1.Himeji Castle

No. 1 favorite among sightseers! Himeji sightseeing starts here!

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

In addition, eight buildings, including the main keep, have been designated as National Treasures, while 74 buildings are recognized as Important Cultural Properties. As one of Japan’s most remarkable wooden structures, it is well worth a visit.

Himeji Castle also preserves unique Japanese castle tower structures with ingenious defenses against enemy invasions. One of its highlights is its role as a military fortress, equipped with a wide range of specialized defensive devices.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom against the backdrop of the pure white Himeji Castle, a stunning sight not to be missed. A light-up event (tickets required) is held in San-no-maru Plaza from November to December. Additionally, Himeji Castle is illuminated with colored LED lights for 15 minutes at 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. every day, offering a stunning opportunity to admire its ever-changing facades and create lasting memories.

2.KOKO-EN

Home to nine different Japanese gardens where you can enjoy the atmospheres of the four seasons

Koko-en, a Japanese garden located southwest of Himeji Castle, is a popular sightseeing spot in Himeji ranking alongside Himeji Castle. Spanning approximately 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres), the vast grounds feature nine gardens with a path surrounding a central pond. You can enjoy the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snowscape in winter, evoking the essence of the Japanese spirit.

The roofed mud walls, gates, and covered connecting passageways—reminiscent of the Edo period—have also served as filming locations for the hit movie “Rurouni Kenshin” and various TV dramas.

At Restaurant Kassui-ken, you can enjoy elaborate Japanese dishes such as tempura, conger eel, and Wagyu beef. Why not enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine while gazing over the villa garden?

3.Himeji City Museum of Art

Admire the artworks while strolling through the red brick museum and the garden with sculptures

4.Himeji City Zoo

A zoo located on the grounds of Himeji Castle, a rarity in Japan

Himeji City Zoo is a rare zoo located on the grounds of Himeji Castle. Since its opening in 1951, the park has long been a beloved destination for visitors and Himeji residents alike, offering a chance to get up close to animals. The reasonable admission fees of 250 yen for adults and 50 yen for children are another secret of the park’s popularity.

The zoo is home to large animals like lions and hippopotamuses, as well as soothing creatures like capybaras and red pandas, whose presence brings comfort just by watching them. There is also a mini amusement park, making it a perfect destination to take young children.

5.JR Himeji Station / Himeji City Tourist Information Center

Get information on sightseeing in Himeji here! Even has a hidden spot in front with a view of Himeji Castle

JR Himeji Station is the main terminal station in Himeji City, served by three rail lines and the Shinkansen bullet train, making it a popular stop for many tourists.

Once you arrive at the station, you can get information at the Himeji City Tourist Information Center in the station building. You can find information on tourist attractions, public transportation connections, dining options, guided tours, and more, all in one place. For your peace of mind, services are also available in foreign languages.

The Castle View observation deck, located on the upper floor of the JR Himeji Station North Exit and open 24 hours a day, is a must-visit spot. From the deck, which exudes a traditional Japanese atmosphere, you can take in the view of the square in front of the station as well as Himeji Castle directly ahead.

There are also many other facilities around the station where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy gourmet food. We recommend stopping by the Souvenir Hall in Piole Himeji shopping center, which is directly connected to the station. There, you can purchase Himeji souvenirs and enjoy local specialties like Himeji Oden and Eki Soba, both of which originated in Himeji.

6.animate Himeji

Over 60,000 comic books and 30,000 anime merchandise items! One of the largest anime specialty stores in Himeji

animate Himeji—a 3-minute walk from the JR Himeji Station North Exit. Touted as one of the top destinations for overseas visitors, it offers one of the largest product lineups among the anime specialty stores in Himeji. The spacious store spans two floors, offering over 60,000 comic books and 30,000 anime merchandise items! animate Himeji offers a large selection of character merchandise, figurines, trading cards, shokugan toys, anikuji raffles, games, CDs, Blu-rays, DVDs, and more.

It also provides loads of items like clear file holders, can badges, stationery, and key chains. The product lineup is perfect for souvenirs and meets the demands of hardcore fans from overseas. Another reason for its popularity among overseas visitors is its exclusive selection of rare and valuable items available only in Japan, including VTuber character merchandise and special fairs offering exclusive deals only at animate Himeji.

7.Gachagacha no mori Himeji Store

What’s inside? Capsule toy machine specialty store with over 672 machines

Gachagacha no mori Himeji Store is located just a 5-minute walk from JR Himeji Station! Situated along Omizo-suji shopping street, the store is filled with rows of more than 672 capsule toy machines. When you turn the rotating lever, a capsule containing a small toy will drop out. What will you get in the little capsule? It fills you with the excitement of not knowing what is inside until you open it.

