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The largest medieval castle constructed for Samurai in Japan is undoubtedly Himeji Castle, more commonly referred to as Himeji-jo. This incredible structure is certainly one of the most photogenic and remarkable sights in Japan.
Visiting Himeji Castle is a must, even if you are from other areas of Japan, due to its remarkable design and history. It can be easily reached on a day trip from cities such as Kobe, Osaka, or Kyoto.
I have been enthusiastic about Samurai-related items since childhood, so this castle had been on my list of places to visit in Japan for years. We have been to Himeji Castle from Osaka a few times, and it never ceases to amaze me.
This guide will provide directions to Himeji Castle from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, and will also provide all of the important information you’ll need before your voyage!
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A Look Back at the Himeji Castle
This article provides a brief overview of the history of the iconic Himeji Castle. This majestic structure, located in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan, has a lengthy and illustrious past. Constructed in 1333, the castle has been a major part of the region’s history for centuries. It has weathered war and natural disasters and remains standing today as a testament to the strength of its construction. Over the years, the castle has changed hands several times and has been subject to numerous renovations and additions. Today, the castle serves as an important historical museum and a popular tourist destination.
Construction on Himeji-jo began in the 1300s, with further expansion happening in the 1600s under the command of Samurai ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The Himeji-jo complex was once populated by thousands of soldiers, and it has been close to destruction multiple times. Allied bombs were dropped on the castle during World War II, yet they failed to detonate. Additionally, the castle withstood a major earthquake in the 1990s.
Himeji-jo is a very popular destination, with an annual 3 million visitors, and it is acknowledged as a National Treasure of Japan as well as being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Five years of restoration work on the castle has been completed and the main keep is now viewable without a lot of scaffolding, making this a great opportunity to go and take a look.
Visitors could explore the castle grounds for hours. 
The main keep (tenshu) has 6 floors, and it is possible to reach the top.
What to Look Forward to When Visiting Himeji Castle in Japan
It is straightforward to take a day trip from neighboring cities such as Osaka or Kyoto to visit Himeji.
This immense stronghold spans an area of nearly 240 hectares (600 acres), towers to a height of 60 meters (200 feet), and contains numerous defensive barriers and ramparts from the Middle Ages.
Allocating a minimum of two hours for visiting the castle complex is recommended, although we were able to spend up to four hours discovering the grounds and could have stayed even longer.
Ever since I was a child, my dream was to visit Himeji Castle, so when I was traveling through Japan I determined to dedicate a full day to this amazing experience.
When seen from afar, the castle is a remarkable piece of art.
The grandiose windows and rooftops of Japan’s Himeji Castle are a sight to behold. The structure of the castle is truly remarkable. Additionally, the walls of the castle are adorned with intricate Mon symbols. 
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The castle complex is immensely vast, containing many different sections to investigate. It’s easy to become disorientated due to its magnitude, but that adds to the enjoyment.
From the main keep, one can ascend to its highest point and view the cityscape by peering through the arrow-slit windows. There are six stories in total to climb.
Visitors should take the time to explore the nearby eateries and gift stores when they visit the castle; it will be worth their while.
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Admission Costs
- For grown-ups: ¥1000 ($7 USD)
- For youngsters: ¥300
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Hours for Attending
It is possible to pay a visit during certain hours of the day.
- During the regular season, the hours are from 9 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon.
- Over the summer, the hours extend to 6 PM.
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One hour prior to shutting is the latest time for entrance.
Admission to the castle is available every day apart from December 28th and 29th. It is not possible to book tickets ahead of time.
Visitors are required to pay 1,000 Yen to enter the castle grounds and this fee includes access to the main keep.
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The Route To Himeji Castle in Japan
Getting to Himeji can be done easily by taking advantage of Japan’s excellent railway system. The journey is uncomplicated and straightforward.
In case you find the below directions difficult to understand, you can simply visit the related links in Google Maps. That way you will not have to guess your way around.
From the Japanese Capital
Tokyo, Japan’s bustling metropolis, is the origin point of this piece of writing.
Traveling to Himeji Castle from Tokyo in a single day is possible according to Google Maps. However, I do not suggest this as it would require 8 hours of commuting and the tickets would be pricey, costing ¥15,120 ($105 USD). The one-way trip takes three and a half hours.
If it is feasible, it is much more beneficial to journey to Himeji from a geographically closer destination, like Osaka or Kyoto (information is supplied below).
From the city of Kyoto
- Shinkansen: The Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen links Kyoto and Himeji. It takes approximately 45-60 minutes to get from Kyoto Station to Himeji Station according to this map, and the fare for a one-way trip is ¥4,750 ($33 USD).
- JR Special Rapid Train: Travel from Kyoto Station to Himeji Station following this map by JR Special Rapid Train will take around 90 minutes, and the fare for a one-way trip is ¥2,270 ($16 USD).
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In the City of Osaka
- Shinkansen: A 30-minute ride on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station can be seen here and costs ¥3,220 ($22 USD).
- JR Special Rapid Train: The one-way fare for a journey of approximately one hour from Osaka Station to Himeji Station is viewable here and costs ¥1490 ($10.50 USD).
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Once you step off the train at Himeji Station, you’re just a 15-minute walk away from the castle entrance. Have a pleasant journey!
A warm welcome awaits you as you arrive in Himeji city, as evidenced by the image of the sign at the entrance of the train station. 
Most Optimal Period To Travel
Visiting Himeji Castle is most common from late March to the middle of April, especially during the first week of April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Additionally, the holidays during Golden Week (the first week of May) also bring a large number of visitors.
In my opinion, the castle is grand all year round, so I suggest going when there aren’t a lot of people. We visited in January and had the majority of the castle all to ourselves.
During peak season, you will need to arrive early in the morning if you want to secure tickets since they cannot be reserved ahead of time.
The Himeji Castle official website has an estimation of how congested it will be on certain days with the expected number of visitors, and they also have a calendar that displays which days of the year are likely to be the most crowded.
Lodging Options In Kyoto
Our Lodging
We spent our nights in a place that provided us with a roof and a bed.
For a solo traveler or a couple, Hotel Mikado in Osaka is the best choice for those on a budget, offering accommodation for just 4,000 Yen ($30 USD).
The cost was well worth it for the neat and secluded space that had an air conditioner/heater, refrigerator, television, and a particularly strong Wi-Fi connection. The room was small but pleasant and the bathrooms were shared, which is typical in Japan.
The situation was ideal — a brief two-minute stroll from eateries and the railroads, and a mere 15-minute ride to Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori shopping district. We also had wonderful day trips to Himeji, Kyoto, and Nara!
It’s important to keep an eye on prices, as they can change suddenly. Look out for bargain opportunities.
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