Best of Himeji by TANOSU

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Apr 15, 2024 248 views

What are you doing in Himeji?｜Street interviews with 13 groups of foreign tourists traveling in Himeji!

In fiscal year 2023, Himeji Castle boasted a record number of about 450,000 foreign visitors, and is expected to be even more lively for the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025. What was most interesting during our street interviews was how multinational the visitors were, coming from Europe, South America, North America, and Asia. Himeji is truly a world city that attracts the attention of people from all over the world. So, let’s ask the question, “What are they doing in Himeji?

INDEX

・Peterson Family From ALASKA

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To visit Himeji Castle

■What other places did you visit?

We visited Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo. Nara was full of deer and looked like Alaska. We saw various historical sites, especially the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which was wonderful.

■What has impressed you most since you came to Japan?

In our country, you can see bears on the road, deer in the school yard, and other wildlife in various aspects of daily life. The great nature is certainly the charm of our country, but I would say that it is the only thing that makes it so appealing. I envy you for your good transportation system and restaurants. I especially love the convenience stores where I can easily get food!

Editor’s Comment

The Peterson family showed us photos of bears, deer, and moose. Alaska, far from Japan, is full of wilderness that Japanese people have never experienced. Likewise, their trip to Japan was full of new experiences for them, and they seemed to be having a lot of fun.

・Sophie, Sam, Ashleigh, Jared From NEW ZEALAND

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To visit Himeji Castle

■What other places did you visit?

I was learning about Japan at school, and when I heard about Himeji Castle, I thought I must come here. I have already visited quite a few others, including Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, Koyasan, and Nagoya. Japan is wonderful as a tourist destination. Unlike my own country, it is neither noisy nor hurried, but is quiet and comfortable despite the large number of people. Just looking at castles and historical buildings gives me a sense of romance.

■What has impressed you most since you came to Japan?

Japanese people are all polite and kind. The clean streets and lack of litter may reflect such character.

Editor’s Comment

The four members are good friends who love Japan and some of them are studying Japanese at school. They have always liked history, including castles, and were particularly impressed by Himeji Castle. The history of Himeji Castle attracts attention even from overseas, and the citizens of Himeji are very proud of it.

・Kate From POLAND

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To visit Himeji Castle at night

■What other places did you visit?

I came to Himeji at night because I wanted to see Himeji Castle light up. I’m now on my way to Himeji Castle. I hope to enjoy the atmosphere of Otemae-dori Street on the way to Himeji Castle.

■What has impressed you most since you came to Japan?

I am still amazed at the buildings. Tall buildings and the transportation network give me the impression that Japanese industry is well developed. I am also attracted by the fact that Japan has a different charm from that of Europe. I like Japanese rice dishes, sashimi, and ramen. I am also surprised by the wide variety of Japanese cosmetics.My daughter wants some Japanese cosmetics, so I’m going to buy some for her.

Editor’s Comment

We were surprised that some tourists dare to come to see Himeji Castle at night!  We parted after advising her to try “Himeji tanmen”, as she was a ramen lover.

2 Ramen Shops Originated in Himeji｜Tonkotsu (pork bone), Shio (salt) and Miso Tammen with ginger and soy sauce!

・Patricia, Francors From BELGIUM

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To see Himeji Castle and the Koko-en Garden

■What other places did you visit?

Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site, is majestic and wonderful to see in person. Also, Japanese gardens are really beautiful. I was glad to have come to Japan to walk around the Koko-en Garden.

■What has impressed you most since you came to Japan?

First, I think it is a very clean country. I was surprised at the lack of garbage. I was also impressed by kindness and politeness of the people.

Editor’s Comment

Many tourists visit both Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden at the same time. Especially in Koko-en Garden, various flowers and plants delight our eyes throughout the year, so you will never get bored no matter when you are there. It is truly a great place as you can enjoy the historical atomosphere and the beautiful four seasons as well.

KOKO-EN – Japanese Garden next to Himeji Castle｜Enjoy the seasonal beauty of nine gardens

・Kulbusant, Sunita From ENGLAND

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To see Himeji Castle and the Koko-en Garden

■What has impressed you most since you came to Japan?

All the places I have visited all over Japan! Especially the historical buildings are truly amazing. Actually I came to Japan to participate in the Tokyo Marathon, and I am constantly impressed by the sights I see everywhere I go in Japan.

Editor’s Comment

There were some tourists enjoying sightseeing while running the Tokyo Marathon. This woman said that by participating in the Tokyo Marathon, she had earned the Six Star Finisher medal, which is given to runners who have completed all six world marathons. It is wonderful to be able to travel abroad and enjoy a hobby at the same time. I was again impressed by Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden, which made her visit after finishing such a big job.

・Joshua From AMERICA

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To visit Japan on a business trip, this is my third time

■What souvenirs have you got this time?

I was looking for a sweet potato using Naruto Kintoki at the souvenir shop in Piole Himeji, and “Sen Hime Sweet Potato” was recommended by chance. I was satisfied to have obtained the product I wanted.

■What has impressed you most since you came to Japan?

Every time I come here, I just think that every place is beautiful and the people are all friendly. Also, the food is delicious. Sushi from Tsukiji, beef from Kobe, etc. In Himeji, I tried Japanese-Korean food and such a fusion cuisine is also good. I also appreciate that there are places where you can have a drink in the daytime. Japan is truly a wonderful country when it comes to food.

Editor’s Comment

In recent years, the U.S. has seen an increase in not only pizza and hamburgers, but also international cuisine, so perhaps American people are coming to Japan to enjoy a variety of cuisines.

・Jun-Lin, Peining From TAIWAN

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To visit Himeji Castle

■What souvenirs do you want to get this time?

