Himeji Castle is conveniently located about a 20-minute walk from JR Himeji Station. Perched atop Himeyama hill, the castle offers a commanding view of the surrounding area, allowing it to historically oversee the activities in the town. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of Himeji City.

Himeji Castle was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1993, marking it as the first in Japan to receive such recognition. It is also a designated National Treasure and an Important Cultural Property, celebrated as a masterpiece of architectural technology.

This historically significant structure is particularly notable for its well-preserved elements, including the Main Keep, turrets, gates, earthen walls, stone walls, and moat, all of which showcase the ingenuity and skill of ancient Japanese construction.

Himeji Castle, as we see it today, was constructed in 1609 by Terumasa Ikeda, who was married to Tokuhime, the second daughter of Ieyasu Tokugawa.

During the Pacific War, Himeji experienced air raids, but the castle miraculously escaped destruction by fire. Thanks to continuous repairs and restorations, it has managed to maintain its original appearance, standing as a testament to its enduring legacy.

Himeji Castle's origins trace back to 1346, during the Northern and Southern Courts period, when warlord Sadanori Akamatsu established a fortification on what is now known as Himeyama in Himeji. Initially, it was more akin to a small fort than the grand castle we know today. It wasn't until the turbulent Age of Warring States, or Sengoku Period, that it was significantly expanded into a citadel by warlord Shigetaka Kuroda.

Over the centuries, Himeji Castle was governed by various warlords and feudal lords, including Hideyoshi Hashiba, who later adopted the name Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Each of these leaders contributed to repairing and expanding the castle, enhancing its stature and defenses.

Constructed by Ikeda in its most renowned form, the castle continued to be actively maintained by successive lords through the Meiji Period. With a history spanning over 670 years from the time of Akamatsu, Himeji Castle stands as a monument to Japan's feudal past.

I mentioned earlier the warlord Shigetaka Kuroda of the Age of Warring States. History buffs might recognize the name, as he was the grandfather of Kanbei Kuroda, a vassal to the famed Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and known as "Strategist Kanbei."

These days, Himeji Castle is not just an architectural marvel; it's also a popular setting for historical television dramas, such as those featuring the historical figure Kanbei Kuroda. Interestingly, Kanbei was born at Himeji Castle and played a pivotal role in its history. He was the strategist who transferred control of the castle to Hideyoshi Toyotomi during Hideyoshi's campaign against the Mori clan.

One notable feature from this period is the stone wall on the east side of the castle, constructed under Kanbei's supervision by order of Hideyoshi. This structure, known as the Stone Wall of Kanbei, is a must-visit for fans of the strategist.

Himeji Castle is also renowned for its association with Lady Sen, the granddaughter of Ieyasu Tokugawa and Oichi, who was considered the most beautiful woman of the Age of Warring States. This connection adds to the castle’s allure, particularly among those interested in the storied past of Japan's noble families.

With its frequent appearances in various historical Japanese dramas, Himeji Castle serves as a vivid backdrop that brings to life the events and personalities of Japan’s feudal era.

In addition to its rich history, Himeji Castle is celebrated for its stunning beauty. Known affectionately as Shirasagi-jō, or 'White Heron Castle,' the design of the main keep and its three smaller towers is said to resemble a graceful heron with outstretched wings.

The castle's brilliantly white walls and the intricate craftsmanship of the Main Keep set it apart from other castles. This unique aesthetic, combined with its majestic silhouette, ensures that Himeji Castle holds a place of unmatched beauty in the panorama of Japanese castles.

In its lush natural setting, Himeji Castle shows itself in different ways throughout the four seasons.

In spring, Himeji Castle's cherry blossoms are serene and radiant; lush green leaves mark summer. Himeji Castle in autumn is characterized by the changing colors of the leaves. And Himeji Castle in winter is mantled in snow.

Even those not interested in history or castles will find a Himeji Castle tour well worth it. If you are going to go for a walk, then a walk through Himeji Castle, with its beautiful scenery, will certainly refresh you.

Up to now we have given you some general information about Himeji Castle and now we will tell you about what there is to see inside the castle.

Setting aside the vast expanse of Himeji Castle's grounds, it's noteworthy that the area within the moat, known as the enceinte, spans approximately 23 hectares. About half of this area is currently maintained as a public park and is open to the public free of charge. The northern half of the enceinte, where the Keeps are located, requires an admission fee for entry.

Up until now, the photos we have seen were taken from the free area outside the fee-required zone. This vantage point offers stunning views of Himeji Castle, allowing you to feel its commanding presence up close.

