・Himeji Castle Inner Moat Sightseeing Boat

Himeji han wasen are restored Takaseboats that were once used by the Himeji clan, using the construction methods and tools of the time.

There are two boats, named “Harima” and “Shirasagi(Eagle),” with a total length of about 9.5 meters and a maximum width of about 2.3 meters.

The boats are rowed by human power by boatmen. The boat is steered by the boatman, who twists a long pole called an oar slightly and moves it from side to side.

・Attraction of Japanese-style boats

The greatest attraction is being able to look up at the main keep from the perspective of a boat. You can see the powerful piled-up stone walls up close, find drainage ditch ruins and engravings on the stone walls that you would not normally notice, and make discoveries that can only be made on a boat.

If you are lucky, you may even see the city bird “Shirasagi,” which is the motif of the Egret Castle, another name for Himeji Castle.

Also, you will be lent a sugegasa* when you board the boat, so you can fully enjoy the feeling of a Japanese-style boat.

*Sugegasa… A hat used as a shade from the sun or rain when working in the fields or going out.

・There are three photo shooting points

Board from the Japanese-style boat pier near Sakuramon Bridge and depart on a 30-minute boat trip!

The first photo point is right below the Hyakken Gallery, which is associated with Sen Hime. The high stone walls and the white walls look good for photos!

The second photo point is Sakuramon Bridge. The second photo point is Sakuramon Bridge, where many tourists come and go to Himeji Castle, and you can capture the shadows on the water and the waves after the boats have passed by. The skill of the boatmen as they pass under the narrow bridge is also a highlight here.

The third photo point is in front of the red bridge over the zoo inside the castle. This area is a great vantage point from which to view the main keep. Bring your camera or smartphone and don’t miss your shutter chance!

・How to make reservations and board the boat

There is a boarding area (MAP) between Sakuramon-bashi Bridge and KOKO-EN on the way to Himeji Castle.

The reservations can be made on site from 9:00 on the day of the tour (no advance reservations by phone, etc.).

The boat ride takes about 30 minutes and is guided by a boatman. This tour guide is available in Japanese and English, so feel free to join!

Period of operation
March 20, 2024 (Wed., national holiday) – December 1, 2024 (Sun.), operated only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
*Operates everyday from March 20 to May 6

Boarding Fee
Adult: 1,500 yen
3 years old to elementary school students: 500 yen

*Free for children under 3 years old. However, there are conditions, so please contact for details.
*Children must be accompanied by a guardian when boarding.

Scheduled time of operation
(1)9:30 (2)10:10 (3)10:50 (4)11:30 (5)12:10 (6)12:50 (7)13:30 (8)14:10 (9)14:50 (10)15:30
*Only from March 20 to May 6, (11)16:10 and (12)16:50 are also available.

Time required
Approx. 30 min.

*The maximum number of passengers per cruise is 16.
*The boat may be cancelled due to time of year, poor weather conditions or water levels in the moat.
*Depending on the number of visitors, reception hours may be changed, flights may be increased or decreased, or extra flights may be operated.
*It is not possible to change the time or cancel a ticket after it has been purchased.

For the latest information, check the official website of the Himeji Clan Japanese Boat Culture Council.  More info>>