・Himeji Castle is the best cherry blossom spots in Himeji!

Himeji Castle is a famous sightseeing spot in Himeji. It is visited by many tourists throughout the year. The most popular time of the year is when the cherry blossoms bloom, from late March to early April. The cherry blossoms of Himeji Castle, selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Sites in Japan,” are well worth seeing.

In Japan, “hanami” is the Japanese term for viewing cherry blossoms and enjoying the arrival of spring. One way to enjoy hanami is to lay out a rug under the cherry blossoms, eat a box lunch, and drink sake. There is even a saying that goes “hana yori dango(dumplings are better than flowers),” referring to the fact that while viewing cherry blossoms, one’s attention is drawn to dumplings and other sweet foods.

Usually from late March to early April, San-no-Maru Plaza, a classic hanami spot spread out in front of Himeji Castle, is opened to the public.

*The opening date of the plaza in 2025 has not yet been determined. Please check the official website of Himeji Castle for the latest information.　More info >>

Sanyo Department Store and Piore Himeji are scattered around Himeji Station, so it is a good idea to buy a boxed lunch or prepared foods and enjoy hanami in the Japanese style. Feel the Japanese spring under the cherry blossoms while basking in the mild sunlight.

You can also enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in the paid area if you purchase a castle entrance ticket. In particular, the Nishi-no-maru Garden is a popular viewing spot where you can enjoy the most beautiful ratio of cherry blossoms and Himeji Castle.

Many of the photos of Himeji Castle featured in tourist magazines and other publications are taken in the Nishi-no-maru Garden, which is one of the best spots to view cherry blossoms and Himeji Castle in the most beautiful ratio.

・When can we see the cherry blossoms of Himeji Castle?

Cherry blossoms in Himeji usually bloom in late March, are in half bloom 3 to 4 days later, and are in full bloom 5 to 6 days after blooming. We recommend that you check the blooming forecast issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency every year well in advance before you go.

The bloom forecast for Himeji Castle in 2025 is March 26, with full bloom on April 2, and a cherry blossom blizzard on April 9.

*From Weather News

・Spring Events at Himeji Castle in 2025

Cherry blossoms viewing in the soft spring sunlight is wonderful, but at night, the night cherry blossoms have a different flavor from daytime viewing. Every year, Himeji Castle holds the “Himeji Castle Night Cherry Blossom Festival,” an event in which the cherry blossoms are lit up at night.

The highlight of the event is a light performance in accordance with the theme. In the past, a beautiful production expressing the four seasons of Japan and the history of Himeji through projection mapping attracted much attention.

*Pay the ticket fee at the entrance of Himeji Castle on the day of entry.

・Types of cherry trees of Himeji Castle

It is said that there are more than 100 varieties of cherry trees growing wild in Japan, including varieties of cherry trees.

Around Himeji Castle, you can see various types of cherry trees such as Someiyoshino, Yama-zakura, Shidare-zakura, Yae-zakura, and Jugatsu-zakura. Someiyoshino cherry trees are particularly abundant in the area, and the sight of their pale red buds turning white as they continue to bloom is a sight to behold.

The cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Himeji Castle are photogenic and very popular with Japanese and foreign tourists alike.

・Points to keep in mind when viewing cherry blossoms

There are several points below to keep in mind when viewing cherry blossoms in and around Himeji Castle. We have compiled a list of them to keep in mind. Please observe good manners and enjoy hanami in a pleasant atmosphere.

・Smoking is prohibited in the designated smoking areas.
・There are no trash cans, so please take your trash with you.
・No monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, etc. are allowed depending on how crowded the area is.
・No eating or drinking inside the castle. Please eat your boxed lunch at San-no-maru Plaza or on the hill on the west side of San-no-maru Plaza.
・Drones are prohibited over Himeji Castle and in the vicinity of Himeji Castle.

The cherry blossoms and Himeji Castle, a World Cultural Heritage and National Treasure, can be enjoyed together for only two weeks or less during the year. 2 weeks is said to be one of the reasons why Japanese people are attracted to cherry blossoms, because of their fleeting life.

During this precious time of the year, you should definitely visit Himeji Castle, where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms both during the day and at night. The contrast between the beautiful white Himeji Castle and the cherry blossoms is a sight to behold.

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