A DAY TRIP TO HIMEJI CASTLE

Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden are two stunning attractions in Himeji, Japan, located near each other and often visited together for a harmonious blend of history and nature. Known as the "White Heron Castle" due to its brilliant white exterior, Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous and well-preserved castles. It showcases traditional Japanese architecture and has survived wars, earthquakes, and the test of time since its completion in 1609. Explore the six-story wooden main keep, which offers panoramic views of Himeji city and the surrounding area.  Part of what makes Himeji Castle special it's Defense Systems; Ingenious design features like confusing pathways and defensive loopholes demonstrate the castle's strategic importance. It's particularly stunning during cherry blossom season (spring) and when surrounded by colorful foliage in the fall. 

Located adjacent to Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden is a modern reconstruction of a traditional Edo-period (1603-1867) samurai garden. Opened in 1992, it consists of nine separate garden areas, each with a unique theme. The Tea Garden is a beautiful spot where visitors can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies. Seasonal plants and flowers create an ever-changing visual experience. Visitors can purchase combination tickets to visit both the castle and the garden at a discounted price. Allocate 2-3 hours to explore both sites thoroughly. Both are within walking distance of JR Himeji Station.

                          

Getting to Himeji

The best way to get to Himeji from Osaka is by JR Special Rapid Service on the JR Kobe Line, it takes about 1 hour and costs ¥1,520 one-way; trains depart every 10-15 minutes. You could also take the local JR trains as well, although that will be 1 hour and 30 minutes one way. Another option is the Sanyo Shinkansen from JR Shin Osaka Station, this will take about 30 minutes but costs ¥3,580 one-way (reserved seat). For this option, you’ll need to transfer from Osaka Station to Shin-Osaka Station. For a balance of cost and speed, the Special Rapid Service is the most practical, in terms of both cost and time.

                             

Walking to Himeji Castle

Walking from JR Himeji Station to Himeji Castle is straightforward, pleasant, and takes about 15-20 minutes. Use the Central Exit of JR Himeji Station, and you’ll immediately see Otemae-dori, a wide, tree-lined avenue leading straight to the castle. Follow the road directly in front of the station, the walk is flat and easy, with clear views of Himeji Castle as you approach. Along the way, you’ll pass shops, cafes, and a few smaller parks. Look out for Egret Himeji, a cultural center with exhibitions and events. Shirotopia Memorial Park is a small park near the castle, ideal for photos. The road ends at the large gate to the Himeji Castle complex; admission booths are located just inside the grounds if you wish to enter the castle.

About Himeji Castle

Known as "Himeji-jō" (姫路城) in Japanese, Himeji Castle is also called the "White Heron Castle" due to its white exterior, resembling a heron in flight. Situated in Himeji City, Hyōgo Prefecture, it stands on Himeyama Hill, providing a strategic vantage point. The castle features a labyrinthine design with winding paths, dead ends, and gates to confuse invaders. Its central structure is a five-story wooden building, but it appears as six stories from the outside due to an additional basement level. The castle’s walls use unique fan-shaped curves (sori) to strengthen their durability and deflect attacks. Defense Features include arrow slits (yazama), gun ports (teppozama), and stone drop windows (ishiotoshi) for repelling attackers. Built predominantly of wood, the interior features thick beams and intricate joinery, demonstrating the advanced craftsmanship of the Edo period.  

The castle was first built in 1333 as a fort by Akamatsu Norimura. The current structure dates back to 1609, during the Tokugawa period. Despite its long history, Himeji Castle was never destroyed by war, earthquake, or fire—a rarity among Japanese castles. It underwent a major restoration (2010–2015), ensuring its historical integrity while enhancing visitor experiences. Himeji Castle survived WWII air raids despite much of Himeji City being destroyed. A bomb fell near the castle but failed to detonate. It was designated in 1993, it was one of Japan's first World Heritage Sites and is one of the five castles in Japan recognized as a National Treasure. Himeji Castle is often featured in Japanese films, TV dramas, and even international movies like The Last Samurai (2003).  Himeji Castle attracts over 2 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited ad celebrated castles in Japan.  

Exploring Himeji Castle

Start with the impressive five-story central keep. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

The keep has five visible stories, but it includes a hidden basement, making it six floors in total. Standing at 46.4 meters (152 feet) above its stone base, it’s one of the tallest remaining castle keeps in Japan. Built during the early 1600s under the supervision of Ikeda Terumasa. The central keep served as a powerful symbol of the daimyo's authority and control over the region. Made primarily of wood and plaster, with thick wooden beams supporting the interior and fire-resistant white plaster coating the exterior. The top floor of the keep offers 360-degree views of Himeji City, surrounding mountains, and the Seto Inland Sea on clear days. The approach to the central keep winds through a maze of gates, walls, and courtyards, designed to confuse attackers and slow them down. Arrow slits (yazama) and gun ports (teppozama) are positioned throughout the keep to defend against invaders. Stone drop windows (ishiotoshi) were used to hurl stones or boiling water at enemies below. 

Each floor of the keep has unique features:

First floor: Spacious area for storing supplies and housing troops.

Middle floors: Contain weapon racks, narrow corridors, and steep wooden staircases.

