It should perhaps come as no surprise that Himeji Castle remains one of Japan’s most popular and easily identified attractions today. As one of the most famous architectural creations and well-known landmarks that were constructed in the whole of Japan, this old castle gives a rather exciting perspective on the history of the country and its feudal past. Get ready to discover the story and art of the San-no-Maru Goten Structure of Himeji Castle and find out the legends and facts that turning Himeji Castle into the symbol of the work of the Japanese craftsmen.
Himeji Castle embodies the best of Japanese architecture – in part because of the dazzling white exterior earning it nickname the “White Heron Castle” is that resembles a bird. The main keep of the castle clearly demonstrate the high skills of the early 17th-century builders and their inventive withering in relation to the loftier ceiling and interesting timber frame constructions. Upon further scrutiny, the huge castle looks impressive, and you will be amazed by the precision that is evident in every design of the castle.
The background to Himeji Castle is therefore an interesting and quite long one, stretching more than four centuries in age. Originally, it was just a simple fortress constructed in 1333, but over the time it has been reconstructed and remodelled by two important feudal lords of Japan Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu into the splendid complex that represents today. In feudal Japan the castle represented power and was a center of military fortification and defense of the community.
Getting THERE and When to GO
By train is the most convenient means of getting to Himeji because the place has a well-developed railway system. Fortunately, owing to the steller Japan train system, the procedure is quite smooth.
If you do not understand with the direction below, you can open the exact route in Google Maps through the link below; No speculating is required.
From Tokyo
While it is relatively possible to visit Himeji Castle from Tokyo in a single day trip, I would not recommend it as the travel time is approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes of which 7 hours would be spent on a train and the tickets are fairly expensive. As for the tourism cost, the one-way trip starts at ¥15,120 ($105 USD) and takes about 3 hours. 5 hours.
It is perhaps most advisable to try entering Himeji from a nearby city, say Kyoto or Osaka (for more information below).
From Kyoto Shinkansen: The Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen is comprised of a railway line that links Kyoto to Himeji. By train, the journey from the Kyoto Station to Himeji Station will take between 45 minutes and 1 hour depending on the mode of transport being used. The cost of RFRINGE one trip is ¥4,750, approximately $33 USD.
JR Special Rapid Train: This train will require one and half hours to travel from Kyoto Shinkansen Station to Himeji Shinkansen Station. The trip cost is ¥2,270 or about $16 USD one way.
From Osaka Shinkansen: But for present-day rapid and bullet trains the major line that links Osaka to Himeji is the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. Transportation by rail from Shin-Osaka Station to, Himeji Station will take approximately 30 minutes or less. The fare now costs ¥3,220 ($22 USD) for a one-way journey.
JR Special Rapid Train: Using the rail transport from Osaka Station to Himeji Station should take nearly an hour of travelling. So the cheapest price is ¥1490 ($10. 50 USD) for a one way ticket.
Subway/Surface Train For Himeji Station it will only take you fifteen minutes on your feet to get to the castle door. Happy journeys!
Timing Your Visit
A travel ry states that the castle is busiest with tourists from late March to middle of April and especially during the weekends in the first week of April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. May is a special month because the first week of May is called Golden Week and people have lots of holidays in this week.
Personally, I really loved the castle regardless of the month, so come and visit in the off season:) Back in January, we got to wander the castle as a group, and the place was almost entirely empty to accommodate us.
If you go there during the peak season, what is available is only a token, thus you can only purchase the tickets when you get there, this is only possible if you arrive early morning.
This is because on the official website of Himeji Castle we can find several useful calendars such as, for instance, the one that shows the days when there are more visitors and the congestion prediction including the approximate numbers of guests.
Where to STAY
Undoubtedly, there is no better low cost accommodation in Japan for single traveler or couple than these!
The room that was provided for this amount had a different room with air conditioning and heating, a fridge, a TV, and extremely fast WiFi. The restrooms are common for both male and female guests, the practice typical for Japan; the room is not too small but can be listed as rather compact.
The location was ideal; eateries and railway links were within 2 minutes on foot from the spot. Osaka Castle and the lively area of Dotonbori are located about 15 minutes’ drive away from Osaka Shikatsuin station. We also visited Kyoto and Nara and had a one-day trip to Himeji!
One should always look around for this price cut offer because prices can be fluctuating most of the time.
Where Is HIMEJI CASTLE Located? How To Get There
This outstanding and original castle in Himeji, which dates from the early sixteenth century and was virtually untouched by Allied bombs in World War II is often described as the ‘White Heron Castle’, primarily because of its overall design. This great castle which is located in the city of Himeji in Hyogo prefecture is an attraction to any visitor especially those who have an interest in historical and archietural marvels and anyone who would wish to learn a little about Japans heritage. In the travel guide to Himeji Castle, we will inform the readers on where this castle is situated and how they can easily get there.
