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.