1.Himeji Castle

Best time to visit: Late November to early December

Himeji Castle is beautiful in each of the four seasons, but as autumn approaches, the trees surrounding the castle turn brilliant colors. Bright red maple trees and golden ginkgo trees enhance the beauty of the pure white castle walls, making the scene look like a painting.

During the day, the autumn leaves sparkle in the sunlight, gently illuminating the castle tower. At dusk, the orange light envelops the castle and the autumn leaves, filling the area with a serene atmosphere of tranquility.

※Last entry to Himeji Castle (paid area) is at 4:00 p.m.

From November 22 (Sat) to December 11 (Thu), the “DANDELION PROJECT Himeji Castle x NAKED, INC.” lighting event will be held.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, and the “DANDELION PROJECT,” a participatory art experience, will illuminate the site with a series of atmospheric light productions.

Projection mapping will be displayed across the lawn and stone walls, while the rows of cherry trees will be beautifully lit, all centered around “DANDELION,” the symbol of “prayer.” Lighting hours are from 5:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. (last admission 9:00 p.m.).

When you blow on the dandelion art object in the San-no-maru Plaza, the lights of the trees lining the San-no-maru Plaza within Himeji Castle will shimmer and light will spread.

The installation allows visitors to feel the cycle of life as the trees glow as if they are breathing. The fantastic collaboration of light and trees in autumn leaves transforms Himeji Castle into an even more special place on an autumn night.

During the limited event period, a “Wagasa Cafe Lounge” will also open in Sannomaru Plaza. Visitors can relax under traditional Japanese umbrellas while enjoying food and drinks from the “Castle Dining” (open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) and taking in the special nighttime view of Himeji Castle, beautifully enhanced with lighting and artistic installations.

Be sure to check out the event-exclusive Gojōin (700 yen each) as well. Designed with a holographic motif inspired by “DANDELION” and printed with glow-in-the-dark ink, it offers two different visual expressions—one in the light and another in the dark. It makes a memorable keepsake or souvenir of your visit.

■Inquiries regarding “DANDELION PROJECT Himeji Castle x NAKED, INC.”
HIMEJI CONVENTION ＆ VISITORS BUREAU (Public Interest Incorporated Association)
TEL: 079-280-8883

Mar. 20 – Dec. 7, 2025｜Cruise the inner moat of Himeji Castle on a Japanese-style boat!

2.KOKO-EN

Best time to visit: Late November to early December

KOKO-EN is a Japanese garden with Himeji Castle in the background. The garden is composed of nine gardens, including the “Oyashiki no Niwa” (garden of the imperial villa), which wraps around a pond, and the “Cha no Niwa” (garden of tea ceremony), which can be viewed from a tea ceremony room in a genuine sukiya-style building, creating an atmosphere of Edo period.

From November 21 (Fri.) to December 7 (Sun.), 2025, “Momijie” (autumn foliage viewing) will be held. Normally the park closes at 5:00 p.m., but during this period, it will be lit up at dusk and visitors can enjoy a different view from the daytime until 8:00 p.m. (Last admission is 7:30 p.m.)

At Kassui-ken, a restaurant on the premises, you can enjoy a meal or a coffee while viewing the garden dyed in autumn leaves.

Among them, the “Japanese Beef Grilled on a Hot Plate” (2,880 yen) set is especially recommended. The teppan-yaki set is a great way to enjoy a superb view of the garden. Enjoy the tender texture of Japanese beef.

In addition, the “Hime-gozen” (2,880 yen) is available in limited quantities, and the “Anago Donburi Set” (1,680 yen) includes Himeji’s famous conger eel and tempura.

Be sure to check out the common ticket that includes both “KOKO-EN” and “Himeji Castle”. The total price is normally 1,310 yen (310 yen for the garden and 1,000 yen for the castle), but it is only 1,050 yen with the common ticket. Why not enjoy the two major sightseeing spots in Himeji at a great price?

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

3.Shoshazan Engyoji Temple

Best time to visit: Mid to late November

About 30 minutes by bus from Himeji Station. Shōshazan Engyo-ji Temple was the location for the Hollywood movie “The Last Samurai. The majestic hall surrounded by trees several hundred years old is breathtakingly beautiful. It takes 50 minutes to climb the mountain from the foot of the mountain, or 5 minutes by ropeway. ➡︎For ropeway and bus information

The “Maple Festival” will be held from November 21 (Fri.) to 23 (Sun.), 2025. During this period, Jumyoin, Kaisando-Do, Kongo-do, and other valuable cultural properties will be open to the public for a special viewing.

In addition to the three days of events, the temple will be illuminated on weekends and holidays from November 15 (Sat) to December 7 (Sun). The gates normally close at 5:00 p.m., but visitors can enjoy the fantastic scenery until 8:00 p.m.

During the above period, the ropeway operates at night. The last time to ascend is at 7:15 p.m. and the last time to descend is at 8:30 p.m.

If you have come all the way to Japan, why not experience the “purification of the six roots”? It is said that in the past, people climbed the mountain to purify the “six roots” (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind) of greed and to live a righteous life, renouncing the world.

At Jogyodo Hall, visitors can join several hands-on programs. “Zazen-kai” (free of charge, no reservation required) is held on the third Saturday of every month from 11:00 a.m. in Jogyodo, and “Shakyo” (10 minutes, from 300 yen, no reservation required) is offered.

It is a good way to learn “how to cut off greed” and “tips on how to live properly” from the monks before you leave.

Shoshazan Engyoji Temple – Location of Movie “The Last Samurai” ｜View of autumn leaves from Ropeway and experience sitting meditation, etc

4.Wacafé Yaean

Best time to visit: Late November to early December

About a 30-minute drive from JR Himeji Station and a five-minute walk from the nearest bus stop, Yaebata, Wacafé Yaean is a charming café where visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of a traditional Japanese house and garden.

Just a five-minute drive to the west is Himeji Central Park, a popular spot with a safari park, amusement rides, and even seasonal ice skating — making the café an ideal stop before or after sightseeing.

The café occupies a renovated 130-year-old kominka built in the Meiji era. Inside, the space is arranged with modern touches, softly lit by lamps featuring elegant cut-glass designs.

While the café usually serves morning plates and a full café menu, during the autumn foliage season (November–December) it offers a simplified selection of drinks along with roll sandwiches and castella cake.

Just twenty steps up the slope from the garden is a small detached room overlooking the grounds, offering a peaceful vantage point of the seasonal scenery. The autumn leaves reach their peak from late November to early December, revealing a stunning view that only those who make the short climb can enjoy.

Nestled quietly beyond the central area of Himeji, Wacafé Yaean remains relatively unknown among international visitors. Yet this is precisely what gives the place its understated charm — a tranquil beauty that rewards those who seek it out.

Even on your first visit, it feels somehow familiar, offering a gentle sense of nostalgia. If you’re looking for a hidden retreat that brings calm and comfort, this is a spot well worth the journey.