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.