But now, to fully experience the grandeur and detail of this historic site, it's time to pay the entrance fee and step inside.

As you enter Himeji Castle, you'll ascend a gentle slope leading to the Hishi no Mon, or Water Chestnut Gate. This gate, a Yagura Mon or barbican, reflects the architectural style of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, spanning from 1568 to 1600. Notably, it is the largest gate within the castle complex.

Beyond the Hishi no Mon, the castle features a variety of other gates, including the I Gate and Ro Gate. Each gate’s name corresponds to a different letter in the Japanese alphabet, adding a unique linguistic aspect to their historical and architectural significance.

Hishi no Mon, the largest gate in the castle, is very imposing.

After passing through the gate, you will see the Nishinomaru, or Western Keep, on your left. As you continue, further back on the right, you'll find the inner citadel and the donjon.

Although you are now within the castle grounds, the journey to the Keep is still extensive. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous barbicans, gates, and stone walls, each strategically designed to provide vantage points for firing down on enemy attackers. These fortifications are not only of high historical value but also offer fascinating insights into the defensive strategies of the past.

Our first recommendation for exploring inside the castle focuses on the scenery within the castle grounds. This is something best appreciated in person, where the full detail and scale of Himeji Castle's architectural genius and natural beauty can be truly experienced.

Himeji Castle is often used as the setting for many TV programs and movies. Everywhere within the castle the vestiges of its rich history are amply evident.

Of course, the centerpiece of Himeji Castle is the Keeps, with the Main Keep being particularly striking. This impressive structure stands 31.5 meters tall and is perched atop a 14.85-meter high stone base, which itself rests on a 45.6-meter tall knoll. This architectural design elevates the Main Keep to a total height of 92 meters, ensuring that wherever you are within the castle grounds, you'll find yourself looking up to admire its grandeur.

When you're searching for the perfect viewpoint to capture the Main Keep of Himeji Castle in the background, keep in mind that its appearance will change subtly depending on your location within the castle grounds. I recommend exploring various angles and viewpoints until you find the one that most appeals to you.

To give you an idea, I've selected three examples that I believe beautifully showcase the Main Keep. Here's the one I ranked third in my personal favorites.

The view I ranked third was taken near the I no Mon gate, which is situated just beyond the Water Chestnut Gate at the entrance. After you pass through the I no Mon gate, if you proceed a bit to the right, you'll be presented with this stunning view of the Keep.

Now, moving on to my second favorite viewpoint...

The second favorite viewpoint of mine captures an imposing view of the Main Keep from the Bizen Maru, or Bizen Keep. Originally, this area was part of the inner citadel and served as the residence of the castle lord, Terumasa Ikeda. Situated right next to the Main Keep, it played a crucial role in the castle's layout until it was destroyed by fire in 1882. Today, it exists as a large open space.

From this spot, you can fully appreciate the grandeur of the Main Keep. The location offers a direct, unobstructed view that emphasizes the imposing power and architectural mastery of the Keep, making it a prime spot to feel the historical significance and might of Himeji Castle.

This is a view from a different angle.

This is the perfect spot to get a photo of “The Castle.” It definitely conveys the beauty of the White Egret Castle.

And my favorite location was...

The Western Keep Garden is another exceptional spot within Himeji Castle that offers a unique and picturesque view. Historically, this area on the western side of the castle served multiple important functions. It housed the cosmetic turret of Lady Sen and was known as the Warriors Gathering Place, where warriors would assemble before setting out on a campaign.

Today, this area has been transformed into a beautifully maintained Japanese garden. It features pine trees, flowering azaleas, and a variety of other plants, creating a serene and lush landscape. The view of the Keeps beyond the garden is truly magnificent, providing a stunning contrast between the cultivated tranquility of the garden and the imposing presence of the ancient architecture.

Please keep in mind that this ranking is based entirely on my own interests. To begin with, it really is not possible to rank the superiority of the landscapes. Nevertheless, I highly recommend the view of the Keeps from the Western Keep and hope you will, too.

You can greatly increase the pleasure of your visit to Himeji Castle by using the special "Himeji Castle Great Discovery AR App" as you walk around.

This amazing application uses cutting-edge AR and CG technology and was specially made to make walking around Himeji Castle even more enjoyable.

The first thing you need to do is download and install the app on your own device (smartphone, tablet, etc.).

Once you have done that, when you point your device at this mark on signboards set up throughout the castle, a video explanation will be shown.

The Ha no Mon South Earthen Wall is an example of one of these AR points.

