Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is Japan's finest original castle: a brilliant white keep on a hill, never destroyed by war or fire, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching the top takes you through a maze of gates, baileys and steep wooden stairs.

Pair it with Koko-en, the Japanese garden beside the castle, and add Mt Shosha's hilltop temple or the Himeji Central Park drive-through safari for a full day.

Where to go

1Himeji Castle 姫路城The white keep and its maze of gates, baileys and six storeys of steep wooden stairs. Allow extra time in peak season, when the queue for the main keep can be about an hour.1.5–2 hr · Non-residents (18+) ¥2,500; under 18 free. With Koko-en ¥2,600.Map ↗

2Koko-en Garden 好古園Nine walled Japanese gardens on the site of old samurai residences, just west of the castle.45 min–1 hr · Castle + Koko-en combined ticket ¥2,600Map ↗

3Mt Shosha & Engyo-ji 書寫山圓教寺Forested mountaintop temple complex reached by a 4-minute ropeway, with large wooden halls in the trees.2–3 hr · Ropeway round trip adult ¥1,200, child ¥600; temple entry fee separateMap ↗

4Himeji Central Park 姫路セントラルパークSafari park where you drive your own car through the animal area (about 30 minutes), plus an amusement park.3–4 hr · Varies by date; see the official calendarMap ↗

A day there

8:00Leave south Osaka; about 1.5 hours to Himeji
9:30Park at Otemon Car Park; enter the castle at opening
11:30Koko-en Garden next door
12:30Lunch around Otemae-dori (try Himeji oden)
14:00Drive 20–30 min to the Mt Shosha ropeway (free parking) or to Himeji Central Park
17:00Drive home

What to eat

Himeji oden (oden dipped in ginger soy sauce)Izakaya and oden shops around Himeji Station and Otemae-dori

Almond toast (thick toast with almond butter)Coffee shops across central Himeji

Anago (conger eel)Around Himeji Station

With kids

Under-18s enter Himeji Castle free. The keep's stairs are very steep, so carry babies in a carrier (no pushchairs inside). Himeji Central Park's drive-through safari is easy with small children.

Good to know

Buy timed digital castle tickets online (up to 90 days ahead) to skip the ticket queue.
The castle closes 29–30 December and last entry is 1 hour before closing.
The Mt Shosha ropeway car park is free; enter 'Shoshazan Ropeway' in your satnav, as you cannot drive to the temple itself.