimyo Ieyasu Tokugawa entrusted the hill on which it stands to his son-in-law. This gesture was a reward for his loyal support during intense military conflicts, solidifying both their bond and the castle’s significance in Japanese history.
Himeji Castle, often called the “White Heron” castle, derives its nickname from its stunning white walls that evoke the image of a graceful heron soaring through the sky. This magnificent fortress is a shining example of Japanese architecture and design, characterized by its elegant curves and intricate wooden structures. Nestled atop a hill and surrounded by serene gardens, Himeji Castle stands as one of Japan’s three premier castles, along with the historic Matsumoto Castle and the formidable Kumamoto Castle. Its beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
As you enter the main keep, you will be required to remove your shoes. The staff will provide you with a plastic bag to carry them as you explore further. Prepare to ascend six levels, navigating through medieval Japanese staircases and walkways worn by time and history, each varying in height and width. Each level offers a glimpse into the past, alongside the rich history and artistry of traditional Japanese architecture.
“Should we go all the way up?” The severely anemic Ayacchan asked.
“I think so. It’ll be a waste if we didn’t.” I replied.
We climbed to the top, taking short breaks on each floor to catch our breath. I wish we had done something similar at Osaka Castle—experiencing the authentic interiors and feeling as if we were transported back to Feudal Japan.
We arrived at the top floor, the smallest of the six levels in terms of floor area. On this floor, a shrine has been established for visitors to offer their prayers. Additionally, there are windows all around that provide a full 360-degree view of Himeji City and the castle grounds.
The Descent
The descent was no easier than the ascent. As you go down the delicate staircases of the castle, your knees will shake, attempting to defy the forces of gravity. Nevertheless, the journey inside the castle was worth every moment.
As soon as you step outside, you’ll be greeted by a close-up view of the majestic castle’s facade. Take a moment to rest, as the journey inside the castle was quite exhausting. Enjoy the scenery and the refreshing breeze as you admire the stunning castle from the outside.
Aftermath
On our way out, we stumbled upon a small souvenir shop where we bought some quick drinks and omiyage (souvenirs). After that, we continued our walk back to the spot where we had disembarked from the bus. We were looking for a place to grab a quick meal since the exhausting trip inside the castle had drained our energy. A few hundred meters away from the castle, we discovered a sushi bar. At first, we hesitated to enter because we were unsure if they would accept foreigners. However, an ojii-san (grandpa) came out of the store, greeted us warmly, and invited us in.
The sushiya is called “Benkei.” (Feel free to Google for more photos, as we weren’t able to take many inside.) It is run solely by an adorable elderly couple in their 70s. They served us a full 8-course sushi meal, which included an autumn soup, a salad, and o-cha (tea). We paid JPY 2,000 per person. Given the quality and authenticity of the sushi, it was definitely worth it.
Verdict
It’s already past 3 PM when we finished our sushi. We walked a few minutes more back to the Himeji Shinkansen Station to catch the next train to Okayama. Along the way, we were greeted by a rainbow. We took our time and took photos despite the rush since the sun sets at 4:45 PM and we have an Okayama Castle to catch.
Is Himeji Castle worth visiting?
Absolutely! If you have an interest in Japanese culture and history, visiting Himeji Castle is a must. The inside of the castle offers a unique experience that you won’t find at Osaka Castle.
In my opinion, the best times to visit Himeji Castle are during autumn or spring when the foliage is vibrant and colorful. Additionally, the castle hosts special events like the Himeji Otamae Illumination and the Momiji-e Autumn Event at Koko-en Garden.