The walls of Himeji Castle feature many small openings known as "sama" or embrasures. These strategic gaps allowed the castle's defenders to fire rifles and other weapons at enemies attempting to storm the castle, providing a crucial defensive advantage.

When you point your device at the signboard here...

The scene of a warrior firing a rifle through an embrasure will suddenly appear on the screen of your device as though you had just taken a photo of it. It is just like a VTR being played in front of your very eyes.

Those familiar with such modern technology will immediately recognize that it provides a video commentary of the scene being viewed, but that is not all. It provides other surprises as well, but I’ll forgo explaining in detail what these are so as not to spoil the surprises later.

In addition to learning trivia about Himeji Castle, with this app you can also collect little monsters and have your photo taken with them, like in a similar popular game application.

This app is really useful when you are walking inside the castle because it also has a function that shows your current location and AR points on a map of the inside of the castle. I recommend you try to get all the AR points during your walk around the castle, just as though you were on a walking rally. This is definitely a good way to increase the enjoyment while walking around the castle.

If you are interested in learning more details, you can request the services of a local castle enthusiast as a personal guide (2,000 yen per guide, tax included).

The Himeji Castle guides also often provide humorous anecdotes as well as interesting facts about areas of interest in the castle, greatly adding to the overall tour experience.

You can request the services of a guide for the same day at the Silver Tour Guide Reception office near the castle entrance. At times guides may not be available because all of them are with tourists, so it is best to make a reservation in advance.

In "What to See Inside the Castle, Part 3," we delve into the fascinating exhibits housed within the Keeps of Himeji Castle. While the castle's exterior offers stunning views, venturing inside the Keep and the turrets of the Western Keep provides an even deeper appreciation of its architectural and historical significance.

The Keeps, particularly the Main Keep constructed by Ikeda, are the most impressive aspects of the castle. This structure employs a construction style known as coalition towers, which connects the Main Keep to the three subsidiary Keeps through roofed passageways. You can enter the Main Keep and go up to its top floor.

The Keeps at Himeji Castle underwent significant preservation and repair work from 2010 to 2015. After these extensive efforts, they were reopened to the public, allowing visitors to once again experience their historic and architectural grandeur. Due to the high volume of tourists that Himeji Castle attracts, the management sometimes issues numbered tickets to manage the crowd, especially on busy days, limiting the number of visitors to 15,000.

If you're planning to explore the inside of the Keeps, it's advisable to arrive early and check the crowd levels. This proactive approach can help ensure you secure entry and avoid the busiest times.

Once you're ready to enter the Keep, be sure to follow the posted tour route.

Now let’s move on to the Main Keep. The Main Keep of Himeji Castle is a 7-story structure having five levels. Externally the Keep appears to have five floors, but in fact it has six floors above ground and one basement.

Check out each floor as you make your way to the top. Himeji City can be seen in the distance.

The higher up one goes in the Main Keep, the steeper the stairs become. Finally we arrive at the top.

The view from the observation deck of the Main Keep in Himeji Castle truly is magnificent. From this vantage point, you can enjoy sweeping views of Himeji City, providing a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape from one of Japan's most historic sites.

An interesting feature of Himeji Castle's architecture is the adornment of its roofs with shachihoko, mythical creatures believed to be guardians of the castle. These figures, typically depicted as part fish and part tiger, are thought to protect the castle from fire. Traditionally, a pair of shachihoko—one male and one female—is used, but uniquely, both shachihoko at Himeji Castle are female.

The reason behind both shachihoko at Himeji Castle being female is indeed a bit unexpected. Since the Edo Period, the castle has undergone periodic restorations, with each phase attempting to preserve or restore its original elements. Shachihoko are particularly fragile and have often needed replacement during these restoration efforts.

During a restoration in the Showa era, only the female shachihoko remained intact enough to serve as a model for reconstruction. Consequently, both shachihoko were crafted as female to match this surviving model. While this outcome is somewhat disappointing, it adds a unique chapter to the castle's long history of preservation and restoration.

So far we have covered three many areas of interest, but there are still others so here we will give you a digest of those highlights yet to be mentioned.

The first is the Western Keep.

It is also possible to tour the inside of this building. The impressive long corridor. This is one of the more beautiful spots in Himeji Castle.

There are all sorts of very interesting displays and similar devices throughout the Keeps. I think anyone interested in Lady Sen will find the Western Keep especially interesting.

