1.San-no-maru Plaza in Himeji Castle

San-no-maru (Third Bailey) Plaza in Himeji Castle is a grassy plaza that opens right in front of you when you pass through the Ote-mon Gate (the Front Gate), the entrance to Himeji Castle. It is the most popular viewing spot for tourists, as the castle keep can be seen directly in front of it.

Another attraction is that you can see different views depending on the time of day you visit. You can see Himeji Castle dyed red by the setting sun, or lit up at night to see the gorgeous Himeji Castle. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom inside the castle, in fall, the leaves turn red, and in winter, Himeji Castle is beautiful with snowy scenery.

Inside the castle, visitors can see a maze of towers, gates, stone walls, and other features of Japanese castles, arranged around the castle tower.

2.Shiromidai Park

Shiromidai Park is located southeast of Himeji Castle. It is about a 5-minute walk from Himeji Castle. The park is also famous for its replica of the killer whale on the castle tower of Himeji Castle. The angle of the castle between the killer whales is perfect for a commemorative photo!

It is also one of the “Ten Scenic Views of Himeji Castle”. This park is well known to locals but not so well known to tourists. It is a large park, so you can spend your time at leisure.

3.Shirotopia Memorial Park

Shirotopia Memorial Park is located in the northern part of Himeji Castle. The park has an approximately 1.2 hectare grass plaza where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Himeji Castle and seasonal flowers and grasses. It is recommended for those who want to take their time and appreciate the beauty in a large park. Since it is located north of Himeji Castle, visitors can see Himeji Castle from behind. The view is different from that of Himeji Castle seen from the front.

The park is also famous for its buildings designed by world-famous architects. The “Senkantei,” a restroom and rest area, was designed by Kisho Kurokawa. The building cost a large sum of money, and was initially talked about as a “100-million-yen restroom”.

The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History was also designed by Kenzo Tange. Himeji Castle, reflected in the glass cube-shaped building, is also a highlight.

4.Otokoyama Haisuichi Park

Otokoyama Haisuichi Park is located on a hilltop about 60 meters northwest of Himeji Castle. It is a popular view spot and has been selected as one of the “Ten Views of Himeji Castle World Heritage Site”*.

*Ten Views of Himeji Castle World Heritage were selected by the citizens of Himeji to commemorate the registration of Himeji Castle as a World Heritage site in 1993.

The park is located after climbing 198 steps in front of Otokoyama Himesen Tenmangu Shrine. The main keep and three sub-temples of Himeji castle can be seen in front of the park.

You can see not only the castle but also the city of Himeji. On the way up the mountain, you can visit Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine and Otokoyama Senhime Tenmangu Shrine, and Mizuo Jinja Shrine at the foot of the mountain.

5.Himeji City Zoo

Himeji City Zoo is located inside Himeji Castle. The zoo was established in 1951 and has a long history.

Adult admission is 210 yen and children’s admission is only 30 yen*! You can easily drop by after sightseeing at Himeji Castle. It is a place of relaxation not only for children but also for tourists and citizens of Himeji.

*Admission fees will be changed from April 2024.

There are several places in the park where you can take beautiful pictures of Himeji Castle. In April, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, you can see a collaboration of Himeji Castle, the bridge, and the cherry blossoms.

If you proceed from the lawn in the center of the park toward the castle tower, you will find a viewpoint where you can see the “upside-down Himeji Castle” reflected on the water surface on a fine day. It is not well known, so you will be lucky if you can take a picture!

In the park, visitors can see about 90 species of animals, including giraffes, hippopotamuses, meerkats, and capybaras.

There is also a small amusement park, which attracts many families with children.

6.Himeji City Museum of Art

The Himeji City Museum of Art is located northeast of Himeji Castle. The brick building was constructed in 1905. The building is registered national tangible cultural properties.

