Hotel Monterey Himeji is a business hotel directly connected to Himeji Station, just a convenient 15-minute walk from Himeji Castle. The hotel features 13 floors and 274 rooms, combining Art Deco style with traditional Japanese design elements. Guests staying on the 12th and 13th floors can enjoy stunning views of Himeji Castle from their rooms.

Each floor of Hotel Monterey Himeji is equipped with door security for safe and secure access to the elevator lobby, making it especially comfortable for solo female travelers. Whether for business or leisure, the hotel provides a convenient and enjoyable stay.

The hotel's bathing facility, Trinite, features traditional Japanese design elements inspired by Himeji's culture, creating a unique and relaxing atmosphere for overnight guests. The facility includes both hot springs and saunas, offering a soothing retreat.

For dining, the elegant Italian restaurant San Michele offers a wide variety of over 60 dishes, including options made with local ingredients from the region. Guests can enjoy these dishes à la carte or as part of the restaurant’s breakfast buffet. Whether for breakfast or a full meal, San Michele delivers a delightful dining experience.

Hotel Nikko Himeji, a luxury hotel conveniently located in front of Himeji Station, offers more than just accommodations. It features a reception area, wedding venue, various restaurants, and a fitness gym. Room 257 stands out for its stylish interior and calming color scheme, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The room is equipped with a comfortable bed and duvet bedding, ensuring a restful stay.

The Nikko floor, located on the 13th and 14th floors, draws design inspiration from the white walls of Himeji Castle, the green of fresh leaves, and the pink of cherry blossoms, creating a refined and luxurious atmosphere. This exclusive stay is highly rated for its comfort and elegance. In addition to staff who speak both English and Japanese, the hotel provides pamphlets and brochures in English, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for international guests.

Hotel Nikko Himeji offers a diverse selection of dining options, from buffet-style meals to Japanese cuisine, housed in attractive restaurants and bars. All Day Dining Serena provides a bright, open space for casual dining from breakfast to dinner. Guests can also enjoy expertly crafted cakes by pastry chefs at the Tea Lounge Fountain.

For more refined dining, the Chinese restaurant Toh-lee specializes in famous Cantonese dishes, while Teppanyaki Icho offers meals prepared with the freshest ingredients. For a more relaxed setting, the bar lounge Vol de Nuit boasts stunning night views of the illuminated Himeji Castle.

A standout feature is the freshly made breakfast, served straight from the open kitchen at Serena, which is highly recommended for all guests.

Shiota Onsen, located about 30 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes by Shinki bus from JR Himeji Station, is a peaceful hot spring village in the quiet countryside of Harima Province, with springs that have been bubbling for over 300 years. For those looking to explore Himeji while also unwinding in a hot spring, Yumenoian Yuyake-Koyake is the perfect retreat.

This traditional ryokan inn is known for its attention to detail in both cuisine and ambiance, offering a serene getaway. It is situated near Banshuji, a charming area with a nostalgic townscape, and is easily accessible via a free shuttle bus from Himeji Station.

At Yumenoian Yuyake-Koyake, four different types of rooms are offered, each providing a tranquil escape. Options include single rooms with a deck terrace and an open-air bath made of hinoki cypress, as well as superior rooms with twin beds, a relaxing backyard terrace, and an open-air rock bath crafted from granite. All 17 rooms feature private open-air baths, ensuring a peaceful and luxurious experience.

The inn's chef prepares exquisite kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner, using carefully selected seasonal ingredients. The beautifully presented dishes are served on custom-made plates and paired with local spirits, offering a delightful culinary experience.

In addition to the open-air baths in each room, guests can enjoy the Private Vista, a private bath set in a serene, spa-like atmosphere for exclusive use.

The inn also features two distinct reservable private baths: Tefutefu, which includes a relaxation space with a suspended wisteria chair and an indoor steam bath, and Tonbu, complete with its own hammock, providing a perfect spot to relax and unwind after bathing.

Both baths offer unique luxuries and beautiful views, delivering a truly private and indulgent experience. As reservations are required, it’s recommended to secure your preferred time upon check-in to ensure availability.

Established in 1874, Yumoto Ueyama Ryokan at Shiota Onsen is nestled in the serene mountain landscape, surrounded by abundant nature. With a history of over 300 years, the ryokan takes pride in its natural hot spring, sourced directly from its own springs.

There are four main types of accommodations, some featuring private hot springs, offering the feel of a personal vacation villa. Guests can also choose between traditional Japanese-style rooms or Japanese-Western hybrid rooms. All rooms provide stunning views of the surrounding maple tree forest through large windows, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature's beauty.

Whether you prefer fresh greenery in the summer, vibrant foliage in the fall, or snow-covered landscapes in the winter, the views are soothing year-round. Rooms are available in a range of price options, allowing you to select according to your budget. For added convenience, the inn provides an English floor guide and translating devices to assist international guests.

Shiota Onsen is renowned for its high-quality spring, naturally sourced from a drinkable sodium hydrogen carbonate base, often described as tasting like "salty soda."

Guests can fully experience the relaxing and liberating atmosphere of the famous open-air bath. Additionally, there is an open-air family bath that can be used privately—if unoccupied, you can lock the facility for a worry-free, exclusive bathing experience.

Yumoto Ueyama Ryokan offers a delightful dining experience with its seasonal kaiseki cuisine, which highlights a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients in beautifully crafted Japanese dishes. A standout dish is the Yutsubo congee, made with the facility's own spring water, adding a special touch to the meal. Guests can savor the traditional flavors of Ueyama Ryokan, making each meal a memorable part of their stay.

We’ve highlighted a selection of hotels and traditional Japanese inns for you to experience during your visit to Himeji City, home to Japan’s first World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, you'll find accommodations that perfectly suit your needs. Make your trip to Himeji even more memorable with a stay at one of these exceptional locations!
* Information at the time of coverage.

Text by: Efeel