1.Himeji Castle

An absolute must-see spot in Himeji!

Kick off your Himeji adventure with a trip to its most famous attraction: Himeji Castle. With its brilliant white exterior and soaring design, it has earned the nickname “White Heron Castle” and is cherished by locals.

Himeji Castle is the largest of the 12 remaining castle towers built before or during the Edo period (1603-1867). It was famously registered as Japan’s first World Heritage Site in 1993 thanks to its exceptionally well-preserved architecture, including its group of towers, turrets, gates, earthen walls, stone walls, and moats.

Eight of the castle’s buildings, including its main keep, are designated as national treasures, while 74 are recognized as important cultural properties. It is also a must-visit destination, showcasing some of the finest examples of Japanese wooden construction techniques.

Be sure to collect your gojoin (commemorative castle stamp) when you visit. The Himeji Castle stamp features designs from the Ikeda Clan, historically distinguished rulers of the castle, and is a popular souvenir among visitors.

At the center is a swallowtail butterfly design, derived from the family crest of the Ikeda Clan, who constructed the connected tower complex. The crest was discovered on roof tiles unearthed from the Bizenmaru Bailey.

You can also buy special stamp books with the Himeji Castle design to collect castle stamps and other commemorative stamps. *The available designs change depending on the season.

2.KOKO-EN

Experience traditional Japanese beauty in the elegant space with its seamlessly integrated gardens and structures

KOKO-EN was built on the former site of the Himeji Castle West Palace. This expansive garden covers around 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres) and consists of nine gardens, each with its own distinctive character. Visitors can immerse themselves in changing seasonal beauty throughout the year, from spring cherry blossoms and lush greenery of early summer to vibrant autumn foliage and pristine winter snows.

The largest of these is the Garden of the Lord’s Residence, a strolling garden centered around a large pond. This pond is uniquely shaped to resemble the Seto Inland Sea and is filled with brilliantly colored carp that swim gracefully through the water. KOKO-EN is full of gorgeous views that showcase the harmony between traditional Japanese architecture and gardenscapes, including the Tea Ceremony Garden surrounding the authentic sukiya-style Sojuan teahouse.

The garden also hosts seasonal illumination events with extended hours during the cherry blossom viewing season and the autumn leaves “Momijie” festival. The roofed corridor, with its striking central curves, offers countless photo opportunities. When autumn leaves are at their peak, over two hundred Japanese maples transform the garden into a sea of red, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

The Japanese-style restaurant in the garden offers a limited-time menu during the events, so be sure to check it out before your visit.

3.Himeji City Museum of Art

Featuring a diverse collection of modern, contemporary, and digital art from around the world

The Himeji City Museum of Art is located northeast of Himeji Castle. Housed in a distinctive brick building originally constructed in 1905 as a warehouse for the Imperial Japanese Army, it was converted into a museum in 1983 and registered as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2003.

The lawn in front of the museum features several sculptures that visitors can admire while strolling across the grounds. Sightseers can also enjoy the striking contrast between Himeji Castle and the museum’s Western red-brick architecture, making it a popular viewing spot. The surrounding area is lit up at night, giving it a completely different look than during the day.

The Kunitomi Keizo Collection Room displays around thirty works donated from his collection, featuring modern French paintings ranging from the realism of Corot and Courbet to impressionist masterpieces by Monet and Pissarro.

The museum supports the All Himeji Arts and Life Project, which aims to promote the myriad charms of Himeji from fresh perspectives both within Japan and around the world. The project consists of five core artists, each of whom is a pioneer in their respective fields. Among them are Katsuhiko Hibino (cutting-edge artistic expression and art projects), teamLab (digital art), and Kengo Kuma (architecture and urban design).

4.Himeji City Museum of Literature

Experience the literature of the Harima region in a space designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando

The Himeji City Museum of Literature, located just a 15-minute walk northwest of Himeji Castle, is dedicated to the great authors and scholars of Himeji and the Harima region. The museum hosts exhibitions, related events, educational opportunities, and various other happenings throughout the year.

There is plenty to explore among the museum’s permanent exhibits. First is the Gallery to Trace the History of Himeji Castle, where the stories and historical events associated with Mt. Himeyama, the location of Himeji Castle, are told in a dramatized way.

