Himeji Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a designated National Treasure.
Himeji Castle: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Facts
The 400-year-old castle was built in 1609. The main building is 152 feet tall with six floors and a basement. It is 24,000 square feet, making it the largest castle in Japan.
On the castle grounds, there are 83 buildings, all connected by winding paths and a series of gates.
The admission fee to enter the castle is 1,000 yen. The castle is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
History
During the Meiji Restoration starting in 1868, thousands of castles were destroyed. They were considered obsolete and too expensive to maintain.
Many castles were put up for auction, including Himeji Castle. In 1871, a local resident bought the castle for about $2,000 USD hoping to develop the land. Fortunately, the cost to destroy the castle was simply too much, and it was saved from destruction.
When to Go
The castle is absolutely beautiful during the cherry blossom season in April. We like to go with our tours during this time.
Keep in mind that it can get crowded during the cherry blossom season and on weekends. There are often long lines to enter the main building and overcrowding once inside.
To avoid the crowds, be sure to plan your visit on a weekday.
How to Get There
Himeji Castle is located in the city of Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture. Himeji Station is a stop on the Shinkansen bullet train line and is only 30 minutes from Osaka.
Once you arrive at Himeji Station, you can walk to the castle in about 20 minutes. It’s an easy walk. You can actually see the castle from the station, so you can’t miss it!
Alternatively, you can take a bus to Himeji Castle for only 100 yen per person.
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Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
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