Himeji Castle

It’s the most famous castle for a reason. It’s large, it’s gorgeous, and it is rich with history.

The train ride was rather straightforward, and once you exit the station you’ll be able to see the castle directly down the main road. It’s a 15 minute walk, but there are buses and taxi’s available.

We arrived as soon as able, which seems to have been key, as while leaving the line for entrance to the main keep went from a 00 minute wait to a 50+ hour wait. The time I arrived was around 8-9. I believe it was around 10-12 that line build up started.

Entering into the main gate, you can proceed straight forward to the keep or take a sharp left to the Third Bailey, Sannomaru.

The main keep has a lot of posted info regarding features found within, and history. But the guide-book from the entrance helps give a better picture of the history so I recommend being sure to grab one, it’s free.

The third bailey is a long segment along the castle wall containing many preserved rooms and structures. Its famous for being where Senhime spent the happier days of her fraught and tumultuous life, after her recapture from Osaka Castle (which I recommend visiting as well. The history of those two castles is very intwined). We walked through after leaving the keep, and it wasn’t busy, or I suppose the foot traffic was just more stable. While walking through the Intercom voice was informing visitors of the keep being crowded and encouraging patience while waiting to enter the top floor. There’s a lot more reading in this structure than the main keep. The story of Senime’s life is particularly impactful. Some of the info in the bailey probably would’ve made for good context for the keep (probably by design). So I’d recommend seeing this first, if you feel you have the time. If not the guide booklet does an adequate job till you get there.

Something to note about this castle, like most castles in Japan, is that they are excellent for cherry blossom viewing. However given Himeji’s popularity, I can only imagine how busy it becomes. I visited what must’ve been a day or 3 before they bloomed, so I was able to get some pictures of the early blooming trees without the crowd. But the whole castle with its many trees blooming? That’s gotta be magical.

Anyways in short. Highly recommend. It’s got it all. Visuals, size, historical intrigue, architecture, and it can even include a trip to the Koko-en garden just outside.