The Forest of Words Gallery offers a glimpse into the charming works of local historical authors through their words, while the Shiba Ryotaro Memorial Room showcases precious materials from the author, who has a deep connection to Himeji, using graphical presentations. There is even a Kids’ Room filled with engaging picture books for families to enjoy.

The museum building itself, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, is also a must-see. A cafe on the first floor of the South Wing invites visitors to unwind while taking a day to immerse themselves in the world of literature.

5.Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History

Take your Himeji trip to the next level! Experience the history of Hyogo through artifacts, models, and images

The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History opened in 1983, with the basic design created by the late Kenzo Tange. Thoughtful details connect the space to Himeji Castle at every turn, culminating in a glass frontage that reflects the image of the keep itself.

The museum is located northeast of Himeji Castle and can be reached by bus or on foot from Himeji Station. Visitors can also walk there directly from the castle by taking a 10-minute stroll from Sannomaru Square.    More info >>

The first-floor exhibitions are free of charge and include the East Main Pillar of the main keep of Himeji Castle, the shachigawara roof ornaments that served as models during the large-scale Showa-era renovations, and a theater where visitors can watch rare footage of those efforts.

Paying visitors gain access to the second floor, which features exhibits on the history of the five provinces that would eventually become modern Hyogo Prefecture, as well as the History of Japanese Children exhibit, which traces children’s culture from the Edo period to the present day. The highlight of this exhibit is the Irie Collection, an extensive compilation of over 11,000 artifacts related to children’s cultural history.

Learning more about Himeji Castle and Hyogo before visiting the World Heritage site is sure to enrich your experience of the world-famous castle. Special exhibitions are held year-round as well. Check the official museum website for details.

6.Nozato District

Travel back in time with nostalgic streetscapes featuring machiya townhomes built over a century ago

The Nozato district was once a bustling transportation hub linking the Sanyodo Road to the Tajima Road to the north. It remains a nostalgic piece of local history, featuring numerous machiya townhomes built more than a hundred years ago. As you stroll through the area, you’ll discover the distinctive Nokogiri Yokocho, or sawtooth alleys, named for their jagged boundaries between homes and narrow streets. They are said to have been built for defensive purposes, such as concealing and ambushing enemies.

The Nozato district stretches 1.7 kilometers north-south, and is located just a five-minute walk east of Himeji Castle. The Nozato Morning Market takes place every third Sunday between 7:00 and 9:00 A.M., featuring food, beverages, and works by local artists. There are many other events in the area as well. For example, the week around March 8, known as Machiya Day, is also celebrated as “Machiya Day Week!”.

Many of the machiya have been carefully preserved for generations and transformed into restaurants, attracting visitors seeking one-of-a-kind dining experiences. Some of the most popular spots include Baku, known for its handmade udon noodles; Kokuraya, a cafe in a traditional-style house; and Well Fair Kitchen Roti, popular for its Japanese-style lunches, which feature a soup and two sides. Some of these well-known spots draw long lines of foodies in search of the perfect meal.

Step into the Nozato Kaido district and immerse yourself in nostalgic Edo-period charm. There is so much to discover in Himeji’s old streets, from a perfect stroll to gourmet delights. Take a moment to feel the heartbeat of history in this ancient castle town.   More info >>

7.Zaimokumachi

Experience the heart of Himeji’s castle town, complete with delightful restaurants and accommodations

Zaimokumachi, or “Lumber Town,” flourished along the approach to Himeji Castle and still bears a strong resemblance to its former “castle town” days. It’s about a 20-minute walk north from JR and Sanyo Railway Himeji Stations, inviting visitors to enjoy the charming, nostalgic castle town scenery while exploring the areas around Himeji Castle and Himeji Station.

Charming historical details, such as lattice windows that block views from the street and vertical mushikomado windows resembling insect cages, can be seen alongside old-fashioned signs and shops, revealing traces of the shop owners and craftsmen who once worked in this area

Other highlights of Zaimokumachi include the restaurants and accommodations scattered throughout the area. Stately gated townhouses and enchanting walls of brilliant white remain pristine despite being over a century old, standing gracefully amid the lush natural beauty of surrounding trees and rivers. Signature shop curtains hang throughout the district, welcoming passersby.

Unique establishments can be found at every turn, such as Bread, Espresso & Himeji Castle cafe, the old folk house inn Mokuyado, and Omakase Dining Koriki, offering views of the main keep of Himeji Castle. The narrow, one-way alley creates a captivating townscape that compels photo after photo to capture its charm.

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