Himeji Castle: A Journey Through History and Splendor

Himeji Castle, also known simply as Himeji, stands as Japan's largest medieval samurai castle, boasting a reputation as one of the country's coolest and most photogenic spots. Its design and history are truly breathtaking, making it a must-visit destination even for those traveling from other parts of Japan. A day trip from nearby cities like Kobe, Osaka, or Kyoto can easily accommodate a visit to this magnificent fortress.

Having harbored a fascination for samurais since childhood, this castle has naturally been on my "must-see" list in Japan for years. We've made numerous day trips from Osaka to Himeji, and each time, the castle has left us mesmerized.

This travel guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information on how to get to Himeji Castle and what attractions you can expect to experience during your visit.

Contents

• A traveler posing in front of Himeji Castle

• A distant view of Himeji Castle

• A picture of my companion posing with an interesting samurai guard at Himeji Castle

The History of Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle was initially constructed in the 14th century and further expanded by the samurai ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 17th century. It once housed thousands of soldiers and has survived numerous near-destructions throughout its history. During World War II, Allied bombs were dropped on the castle, but they failed to explode. In the 1990s, Himeji Castle also withstood a major earthquake.

Today, Himeji Castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a national treasure of Japan, attracting approximately 3 million visitors annually. The castle recently underwent a five-year restoration project and is now open for visits without the extensive scaffolding that once surrounded its main towers, making it an ideal time to explore its wonders.

The Gardens and Walls of Himeji Castle

The castle covers a vast area, allowing you to spend hours exploring its every corner.

The Main Tower (Tenshukaku) of Himeji Castle

The main tower of Himeji Castle, known as the Tenshukaku, has six floors and offers stunning views from its topmost level.

What to Expect When Visiting Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is a colossal fortress complex, spanning nearly 240 hectares (600 acres) and reaching a height of about 60 meters (200 feet). It boasts dozens of medieval Japanese defensive gates, moats, and walls.

I recommend allocating at least a few hours to wander around the castle complex and soak in its ambiance. During our personal exploration, we spent nearly four hours within the castle walls and could have stayed even longer.

Having dreamed of visiting Himeji Castle since childhood, I knew I had to dedicate a full day to experiencing it when I recently passed through Japan. The castle is indeed a masterpiece of architecture, especially when viewed from afar.

The "gate" emblem on the walls of Himeji Castle serves as a symbol of its historical significance. The castle complex is immense, with many different areas to explore, making it easy to get lost—but that's part of the fun.

The main tower has six floors, and you can climb to the top to gaze through the arrow slits and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding cityscape.

There are also some fantastic restaurants and gift shops nearby that are worth visiting. Himeji Castle stands proudly atop its white walls, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Entrance Fees

• Adults: 1,000 yen (approx. $7 USD)

• Children: 300 yen

Visiting Hours

• Regular hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Summer hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

The last entry is allowed one hour before closing. The castle is generally open every day of the year, except for December 28th and 29th. Tickets cannot be booked in advance.

Translated Version

Himeji Castle: A Journey Through History and Splendor

Himeji Castle, also simply known as Himeji, stands proud as Japan's largest medieval samurai castle and boasts a reputation as one of the country's coolest and most photogenic spots. Its design and history are truly breathtaking, making it worth a visit even for travelers from other parts of Japan. A day trip from nearby cities such as Kobe, Osaka, or Kyoto can easily accommodate a visit to this magnificent fortress.

Having harbored a fascination for samurais since childhood, this castle has naturally been on my "must-see" list in Japan for many years. We've made several day trips from Osaka to Himeji, and each time, the castle has left us mesmerized.

This travel guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information on how to reach Himeji Castle and what attractions you can expect to experience during your visit.

Contents

• A traveler posing in front of Himeji Castle

• A distant view of Himeji Castle

• A picture of my companion posing with an intriguing samurai guard at Himeji Castle

The History of Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle was initially built in the 14th century and further expanded by the samurai ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 17th century. It once housed thousands of soldiers and has narrowly escaped destruction numerous times throughout its history. During World War II, Allied bombs were dropped on the castle, but they failed to explode. In the 1990s, Himeji Castle also withstood a significant earthquake.

Today, Himeji Castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded as a national treasure of Japan, attracting approximately 3 million visitors each year. The castle recently underwent a five-year restoration project and is now open for visits without the extensive scaffolding that once surrounded its main towers, making it an ideal time to explore its wonders.

The Gardens and Walls of Himeji Castle

The castle covers a vast area, allowing visitors to spend hours exploring its every corner.

The Main Tower (Tenshukaku) of Himeji Castle

The main tower of Himeji Castle, known as the Tenshukaku, boasts six floors and offers breathtaking views from its topmost level.

What to Expect When Visiting Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is a colossal fortress complex, spanning nearly 240 hectares (600 acres) and reaching a height of approximately 60 meters (200 feet). It boasts dozens of medieval Japanese defensive gates, moats, and walls.

I recommend dedicating at least a few hours to wander around the castle complex and immerse yourself in its ambiance. During our personal exploration, we spent nearly four hours within the castle walls and could have stayed even longer.

Having dreamed of visiting Himeji Castle since childhood, I knew I had to dedicate a full day to experiencing it during my recent trip to Japan. The castle is indeed a masterpiece of architecture, especially when viewed from afar.

The "gate" emblem on the walls of Himeji Castle serves as a symbol of its historical significance. The castle complex is immense, with many different areas to explore, making it easy to get lost—but that's part of the fun.

The main tower has six floors, and you can climb to the top to gaze through the arrow slits and take in the stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.

There are also some fantastic restaurants and gift shops nearby that are worth checking out. Himeji Castle stands proudly atop its white walls, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Entrance Fees

• Adults: ¥1,000 (approximately $7 USD)

• Children: ¥300

Visiting Hours

• Regular hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Summer hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

The last entry is allowed one hour before closing. The castle is generally open every day of the year, except for December 28th and 29th. Tickets cannot be booked in advance.