The museum has three exhibition rooms where visitors can view swords and paintings from the Edo period and collections of modern and contemporary Japanese and European art. In the special exhibition rooms, four special exhibitions are held each year to introduce outstanding art from Japan and abroad from a variety of perspectives.

The Collection Gallery introduces the museum’s collection with a variety of themes, including an annual exhibition of swords from the collection. The museum is always open to the public free of charge, so be sure to visit.　More info >>

In the museum garden, 12 works by French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle are on display. From the garden, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the sculptures, Himeji Castle, and the Himeji City Museum of Art, a building that evokes the modern era of Japan. At night, the illuminated Himeji Castle and the museum offer a different view.

The museum store sells art goods, small Himeji leather goods, and works by local artists. At the café, visitors can take a break while enjoying “coffee” (420 yen), “soft ice cream” (330 yen), and “donuts” (150 yen).

7.Rooftop Observation Deck of Egret Himeji

Located in Otemae Park to the south of Himeji Castle, Egret Himeji is a complex facility that includes the International Exchange Center, which provides support and information for foreign residents in Japan, Aimesse Hall, which holds various events, and a variety of restaurants and other tenants.

The rooftop observation deck on the 5th floor is a rooftop observation deck with free admission. It offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Himeji Castle and the surrounding castle town. The unobstructed view makes it perfect for taking pictures! On a fine day, it is recommended to take out some bread or sweets from the shopping arcade and take a break while enjoying the spectacular view.

Don’t worry if the weather is bad. The building is entirely made of glass, so you can see Himeji Castle up close even on a rainy day. If you go up to the fourth floor, you can view the castle from the same perspective as Himeji Castle.

8.Rooftop Plaza of piole Himeji

Rooftop Plaza of piole Himeji is a shopping center directly connected to JR Himeji Station. From the north deck of the Rooftop Plaza of piole Himeji, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Otemae-dori Avenue and Himeji Castle. The view from 34 meters above ground is spectacular.

The plaza has a park-like atmosphere surrounded by plants, where you can take a break and relax.

From the south deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Shinkansen bullet train running through JR Himeji Station. Enjoy the view spread out before you while feeling the pleasant breeze.

Himeji Romance Assortment by Goso Monaka Honpo 1,339 yen (6 pieces)

At the Souvenir Hall, “piole omiyage-kan,” located on the south side of the central ticket gate of JR Himeji Station, you can eat Himeji’s famous gourmet foods such as “Eki-soba” and “Himeji Oden”. You can also buy souvenirs of Himeji’s specialties. We recommend the “Monaka,” a Himeji Castle-shaped monaka. The set includes a Himeji Castle-shaped monaka and a dorayaki (dorayaki cake) that is made in the image of Himeji Castle’s stonewalls, making it a perfect souvenir of Himeji.

Junmai Daiginjo “Aonomu” by Yaegaki 2,970 yen (720 ml)

Sake from a sake brewery in Himeji is also recommended. Junmai Daiginjo Aononashi” is a junmai daiginjo sake brewed with the sake rice brands Yamadanishiki and Gohyakumangoku. It is characterized by its gorgeous aroma and mild taste.

English, Chinese, and Thai souvenir leaflets are available, so feel free to enjoy shopping.

9.Castle View (Viewing Deck at Himeji Station Square)

Castle View, Viewing Deck at Himeji Station Square is located at the North Exit of JR Himeji Station.

Going up to the second floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view from “Otemae-dori” to Himeji Castle.

The observation deck is designed in the image of the gate of Himeji Castle and is made of cedar wood from Himeji City. At night, the floor is illuminated. It is inspired by the “bonfire” (an iron basket supported by three legs and lit by fire) that was set up in Japan in the olden days to guard the castle at night.

The design is intended to make Himeji Castle look like a single framed painting when viewed from behind the Castle View. It is recommended that you take your time to enjoy the view and take pictures since there are few people and it is not crowded.

In winter, the illumination is turned on, creating a fantastic sight.