Himeji Castle is my favourite castle in Japan. I think it’s the most beautiful and grandest looking castle in Japan that is also authentic (ie. not re-built.)
While going inside Himeji Castle is great, cycling around the castle surrounds (on a free rent-a-cycle from the visitor centre at Himeji Station) is even better.
Cycling
Himeji Castle is a stunning white castle surrounded by beautiful gardens and parks. Cycling allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the castle and the surrounding landscape from different vantage points.
Himeji has well-maintained cycling paths and roads, making it easy to cycle around. And with such an iconic landmark visible at all times, you just can’t get lost.
Bicycles can be rented free of charge at the tourist information center at Himeji Station. It’s about a 5 minute ride from the station to the castle.
The castle
Yes, Himeji Castle is worth entering too. Unlike some other castles that feel like it’s been used as a school or a base with concrete walls and stairs, Himeji Castle feels authentic – because it is.
There are only 12 castles in Japan with its “original” main keep (tenshukaku) that haven’t gone through a complete reconstruction. Out of those, only 5 castles are national treasuress of Japan:
- Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture)
- Matsumoto Castle (Nagano Prefecture)
- Inuyama Castle (Aichi Prefecture)
- Hikone Castle (Shiga Prefecture)
- Matsue Castle (Shimane Prefecture)
Meeting & Eating
Did I mention the cute Shiro-maru-hime? She is the mascot character for Himeji, and she’s my favourite yuru-chara in Japan!
I tend to pop into this raw-eggs-on-rice eatery Tamagoya, which gives you unlimited fresh eggs with your rice 😀
Getting there
Himeji Castle is located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The castle is easily accessible by trains. From Osaka or Kyoto Station, simply take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Himeji Station.
Himeji Station is about a 15-20 minute walk from Himeji Castle. You can rent a free bicycle from the tourist information centre at Himeji Station.
Himeji Castle and surrounds is beautiful, and I would repeatedly plan a trip to include coming back here, so it’s a 🥇 (=plan a trip around it) on #myrevisitlist.
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