The capsule toy machines offer a huge variety of popular anime figures, miscellaneous accessories, and miniature toys. The popular Premium Capsules contain elaborate plastic models of anime figures and robots, which are ready to have fun with simply by putting the parts together. The miniature toys representing traditional Japanese culture, like sushi and daruma dolls, make great souvenirs.

8.Himeji City Aquarium

Close-up experiences with live animals! Popular with children from Himeji

Himeji City Aquarium is located in Tegarayama Central Park. The aquarium’s special appeal lies in the opportunity to observe and interact closely with creatures native to the Himeji area.

Highlights include feeding sessions for the penguins and tortoises, a tank featuring “skin care fish” (Garra rufa), also known as “doctor fish,” and exciting experiences that allow you to engage with the animals, not just watch them.

At the “Touch Pool,” the first of its kind in Japan, you can get up close with live stingrays and sharks, touching them with your bare hands. It’s an experience sure to captivate children, offering thrills for the whole family!

9.Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History

Designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange! Learn about the festivals and culture of Hyogo Prefecture

Learn about the history and culture of Hyogo Prefecture at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History, located just to the northeast of Himeji Castle. In addition to historical materials and exhibits related to Himeji Castle, the museum also showcases Hyogo’s festivals, including the Kenka Festival in Shirahama, Himeji, and the Mitsuyama Grand Festival, held once every 20 years, through historical artifacts, models, and videos.

Overseas visitors are accommodated with English audio guides for the castle-tower-related exhibits, and the permanent exhibits also provide explanations in English. The museum offers a variety of fun AR (Augmented Reality) experiences, such as virtually wearing the ceremonial 12-layer kimono of a court lady or armor. It also provides the chance to have your photo taken while riding a Kiso horse.

It is also famous for being designed by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. The view of Himeji Castle reflected on the entire glass side of the museum is a unique privilege available only to visitors in this part of Himeji.

10.Nadagiku Sake Brewery

Free tours of the wooden sake cellars available at a long-established sake brewery founded in 1910

Nadagiku Shuzo (Nadagiku Sake Brewery), a long-established sake brewery founded in 1910, is located a 5-minute drive from JR Himeji Station or a 5-minute walk from Tegara Station (Sanyo Electric Railway). The brewery continues to make sake following the traditional handmade methods handed down since its founding.

Seven wooden sake cellars, still in use since the brewery’s founding, are available for visitors to explore free of charge. Inside, panels explain the present-day sake brewing process, offering insights into how the sake is crafted with meticulous care.

You can enjoy sake tastings at the direct sales counter, and at the restaurant Maegura, you can savor both the brewery’s sake and specialty dishes. The specialty dish, Ganso Watagashi Gyunabe, is a unique sukiyaki dish that uses Japanese cotton candy in place of sugar. Try special cuisine available only here, along with the sake.

11.Shoshazan Engyoji Temple

1,000-year-old mountain-top temple

Shoshazan Engyoji Temple is located on top of Mt. Shosha, a 371-meter-high mountain in Himeji. Popular among overseas visitors, this temple is a must-visit sightseeing spot when in Himeji.

The temple boasts a history of over 1,000 years. Within its grounds, you’ll find historical buildings designated as National Important Cultural Properties, including the Maniden Temple Hall and the Daikodo (Large Lecture Hall), both of which you can visit as you stroll around the temple grounds.

Surrounded by centuries-old trees, moss, and rocks, it is renowned as a place imbued with mystical energy, where the sacredness of the air can be felt throughout your whole body. The temple draws many visitors, especially in autumn, when the entire mountain is covered in red, and the stunning autumn leaves create a breathtaking sight.

Try the Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, sutra copying, red seal stamping, and more (advance reservations are required). Why not visit and learn about the spirit of Zen?

12.Taiyo Park

A sightseeing spot that feels like you’re traveling the world while you’re in Japan!

Taiyo Park (Sun Park) is a theme park located in an area of Himeji in natural surroundings. The park has numerous structures and buildings that recreate famous tourist attractions from around the world, giving you the feeling as though you’re traveling the world, even though you’re in Japan.

The secret to its popularity lies in its many picturesque spots, perfect for taking great photos. You can also rent ethnic costumes from around the world, so why not capture a souvenir photo while wearing an appealing outfit?

13.Shiota Hot Spring Village

30 minutes by bus from Himeji Station! Wash away travel fatigue in an open-air bath while gazing at the stars!