Himeji city is in the region of Hyogo Prefecture on the island of Honshu in Japan and the castle in the city is the famous Himeji Castle. Standing on the hill above the castle give beautiful view of the landscape including the city and the country side. Due to this it has developed into a very crucial historical and cultural center of tourism for tourists from around the globe. Himeji is located halfway between the cities of Osaka and Okayama hence travelers to the Kansai region will find it relatively easy to get the city.
The geographical location of Japan can be considered effective for transportation, and, therefore, it is not very complicated to travel to Himeji Castle. The most popular routes to get to this historic place are as follows:The most popular routes to get to this historic place are as follows:
By Train From Tokyo:
Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen can be regarded as the most rapid and comfortable means of transportation from Tokyo to Himeji. If one was to take the train from Tokyo station one has to board a Nozomi or Hikari train and alight at Himeji station. The distance of the trip is approximately 33km and it can take between 2 to 3 hours depending on the number of stops taking.
Local Trains: Travelling by the local train is cheap, however, it takes almost eight or nine hours plus multiple interchanges are needed in case you are compressed for time.
From Osaka:
Shinkansen: Himeji can be accessed directly by taking Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station. In case you use either the Nozomi or the Hikari train to travel to Okayama, the journey is going to take about half an hour.
JR Special Rapid Service: There is another way of travelling by Train for much cheaper it is called JR Special Rapid by going to Osaka Station going to Himeji Sta This will take another one hour and twenty minutes of the time of the traveler.
From Kyoto
Shinkansen: GO to Sanyo Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Himej iStation. The trip can last about 50 minutes.
JR Special Rapid Service: The Special Rapid Service run from Kyoto station to Himeji station will take approximately one hour and thirty minutes time.
By Bus: Available express bus services include those that link the town of Himeji to the major cities of the nation such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Buses may take more distance and time than trains, it will take about 9 hours from Tokyo, 2 hours from Osaka or Kyoto if wish to go to the mountain base.
By Car: If you would prefer to drive, then you can get to Himeji via the main highways on most cases. From Kyoto, or Osaka, going to Himej, take the Chugoku Motorway and then the Sanyo Motorway by following the directional signs to the destination. The time required to get to the given location depends on which one: From 1. Travelling time ranges from 5 to 2 hours depending on the traffic conditions.
Canvas from himeji castle to himeji station
It’s very easy to go from Himeji Station to Himeji Castle:It’s very easy to go from Himeji Station to Himeji Castle:
Walking: When arriving at the Himeji Station, it would take one about 15 to 20 minutes on foot in order to get to the castle. When you exit the station, you’ll be on the appropriately named Otemae Street: just head north. It can be walked around the beautiful metropolis as it is led in the form of a castle’s roof.
Bus: If walking is not your cup of tea, local buses are available at Himeji Station to get you to the castle. The distance is as short as 5 minutes of car driving, and the buses are available to depart in intervals.
Taxi: If you go out of the station then you can find a taxi and it will take only five minutes to reach the castle.
HIMEJI CASTLE Ruins: What To Expect
If you are blessed to be planning on a tour to Japan and are wondering which place you should not miss, then definitely Himeji castle is the place that you should visit. And Himeji Castle has an added charm that it is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful and probably the most preserving castle of the country. Let me explain in detail what you will find when you go to the site that every student knows.
When you get inside the building the interior is designed in such a way that you will ascend along very tight wooden stairs and they are many of them leading to different floors. At every level, you find Samurai armors, weapons, and even other relics from back in those days. The top floor at an open terrace, one can able to see the view of Himeji city and the surrounding region. However, they omitted to tell us to wear comfortable shoes as there are numerous stairs leading up to it.
The donjon is the main keep of the castle of Himeji and it is often referred to as the main body of the construction. That is the simple design of the building with its main three sections, six floors and a basement. And there, there is nice carving on the wooden door frames and on the facetade and other components which are really showing how mach the builders known their job. Wherever you go, the chance to imagine what life was like for those samurais who once inhabited this realm is yours.
Himeji Castle referred to as the White Heron Castle lies in the city of Himeji situated in Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. Climbing up the spirals of the Gallava castle and it’s designed white is compared to ‘flying bird’, that is how it was nicknamed. The castle was probably build in the early seventeenth century and is listed on the World Heritage list of UNESCO. Ironically, it is one of the very limited castles intact in Japan today and which has never been burnt down, torn down by invasions, or even shake down by earthquakes.
