• Himeji Castle in Japan

Himeji

The fortified city of West Kansai

Himeji is a town in Hyogo Prefecture, best known for its castle. Himeji Castle is one of the oldest medieval castles still to be found in Japan, but also the largest castle in Japan. It is the most visited castle in the country! Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and labelled as the Cultural Treasure of Japan, it is one of the few that has been preserved rather well. In particular, we can observe the wooden dungeons of the time, as well as a large part of the walls that are still intact. A characteristic that has earned him a place in many historical films, including the Japanese television series Shôgun, still has fictions such as James Bond. For the record, Himeji Castle is twinned with Chantilly Castle in France!

To learn more about the rich history of the Himeji region, it is advisable to visit the Hyogo Prefecture History Museum.

Just next to Himeji Castle is the Japanese garden of Koko-en. Spread over 3.5 hectares, this park is home to no less than 9 different gardens. There is a tea garden, where you can attend a tea ceremony in the Soju-an house.

Nature lovers will also enjoy a hike on Mount Shosha. The best view of the city can be observed from Nagoyama Cemetery, perched on a hill northeast of Himeji Station.

Himeji hosts many events, including Nada no Kenka Matsuri, Japan’s largest fighting festival.

As for gastronomy, Himeji is famous for its Oden, a broth filled with eggs, simmered vegetables, kamaboko (fish quenelles) and tofu. Sake is also produced there.

To connect Tokyo to Himeji, you must take the Tokaido/Sanyo line from Shinkansen. The journey takes between 3 hours and 3 hours and a half. From Kyoto or Osaka, you can reach Himeji in less than an hour, and the journey is direct.

Himeji in Japan map

General informations

In japanese : 姫路

Region : Kansai

Prefecture : Hyogo

Population : 531,500 inhabitants

Density : 1,000 inhab/km²

Link : Official Website

  • Himeji Castle in Japan

Where to sleep in Himeji

among the most valued hotels
Richmond Hotel Himeji

Richmond Hotel

Richmond Hotel features accommodation in Himeji near City Zoo and City Aquarium. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Shikama-kō is 5 km away and Taiyo Park is 12 km from the hotel.

Setre Highland Villa Himeji

Setre Highland Villa

Situated in the city, within 5 km of Himeji Castle and 6 km of City Zoo, Setre Highland Villa features accommodation with a restaurant and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is set 9 km from City Aquarium, 10 km from Tegarayama Amusement Park and 12 km from Central Park. The hotel has family rooms.

Hotel Monterey Himeji

Hotel Monterey

Featuring free WiFi, Hotel Monterey offers accommodation in Himeji. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. The rooms come with a private bathroom fitted with a bath.

CABIN INN Himejiekimae

CABIN INN Himeji Ekimae

CABIN INN Himeji Ekimae is set in the city, 1.9 km from Himeji Castle and 1.2 km from City Zoo. The property is around 3.3 km from City Aquarium, 3.7 km from Tegarayama Amusement Park and 6 km from Shikama-kō. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available.

Yumenoian Yuyake Koyake

Yumenoian Yuyake Koyake

Located in the city, 21 km from Himeji Castle, Yumenoian Yuyake Koyake provides air-conditioned rooms and a spa and wellness centre. The property is around 16 km from Taiyo Park, 18 km from Central Park and 19 km from Tegarayama Amusement Park. The accommodation offers luggage storage space and free shuttle service for guests.

among the most booked hotels
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Himeji

Daiwa Roynet Hotel

Located in city, 2 km from Himeji Castle, Daiwa Roynet Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, private parking and a fitness centre. The property is set 1.3 km from City Zoo, 2.9 km from City Aquarium and 3.3 km from Tegarayama Amusement Park. Local points of interest like Central Park and Mount Shosha Ropeway are reachable within 14 km and 16 km, respectively.

Dormy Inn Himeji Natural Hot Spring

Dormy Inn Himeji Natural Hot Spring

Only a 3-minute walk from Train Station, Dormy Inn Himeji Natural Hot Spring offers modern rooms with free WiFi is provided throughout the property. Guests can relax in the public hot-spring baths or request massages for an extra cost.

Comfort Hotel Himeji

Comfort Hotel

An 8-minute walk from Train Station, Comfort Hotel features free Wi-Fi and rooms with a coffee machine. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and breakfast. Massages can be requested for additional charge.

Himeji Castle Grandvrio Hotel

Himeji Castle Grandvrio Hotel

Re-opened in December 2014 after a thorough renovation, Castle Grandvrio Hotel is a 5-minute ride from Train Station on the free shuttle. It boasts public hot spring baths, hot tubs and relaxing massage services. Free WiFi is available in all areas.

Hotel Wing International Himeji

Hotel Wing International

The newly opened Wing International Hotel offers rooms with free internet access just a 5-minute walk from Castle. It features a restaurant and massage service. Parking is available.

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  • Himeji Castle in Japan

Transportation in Himeji

Transportation Map

himeji transportation map

Access

Nearest airports : 

  • Kobe Airport
  • Osaka (or Itami) Airport
  • Kansai International Airport

Main station :

  • Himeji Station – ο served by Shinkansen