Shiota Hot Spring Village is a hot spring resort nestled in the natural landscape along the Yumesaki River, located about 30 minutes by bus from Himeji Station. A great place for an enjoyable day trip or a relaxing extended stay, perfect for unwinding and washing away the weariness after a day of sightseeing and fun.

One of the most popular Japanese inns, Yumenoi offers stunning views of the mountainside village during the day and starry skies at night, all while enjoying a soak in the open-air bath. The inn features bathtubs made of the same material as the tiles of Himeji Castle, with a design resembling its castle walls. Yumenoi offers a range of hot baths, including a jet bath, jacuzzi, and carbonated bath, making it a great place to relax to your heart’s content.

Spend a relaxing time with views from your guestroom of the tranquil countryside and the clear waters of the Yumesaki River. Both Western-style rooms and Japanese-style rooms, infused with the scent of rush grass from the tatami mats, are available. If you select a room with its own hot spring bath, you can enjoy soaking to your heart’s content in a more private space.

14.Yamasa Kamaboko

Free observation of the kamaboko and chikuwa production

Yamasa Kamaboko makes and sells fish cake products such as kamaboko, an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. With an unwavering commitment to quality, from raw materials to production, Yamasa ensures a consistently delicious flavor in every batch.

The factory is partially open to the public, allowing visitors to observe the production of kamaboko, chikuwa, and other products free of charge. Japanese fish cake products are attracting attention overseas for their high protein and low fat content. Knowing how they’re made should double the deliciousness!　More info (Japanese only) >> 

Opposite the factory is Yumesenkan, a souvenir shop selling fish cake products as well as a popular gourmet item, the Jokamachi Dog (kamaboko hot dog on a stick) (200 yen). Inside is cheese kamaboko with an appealing mild sweetness. With its crispy exterior and fluffy interior, its texture is said to be irresistibly addictive once you try it.

15.Himeji Central Park

A popular theme park in Himeji where you can enjoy a safari, a swimming pool, an amusement park, and ice skating!

Himeji Central Park is a popular theme park attracting visitors from across the Kansai Region. It offers a variety of attractions, including ice skating, one of the largest resort pools in Western Japan, a safari park-style zoo, and an amusement park. Just a 30-minute direct bus ride from Himeji Station, the park offers excellent accessibility.

The safari area is home to 1,200 carnivores and herbivores from about 190 species in near-natural conditions. Two major highlights are the rare white lions, with only about 300 in existence worldwide, and the white tigers, of which only about 20 are kept in Japan.

The amusement park area features a massive roller coaster that boasts the largest vertical loop in Japan and is packed with more than enough attractions for a whole day.

16.Japan Toy Museum

Nearly 90,000 vintage toys from 160 countries on display

The Japan Toy Museum holds a collection of about 90,000 toys and dolls from 160 countries around the world. It displays valuable toys from the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras.

Also on display are vintage toys, including tinplate toys manufactured from the late Meiji era (1868-1912), celluloid toys from the Taisho era (1912-1926), and tinplate robots from the 1950s to 1960s. There is also a play area where visitors of all ages, from children to adults, can enjoy hands-on fun with the toys.　Click here for English brochure >>

17.Ieshima Islands

30 minutes from Himeji Port by passenger boat! Enjoy marine sports and fresh local seafood

The Ieshima Islands consist of 44 small and large islands in the Harima Sea. Easily accessible in just 30 minutes by passenger boat from Himeji Port, they are a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy fishing, marine sports, and more.

When visiting the Ieshima Islands, be sure to try dishes featuring freshly caught fish of the day. Ieshima blue crab and Bozejima mackerel, which are in season from late fall to winter, are especially exquisite. Be sure to try the island cuisine, found only on these islands.

18.JF Boze Himeji Maedore Market

Exceptional freshness! The restaurant operated by the fishing cooperative

Mega Fishing Port boasts one of the largest seafood catches in Hyogo Prefecture. JF Boze Himeji Maedore Market, a fishery cooperative’s direct sales outlet, offers fish of the most outstanding freshness and seafood dishes you can try on the spot. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the fishing port as you just stroll around.

The restaurant serves brand-name fish dishes you can only get here, like Boze Saba (mackerel), Hanahime Sawara (Spanish mackerel), and Shirasagi Hamo (conger eel). In winter, you can also enjoy seasonal delicacies like Boze Kani (crab) and oysters.

Additionally, the market sells souvenirs such as seaweed and karasumi (dried mullet roe), so be sure to stop by.

*The ticket vending machine accepts cash as well as credit card and QR payment.