How To Make The Most Of Your Himeji Day Trip
Plan the perfect Himeji day trip with a visit to Himeji Castle, and Kokoen Garden, and eat local food.
If you’re looking for the perfect day trip in Japan, Himeji should be at the top of your list.
This city is home to Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most well-preserved castles.
Known as the “White Heron Castle” due to its elegant white exterior, Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must-see on any itinerary.
Himeji is the perfect city for a day trip, whether you’re traveling from Osaka or Kyoto, or stopping by on your way back to Tokyo from Hiroshima.
In this blog post, we’ll show you the best things to do and see to help you make the most of your Himeji day trip.
Getting to Himeji
Himeji is conveniently located just one hour away from Osaka or Kyoto by train, making it an ideal day trip destination.
You can catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto Station and arrive at Himeji Station in about 60 minutes.
This makes Himeji a great choice if you want to explore a different side of Japan without spending too much time traveling.
During our Japan trip, we stopped in Himeji on our way back to Tokyo from Hiroshima.
It’s the perfect place to visit along the route.
The city is on the same train route, and many people plan a visit to Himeji Castle before continuing to Tokyo.
The trains are fast and reliable, and with a Japan Rail Pass, you can make the most of your trip.
Himeji Castle: The White Heron Soars
No Himeji day trip would be complete without a visit to the iconic Himeji Castle.
This historic castle is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful and significant castles, thanks to its grand size, elegant design, and history.
Background and History of Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle dates back to the early 14th century, but the impressive structure we see today was built in 1609.
It has survived wars, earthquakes, and even World War II bombings, remaining remarkably intact for over 400 years.
The castle’s white walls, which resemble the outstretched wings of a heron, have earned it the nickname “White Heron Castle.”
Its condition and beauty make it one of the finest examples of Japanese feudal architecture.
The castle complex includes over 80 buildings connected by a network of paths and gates, making it fun to explore.
During your visit, you will find narrow staircases, hidden doors, and strategic windows that were once used to repel invaders.
Himeji Castle was designed not only to be aesthetically pleasing but also to serve as an impenetrable fortress.
Symbolism in Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is more than just a beautiful building—it’s full of symbolic meaning.
Every part of its design and layout reflects deeper ideas related to strength, protection, and elegance.
Here’s a look at the main symbols found in Himeji Castle:
1. The White Heron
People call Himeji Castle the “White Heron Castle” because of its white walls, which look like a heron in flight.
The white color stands for purity and peace.
It also symbolizes the castle’s ability to rise above danger and enemies, just like a bird takes flight.
2. Defensive The winding paths, high walls, and multiple gates confuse and slow down attackers.
These defensive features represent protection and security.
They show how the castle turns the enemy’s strength into a weakness by making them struggle to navigate.
3. The Tenshu (Main Keep)
The tall central tower, called the tenshu, symbolizes power and authority.
It lets the ruling lord watch over the area and protect it from threats.
The tower’s height and visibility make it a clear symbol of dominance.
4. The Chrysanthemum Crest
You can see the chrysanthemum crest throughout the castle.
This symbol is linked to the Japanese imperial family and represents longevity and renewal.
Its presence connects the castle to the emperor and shows its resilience over time.
5. The White Plaster Walls
The white plaster walls don’t just look pretty—they also stand for strength and purity.
The fire-resistant plaster protected the castle from potential destruction, making the white walls a symbol of safety and endurance.
6. The Fish-Shaped Roof Ornaments (Shachihoko)
The roof has fish-shaped ornaments called shachihoko, which have the body of a carp and the head of a tiger.
People believed they could control water and prevent fires.
By placing these on the roof, the castle builders emphasized their wish for protection from disasters.
7. The Hidden Rooms and Trap Doors
Himeji Castle’s hidden rooms and trap doors symbolize secrecy and strategy.
These spaces were built to surprise invaders and show the cleverness of the castle’s defenders.
The hidden areas represent how wisdom and strategy are essential for protection.
8. Winding Paths and Multiple Gates
The castle’s winding paths and multiple gates symbolize perseverance and patience.
They remind visitors that it takes effort to reach the main keep and that the journey itself is part of the experience.
How to Visit Himeji Castle
The castle is just a 15-minute walk from Himeji Station, so it’s easy to get there on foot.