What I am looking for on this trip is handkerchiefs with a Japanese pattern. I am looking for patterns that symbolize Japanese culture like Mt. Fuji, as well as floral designs like cherry blossoms and wisteria. I want to buy a lot of them for my collection!

Editor’s Comment

They had just arrived in Himeji. Since they do not speak English, we had to use a translation app, but the conversation went smoothly. I was surprised at the performance of the latest translation apps.

・Claudio, Claudia From ARGENTINA

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To visit Himeji Castle

■What other places did you visit?

I came to Japan to participate in the Tokyo Marathon. While there, I am sightseeing in various parts of Japan.

■What souvenirs do you want to get this time?

I went shopping at Piole Himeji in my spare time between train transfers. At Snoopy Town Shop Piole, I bought my favorite Snoopy doll as a souvenir.

Editor’s Comment

Do you know that Snoopy and Himeji Castle have collaborated on limited edition goods at the Snoopy Town Shop Piole Himeji Store? The adorable illustrations show that Snoopy and his friends enjoy walking around Himeji Castle while looking at a map and occupying the castle tower, and you can find them in eco-bags, key chains, notepads, candy canes, and more. These limited edition products are so attractive that even non-tourists will want them.

・Danny, Leonor, Noel, Sara From SPAIN

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To visit Himeji Castle, enjoy shopping

■What souvenirs do you want to get this time?

As a reminder of our trip, we all bought “Princess Mononoke can badges “to see what’s inside when opened. Everyone got a different design, but Noel won the same design as he had had. Can you guess how many Mononoke badges he has on his backpack? He likes Princess Mononoke that much.

■What has impressed you most since you came to Japan?

We are very familiar with Japanese anime because it is broadcast on TV in Spain. We especially like Ghibli movies, especially “Princess Mononoke” and “Laputa”, in particular. In Japan, we are happy to find anime goods at Kiddy Land Piole Himeji and many other places. We are thinking of having a cup of green tea at Nana’s Green Tea while looking at today’s loot.

Editor’s Comment

They were very happy when I introduced Animate to them. I could see that Japanese anime culture is loved all over the world. They have enjoyed “can badges gacha” together, thrilled at what each of them will find inside. What an advanced traveler’s experience it is!

animate Himeji – One of the largest anime specialty store in Himeji!｜Selling comics and anime goods

・Cooper Family From CANADA

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To visit Himeji Castle, enjoy shopping

■What do you want as a souvenir this time?

I am interested in Shiseido and other Japanese cosmetics, so I would like to buy some to take home. Uniqlo and Muji are also famous brands in Canada, so I will check them out as well. After window shopping, I am planning to go to a revolving sushi restaurant for lunch.

Editor’s Comment

Japanese cosmetics and fashion seem to attract many foreign tourists. Just in front of Himeji Station, there are many huge shopping malls, so it is a great place to enjoy shopping after sightseeing at Himeji Castle.

・Calvin From HONG KONG

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To sightsee Himeji Castle and the castle town

■What other places did you visit?

I visited Kyoto. The historical spots like Himeji and Kyoto are beautiful. After visiting Himeji Castle, I move on and go see the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge. I hear it is beautiful at sunset time.

■What has impressed you most since you came to Japan?

For dinner today, I am going to Wagyu Charcoal Grill “Ohashi”, which is walking distance from Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge. You can eat Hida beef in BBQ style and the price is reasonable. Like sushi, it is nice to be able to eat good food at a reasonable price.

Editor’s Comment

There were several people who were touring Himeji Castle and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge together. I am surprised that the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge has become a tourist attraction. It is one of the world’s largest suspension bridges, which may be why it is attracting so much attention.

・Junyoung,Yeongbi From KOREA

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To sightsee Himeji Castle and the Koko-en Garden

■What has impressed you most since you came to Japan?

I wanted to catch a glimpse of Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site. It is really beautiful. After this, I plan to go to the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, and then to eat seafood such as sashimi and sushi from Akashi. What is the most impressive is that the people are friendly. And they are polite. When you get on a bus, go to a store, or anywhere else, they greet you with ” Irasshaimase! ” It is wonderful to be greeted by someone, which makes us happy.

Editor’s Comment

They answered that the Japanese people’s personalities are wonderful. The cheerful greeting, “Irasshaimase! ” is part of the Japanese culture to those who come from overseas. Another new discovery was going to eat sashimi in Akashi! It seems that Akashi’s delicious seafood is well known outside of Japan.

・Cali From Brazil, Ryan From Scotland

■What are you doing in Himeji?

To sightsee Himeji Castle and the Koko-en Garden

■What other places did you visit?

The projection mapping at Piole Himeji is also beautiful and We took pictures of it with my camera. We are going to have sushi in Himeji for dinner. We love sushi very much.

■What has impressed you most since you came to Japan?

An organized machine. The transportation network and all of the mechanical systems are so developed that it was amazing to see them in person. In our country, where the machines are also well developed, they often break down, and I was much impressed by how well everything is managed and how few breakdowns there are. Besides, the people are very kind and help us without saying anything. It is really wonderful.

Editor’s Comment

The two gave us a unique answer to the question of what had impressed you most about Japanese culture: organized machines. It shows that what we take for granted is not always the case for people from other countries. After the interview, they decided to go out for sushi, and we recommended a conveyor belt sushi restaurant “Rikimaru” to them. Seeing the two of them enjoying their sushi, we felt the urge to eat it too, and decided to have “Rikimaru” for dinner that night.

4 Popular Sushi Restaurants in Himeji｜Standing-up-eating sushi, sushi-train, rich sushi dinner, etc

This article is current as of Apr 2, 2024. It may differ from the latest information.

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