As you continue your exploration of Himeji Castle, the Ni no Mon gate, located in the central part of the castle, presents another fascinating feature. On close inspection, you'll notice a cruciform symbol on one of the tiles. Known as the Cruciform Tile, it is rumored to be closely associated with Kanbei Kuroda, who was known to be a Christian. While there is some debate among historians about the connection—some see a direct link, while others dismiss it—the presence of the symbol does evoke thoughts of Kanbei Kuroda, adding a layer of personal history to the architecture.

The stone walls of Himeji Castle are equally intriguing. The castle has been enlarged multiple times throughout its history, with each expansion reflecting the construction styles and techniques of that particular era. As a result, the walls showcase a variety of types, providing a visual history of the castle's development.

One notable example is the ubagaishi, or "old woman's stone." According to legend, this stone was originally a mortar used by an elderly woman who made rice cakes. She donated it to Hideyoshi Toyotomi when he was struggling to gather enough stones for the castle's construction. This story not only highlights the communal effort involved in building the castle but also embeds a rich narrative into the very stones that form its walls.

At Himeji Castle, every corner and crevice offers something new to discover, making it a perfect destination for anyone drawn to scenic beauty, architectural splendor, and rich history. As a World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle stands as a symbol of cultural pride for Japan, offering an unforgettable experience to all who visit.

Located about an hour by car or train from Osaka and Kobe, Himeji is easily accessible and makes an essential addition to any travel itinerary in the Kansai region. Whether you’re exploring the area’s vast historical sites or enjoying its modern attractions, a visit to Himeji Castle is sure to enrich your understanding of Japanese heritage and provide a deeply satisfying sightseeing adventure. So, when you plan your trip to Kansai, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this iconic and majestic site.

When you visit Himeji Castle be sure to also visit Koko-en Garden on the site of the lord’s west residence.

Koko-en Garden is a Japanese-style garden built on land where once samurai homes were located on the west side of Himeji Castle. This is a beautiful scenic spot comprised of nine gardens separated by fences that makes full use of the remnants of mansions and passageways uncovered during archaeological excavations.

Admission fees to the garden are adults (18 and older) 300 yen, children (elementary through high school ages) 150 yen; both include tax).

The admission fee grants you access to all 9 gardens on this sprawling 3.5-hectare site.

What’s more, if you purchase the joint admission ticket for Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden that costs 1,040 yen for adults (18 and older) and 360 yen for students (tax included), the admission fee to the garden for an adult amounts to only 40 yen! This is a real bargain! If you visit Himeji Castle you really must visit the gardens, too.

Don’t underestimate the attractions of the garden because of the low admission price. Koko-en was constructed in the architectural style of the Edo period and contains reproductions of gates, walls, even long corridors, as well as beautiful gardens, all in traditional and harmonious styles designed to give pleasure. All combine to provide superb landscapes.

Koko-en Garden has been used in the period films Rurouni Kenshin and Ooku as well as many TV programs such as Mito Komon, Ooka Echizen, and The Unfettered Shogun. When you see these gorgeous gardens you will easily understand why so many renowned movies and TV programs were filmed here.

This attention to detail in this well-maintained garden is splendid.

The change of seasons and even different hours of the day give the gardens a rich variety of expressions.

This is the view from the mansion called Choonsai that was built to face in the best direction for admiring the harvest moon.

This shows the view when it is verdant, and when autumn comes to Himeji Castle...

Voila! Every autumn the park hours are extended when the garden is illuminated. The illuminated autumn leaves are really something you should see in person.

In addition to the Kassui-ken, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal while admiring the garden, also in Koko-en Garden is the Sojuan tea ceremony room where you can enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets with matcha tea.

I enjoyed the experience. Unaccustomed to sitting formally like this, my legs went numb while I was drinking the tea.

The matcha had a rich, bitter flavor that I found delightfully stimulating. While enjoying the gentle flavor of the tea relaxing in this room, experiencing the atmosphere of this authentic tea ceremony room I felt invigorated. You can really feel the spirit of Japan at such a moment.

Anyone who enters the park is invited to enjoy an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in Sojuan. And for those who find the formal way of sitting a bit difficult, it is OK to sit otherwise and leisurely enjoy the view of the garden while having the tea. Be sure to take time to stroll around the garden, too.

Koko-en Garden is a place where you can feel the traditional beauty of Japan in a rich, natural setting. There are many more wonderful sights to be seen, but we did not have space to mention them here. For those who are interested, here are some additional photographs, but if you have the chance, I recommend you pay the place a visit.

Here are more photos of Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden that were not included in the article.

Text by: Advision