As you exit the station, you’ll see the castle far away in the distance. The walk is pleasant, lined with shops, cafes, and sculptures.
Tickets: The entrance fee for Himeji Castle is 1,000 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.
If you want to visit the castle and the nearby Kokoen Garden, you can purchase a ticket for 1,050 yen.
The castle is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last entry at 4:00 pm.
During the summer, hours are extended until 6:00 pm.
Tips to Visit Himeji Castle
- Arrive early: Himeji Castle is a popular attraction, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage season. To avoid crowds, try to arrive as early as possible, ideally before 10:00 am.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The castle has many steep stairs and narrow corridors, so comfortable shoes are a must. Be prepared to climb a lot, as the main keep has six floors!
- Mind your head: Some of the doorways and ceilings are quite low, so taller visitors should watch their heads.
- Take your time: Exploring the castle can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, so allocate enough time to see the various rooms, halls, and lookout points.
- Photography tips: The best spot for capturing the castle’s grandeur is from the castle grounds. The large field in front of the main keep offers a perfect vantage point.
Lunch in Himeji
After exploring Himeji Castle, you are most likely to have worked up an appetite.
Luckily, there are plenty of great dining options nearby.
For lunch, you can try one of the local specialties or enjoy a casual meal in one of the cafes around the castle area.
5 Local Foods To Try When Visting Himeji:
- Himeji Oden: This is a local version of the popular Japanese hotpot dish, oden. Himeji oden is unique because it’s served with ginger soy sauce, adding a distinct flavor. You can find it in many restaurants near the castle.
- Anago Meshi: This is a grilled eel dish served on a bed of rice. It’s delicious and filling, perfect for recharging after a morning of sightseeing.
- Tamagoyaki (Himeji-Style Rolled Omelette) – Himeji’s tamagoyaki is slightly sweeter and fluffier than regular versions. Made using high-quality local eggs, this rolled omelet is often served with grated radish and soy sauce.
- Himeji Udon – These thick, chewy wheat noodles are served in a clear broth, flavored with light soy sauce. Toppings usually include green onions, tempura, and sliced fish cakes.
- Almond Butter Toast – Surprisingly, Himeji is famous for its almond butter toast! Found in local cafes, this treat features thick slices of toast slathered with a creamy almond spread. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.
Explore the Kokoen Garden
After lunch, continue your Himeji day trip with a visit to Kokoen Garden.
Located right next to Himeji Castle, Kokoen is a collection of nine beautifully landscaped gardens that reflect traditional Japanese garden design.
The garden is divided into different sections, each with its own theme, including a tea garden, a bamboo grove, and a flower garden.
Why Visit Kokoen Garden?
Kokoen Garden offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of sightseeing.
Although recently constructed, Koken Garden was designed in various styles of the EDO period.
Stroll along stone paths, listen to the sound of trickling streams, and admire the koi ponds.
It’s especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and in autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
You can also experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the tea house.
Tips for Visiting Kokoen Garden
- Visit after the castle: Kokoen Garden is just a short walk from Himeji Castle, so it makes sense to visit the garden afterward.
- Buy a combo ticket: If you plan to visit both Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden, buy the combined ticket for 1,050 yen to save money.
- Allocate enough time: Set aside at least 30 minutes to an hour to fully explore the garden.
Himeji Station: Grab a Bento Box for the Trip
As your Himeji day trip comes to an end, make your way back to Himeji Station.
Before boarding your train, take some time to explore the station and pick up a bento box for the journey.
Bento boxes are pre-packaged meals that are perfect for eating on the train.
They typically include rice, vegetables, fish, or meat.
Note: If you or anyone in your group has food allergies, be cautious. It can be difficult to identify the ingredients, as all bento box labels are in Japanese, making it hard to distinguish between meat, fish, or seafood.
Why a Himeji Day Trip is Worth It
A Himeji day trip is an experience that combines history, culture, and natural beauty.
Visiting the majestic Himeji Castle, wandering through the serene Kokoen Garden, and enjoying delicious local food make for a perfect day of sightseeing in Japan.
Whether you’re coming from Osaka, or Kyoto, or making a stop on your way from Hiroshima to Tokyo, Himeji offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich past and stunning architecture.
Make the most of your Himeji day trip, and don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture the beauty of this unforgettable city!
