Built in 1609, Himeji castle is one of the most highly regarded castles in Japan. This is because of its immense size and the fact it is very well-preserved, having survived centuries of natural disasters and wars.
Construction began on the castle grounds during the 1400s, and the 80 structures grew in size as the centuries passed. The primary castle structure was built in 1609.
Also known as ‘White Heron Castle’ because of its distinctive pale facade, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is located close to the city of the same name.
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How to get to Himeji
Himeji is easy to reach by Shinkansen from Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto, or Osaka with a JR Pass or one of the JR Regional Passes. Depending on your starting point, you may take the Tokaido and Sanyo bullet train lines.
Tokyo to Himeji
If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Himeji, you may use your Japan Rail Pass on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train lines. The direct Hikari trains span the distance in approximately 3 and a half hours.
Kyoto to Himeji
To get to Himeji from Kyoto, you can use your Japan Rail Pass as well as several regional passes on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line’s Kodama, Sakura, or Hikari trains. A direct trip from Kyoto station takes around 55 minutes.
Kobe to Himeji
If you travel from Kobe to Himeji, your trip can start either at Kobe-Sannomiya station or Shin-Kobe station to reach Himeji station.
From Sannomiya station you can take the Tokaido-Sanyo line and reach Himeji station in 40 minutes with a Rapid Train. If you depart from Shin-Kobe station, you can take the Sanyo Shinkansen line and reach your destination in 15 minutes.
Osaka to Himeji
You have several travel options to get from Osaka to Himeji. You may take the direct access Hikari train from Shin-Osaka station to Himeji station. This trip takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
Other shinkansen trains, such as the Kodama, are also available from Shin-Osaka, but the trip will be slower as the trains stop at several stations along the way. From the JR Osaka station, you may take the JR Special Rapid Train for a direct trip of just over 1 hour.
Visiting Himeji Castle
Upon entering the castle through the Otemon Gate, visitors can tour the area known as the Sannomaru admission-free. This area is popular for viewing and photographing cherry blossoms in the spring. Note that during the crowded sakura season and during Golden Week, there may be long wait times to enter the castle.
At the far side of the Sannomaru is the ticket booth at the Hishi Gate, where you pay the admission fee to enter the rest of the castle.
Beyond the Hishi Gate are winding, maze-like paths and additional gates leading to the main keep – a strategy used in earlier times to slow attacking forces. The castle is 6 stories high, and you climb to the upper floors using narrow staircases.
On each level, signs in various languages discuss architectural features and renovation efforts. The top level of the castle contains a small shrine. Multiple windows allow for a breathtaking view of the castle grounds and surrounding city.
How to get to Himeji Castle
When you arrive at Himeji Station, exit via the Central Ticket Gate and take the North Exit. You will be able to see Himeji Castle in the distance.
The castle is a 20-minute walk down Otemaedori Street. If the weather is bad, you can walk inside the nearby Miyukidori and Honmachi Shotengai shopping arcades. The exit to the arcade is just one block from the castle gate.
You can also take a bus from the North Exit of the station to the castle, it’s just a 5-minute ride and costs 190 yen. Look for the Himeji Castle Loop Bus and get off at the Himeji Castle Otemon-mae stop. You could also take a taxi (around 750 yen).
Himeji Castle admission fees and opening hours
The admission fee to the castle only is 1000 yen.
However, if you’re a Japan Rail Pass holder, you get a 20% discount on the admission price. This also applies to holders of JR West regional passes, including:
- Kansai Area Pass
- Kansai Wide Area Pass
- Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
- Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass
- Sanyo-San’in Area Pass
- Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Pass
Note that from spring 2026 the admission fees are due to rise for non-residents of the area, in order to help pay for the castle’s maintenance costs.
Additionally, the local government is thinking of introducing a premium ticket package aimed at international visitors that would include the admission fee alongside discounts at local eateries and a service for storing bags.
The castle is open for tours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. In August, the opening hours extend to 6.00 PM. You can enter the castle up to one hour before closing.
Other things to do in Himeji
On the west of the grounds of the castle is the Nishinomaru garden, which at one time housed a princess. This provides an alternate perspective of the castle keep, and you can tour a building and rooms along the walled exterior.
Alternatively, you could tour the Kokoen Garden, which features nine walled gardens in various Edo Period formations. Here, you can enjoy a taste of green tea in the ceremonial teahouse and tea garden.
Admission to Kokoen Garden is 310 yen, or it may be added to your Himeji Castle admission for only 50 yen.
Outside of the castle grounds, you could take a bus to nearby Mount Shosha to enjoy its walking paths, temples, and the Shoshasan Ropeway.
There’s also plenty of opportunities to do some shopping while in Himeji at the Honmachi Shotengai and Miyukidori shopping arcades.