Top floor: A small shrine dedicated to castle protectors and guardians.

Visitors ascend steep wooden staircases as they explore each floor. Be prepared for narrow passages and low ceilings in some areas. Displays inside the keep include armor, weapons, and information on the castle’s history. The top floor houses a shrine dedicated to the castle's protective deity, where visitors can make offerings. 

Explore the Western Bailey- residence of Princess. enjoy the views of the castle keep from here.

The Western Bailey served as a residential area, primarily for Princess Sen (Senhime), the granddaughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu, after her marriage to Honda Tadatoki, a lord of Himeji. It is a long wing-like building extending westward from the main keep. Includes 30 rooms connected by a lengthy corridor that stretches approximately 240 meters (787 feet). Offers stunning views of the castle keep and surrounding areas, making it a popular spot for photography. Positioned strategically for defensive purposes, providing a line of sight over potential enemy approaches. 

After surviving the siege of Osaka Castle and the tragic loss of her first husband, Toyotomi Hideyori, Princess Sen was remarried to Honda Tadatoki. Her time at Himeji Castle symbolizes resilience and the complex political alliances of the Edo period. The Western Bailey represents the domestic and private life within the castle,  contrasting with the military-focused central keep. The combination of traditional Japanese architecture and panoramic scenery makes this area perfect for photography.

Stroll through the Castle Grounds

Walk through the spacious castle grounds, admire the massive stone walls, and take plenty of photos. Begin your journey at the Otemon Gate, the primary entrance to the castle grounds. The gate leads to the Sannomaru Bailey, a vast open area with stunning views of the castle. This expansive area is ideal for appreciating the castle’s full scale and snapping photos of the iconic white façade. In spring, this bailey becomes a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), with over 1,000 sakura trees blooming. 

Walk along the intricate stone walls, marveling at their unique curves (sori) designed for strength and aesthetics. Pass through multiple gates, such as Hishi Gate and Kuromon Gate, each showcasing different architectural styles. The castle is surrounded by three layers of moats, though only the inner moat remains intact. Visit the legendary Okiku’s Well, tied to the ghost story of a servant betrayed and thrown into the well. Take a walk along the moat, enjoying reflections of the castle in the water.

Dine at a nearby restaurant

Recommendations:

Kassui-ken: Famous for Himeji’s specialty, anago (grilled eel) dishes.

Shirosagi Café: Offers light meals and a view of the castle.

Restraunts along Otemae-dori street

About Kokoen Garden

Situated just west of Himeji Castle, Koko-en is easily accessible from the castle grounds. The garden covers 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres) and is divided into nine individual gardens, each with a unique theme. Koko-en was opened in 1992 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Himeji City’s establishment. It was built on the site of the samurai residence of the Nishinomaru (Western Bailey) during the Edo period. The gardens were created with the goal of showcasing the traditional landscaping styles of Japan, reflecting the culture of the samurai who once lived in Himeji. Many of the gardens feature ponds, waterfalls, and streams, which create a tranquil atmosphere and reflect the beauty of the landscape. The gardens are designed to encourage slow, meditative walks, with winding paths, stepping stones, and meticulously pruned trees.

Visit Koko-en Garden

The gardens are designed to reflect different aspects of traditional Japanese garden styles, including: 

Shin-en (Pond Garden): Features a large pond, koi fish, and a picturesque bridge.

Karesansui (Dry Landscape Garden): A Zen-style garden with carefully arranged stones and raked gravel.

Naka-no-niwa (Central Garden): The central garden with a large pond surrounded by trees and walking paths.

Teien (Tea Garden): A space meant for traditional tea ceremonies, with a teahouse overlooking a pond.

Bamboo Garden: A quiet, contemplative area filled with bamboo.

The garden is built on the grounds that once housed the samurai’s residences and administrative buildings. It reflects the aesthetic tastes of the samurai and the importance of nature in their daily lives. The gardens feature traditional Japanese structures, such as a teahouse, bridges, and pavilions, designed to blend harmoniously with the natural landscape. The garden is perfect for photography, especially with the vibrant seasonal flowers and serene landscapes. Koko-en was meticulously designed to recreate the style of gardens that existed during the Edo period, using historical records and landscape designs.

Local Exploration

Explore local shops on Otemae Street for souvenirs like sake, sweets, or Himeji-themed crafts. A covered arcade to your left as you start walking along Otemae-dori, Miyuki Dori Shopping Street is great for snacks, souvenirs, and traditional goods. 

                                 

Departure

Head back to Himeji Station for your journey back to Osaka.

Why take a day trip to Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden

Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic and best-preserved castles, often considered the epitome of Japanese castle architecture. It provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore a living piece of history. It’s been standing for over 400 years and is a symbol of Japan’s feudal era, offering insight into samurai culture, military strategy, and architectural innovation. From the top of the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of  Himeji and the surrounding area.

                            

 Kokoen Garden provides a tranquil escape with its beautifully landscaped gardens, which include tea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, and seasonal flowers. It’s a serene contrast to the bustling city and the grandeur of Himeji Castle. A day trip to Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden is an ideal way to experience Japan’s rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty in a compact and accessible way. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or photographer, the combination of these two sites offers something for everyone.