To visit Himeji Castle is to experience ancient history right before one’s own eyes. The grandeur of architecture, richness of the exhibited pieces and the picturesque landscape surrounding the building makes for quite an experience. The place itself belongs to the greatest tourist attractions and historical sites in Japan, so anyone interested in the country’s history or just in visiting one of the most famous castle, will not remain indifferent to Himeji Castle. So, bring your baggage, your cam and your spirit of awe with you and get ready to explore the beauty and the rich history of Himeji Castle!
A Glance at HIMEJI CASTLE Glorious Past
Himeji-jo Castle was constructed in the first half of the fourteenth century and ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi initiated further constructions in the first half of the sixteenth century.
The Himeji-jo complex consisted of thousands of soldiers in the past, and the castle was built precariously for several times in the process of history. There are no explosive devices even in the castle walls since World War II when bombs that were dropped by allied forces failed to explode. It also endured a major earthquake in 1990s I believe.
As the oldest castle in Japan, it now officially known as the National Treasure of Japan and it is on the list of UNESCO sites, with it attracting more than 3 million tourists annually.
It is actually a perfect time to visit the castle which, for five years, has been under construction and the main keep has not much scaffolding on it, it has been exposed.
Visitors who get to visit Himeji Castle are free to interact with different sections of the castle such as the exterior part and the interior section of the main keep. More, the castle uses limited windows, spectacular staircases, wooden floors and wooden roof beams. In all these aspects of the building designs, a focus and consideration for ‘defence’ was involved. The birdlike castle roof can be viewed on the top level and one can get to see the picturesque scenery of Himeji City as well as the country side.
Everywhere you go, there’s beauty and the gardens near the castle, including Kokoen Garden, are the best to visit. This vibrant Japanese garden has waterfalls, fish ponds and a glimpse of the usual tea houses which make this a very conducive place to relax from the bustles of life.
Most tourist attractions are located nearby; the famous cities of Osaka and Kyoto are within reach since Himeji Castle is located in Himeji city in Hyogo Prefecture. The fastest way of getting to Fukumitsu is by riding the Shinkansen (bullet train) and alighting at Himeji Station. The castle can takes 15 to 20 min by walk from the station.
The absence of paint or even any kind of camouflage for the white part of the Himeji Castle the first thing a person is likely to note. Using white plaster not only gives the Castle its name, but it also serves a substantial function in fire protection for the walls. This is because due to the geographical location of the castle being on a hill, it is most definitely well fortified and has an excellent vantage point.
These are the main Donjon, which consists of five floors, and an undefined number of towers, gates, and walls in concentric circles around them. To be deliberately disorientating to any potential intruder, the castle complex is warped and designed with highly intricate floor plans, curves, and creeping features. It must be said that the primary and widely evident feature of Himeji Castle is its stunning saddling with great functionality.
Is HIMEJI CASTLE Safe ?
Himeji Castle is one of the oldest castles with the construction being more than 400 years ago and yet it has undergone restoration many times to ensure that it is safe. The most recent work of the renovation process was carried out in 2015, and its goal was the addition of the seismic reinforcement, thus increasing the castle earthquake’s resistance. The solidity of the castles construction is palpable, and the structural integrity is kept intact by regularly checking the state of the castle.
Handrails and specific routes for a move are visible not only in the castle but in the general compound as well. Moreover, the guides and other members of staff are always around to attend to the visitors and ensure they do not violate the rules and regulations that the castle authorities have set in order to preserve the structure and those who wish to visit the castle.
The third and final common precaution for any port of call is that you need to be aware of pickpockets and other criminals. Despite the low crime rate, which Japan is famous for, one still should not be careless about personal security. With these in mind, ensure that your items are not left behind and should be kept packed in a secured bag or backpack.
Whereas during the exploration of the Hemeji Castle exercise can prove to be a strenuous exercise. It is important to make sure you give your body water, especially during the summer period when water depletes very fast. There are shops inside the castle, and various vending machines available to buy some candy or water. If necessary, take breaks to calm down and similarly, take time to admire the beauty of the specific scenes.
However, I think that Himeji Castle has many attractions not only from the point of view of history and architecture but also from the protective point of view. I said that having a warning-list that contain several essential safety rules could make the explorations of one of Japan’s most popular attractions worry-free and unforgettable.
Get ready to go back to the old ages of Japan and explore the premises of Himeji Castle – take your bags, and put on your comfortable shoes!
Is HIMEJI CASTLE worth It ?
Of course! It it considered as one of the places that can not be missed when visiting Japan due to its edifice, architectural designs, and historical values. Anyone who would want to learn more about the histories of castles, would love to take great pictures, or would love to travel to new places should consider the Himeji Castle. Happy journeys!