is himeji castle worth visitingis himeji castle worth visiting

The entrance fee is 1000 yen and it takes two hours to visit. Himeji is just half an hour or so from saka via shinkansen, and it won't take much time to get a good look around. I will be in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Nozomi Shinkansen train only takes one hour and fifteen minutes, so it is not covered by the pass. We only had 3 hours to visit the Himeji castle and the Koko-en garden, so it was very useful to have a volunteer guide (a former teacher) in the castle to guide us through and point out the details - highly recommended. This enormous, gorgeous castle with sprawling grounds is definitely worth a visit. A3. Take comfortable shoes, it's a good walk (uphill) to reach the top level of the castle. Julie. Have you ever wondered where the best place to photograph Himeji Castle is? It is fairly close to the train station and has a wide range of brands and restaurants. Yes we do, but the number and kind of them are limited, so you had better use the ones in Himeji station. If you miss the tour, at least read up on the castle beforehand, or you won't appreciate its grandeur nearly as much. Himeji Castle is a brilliantly white castle located in Himeji, Japan. Find deals on Booking.com, Hotel Monterey Himeji is a 3-star hotel located only 1.2km from Himeji Castle. I think it was about an hour away. Im reasonably active but not a huge fan of narrow steep steps so bailed out at the fourth floor although the husband carried on to the top. When is peak season? Like what you're reading? A 15-minute walk or a five-minute bus ride will get you to the castle in just 15-20 minutes. We visited Himeji in July 2015, at a different time than I wrote this post. And were writing an inexperienced blog named Explore Inside Japan and wrote an article about Himeji Castle. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I am planning on being in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Himeji Castle is open daily except for December 29 and 30. Depending on your preference, you can pick from the usual western style business hotels or go for the more traditional Japanese Ryokans. How can we access tourist attraction from cruise port? Highly recommend if you are in the area! We will be visiting Osaka castle and I was wondering if Himeji castle is worth the 1-hour trip out of Osaka as maybe a half-day trip? I'm worried that it might be too big of a park for walking especially since my parents are in the 50s age group. If you do not have a Japan Rail Pass, this is the best option. I tried searching and couldn't find a direct comparison on the sub, but since many people who are visiting the Kyoto and Osaka area probably have to choose between visiting Himeji or Osaka Castle and receive recommendations for both, I thought it was a question worth asking! Q4. If you are visiting from Kyoto or Osaka, there will still be plenty of time in the day for more sightseeing. Engy-ji Temple is also a popular filming location and has been featured in several films, including the Hollywood movie "The Last Samurai" starring Tom Cruise. How to Plan a Hiroshima Day Trip from Kyoto, Japan, Kyoto Bucket List: 18 Amazing Things to do in Kyoto, Japan, How to Plan a Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo, First Impressions of Japan: 24 Hours in Osaka & Kyoto. Himeji Castle: Worth the visit - See 5,350 traveler reviews, 9,893 candid photos, and great deals for Himeji, Japan, at Tripadvisor. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely a must-see. There are two ways to travel from Himeji to Hiroshima by train or car. If you visit the main keep, while the inside of the castle is reasonably interesting theres little in the way of displays offering information so not much to look at. Himeji Castle is the main attraction of the eponymous city and one of the last twelve wooden castles in Japan. Its best to stay in Hiroshima for two or three nights, allowing you to let go of things. I have never had any problems with the train services in Hiroshima, and I would highly recommend them to anyone visiting the city. As you ascend, you can take amazing pictures of the caste as well as the city. http://blogs.c.yimg.jp/res/blog-3c-69/skymap_japan/folder/315204/25/18341125/img_0, https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1f/d9/26/1fd92691eb42b724edc8b308fe9e196d.jpg. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Ich habe gehrt, dass das Castle eingerstet ist, stimmt das? For those using the Hikari or Sakura trains connecting Tokyo with Shin-Osaka Station, it takes approximately 5 hours to travel to Hiroshima. The summer heat, coupled with high humidity, tends to deter some tourists, making it a less crowded time to visit. The Main Keep is the largest structure of the castle, the six levels that dominates the view. It a slight incline going up there which get steaper the closer you get to the castle. Hope this helps. A2. Read all of our articles in our Japan Travel Guide. Built in the beginning of the 17th century when Japan's unique castle architectural techniques had reached their peak, Himeji Castle was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage in 1993 as well as designated as a National Treasure in 1951. Hikari trains leave at 9:40 a.m., Kodama trains leave at 10:00 a.m., Sakura trains leave at 10:30 a.m., and Nozomi trains leave at noon. Enjoy the heart of opera and ballet in Japan, Plan your trip to Tokyo around live theatre performances, https://animeaffairs.wordpress.com/2009/05/11/japan-2009-highlights-himeji-castle/, https://withinstrikingdistance.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/field-report-kurashiki-and-himeji-02-april-2013/, https://withinstrikingdistance.wordpress.com/2015/07/19/field-report-himeji-japan-25-november-2014/, http://www.strollingadventures.com/2014-day-2-himeji-castle-kokoen-garden/, Get answers to your questions about Japan, 2023 public holiday chart in East Asian countries. If you are staying in Kyoto or Osaka, Himeji is easily accessible, making this a fantastic day trip to consider. JR Special Rapid Train: Local trains take 90 minutes on JR Special Rapid Trains (Shin-kaisoku). Absolutely. The castle property, situated on a hill summit in the central part of the Harima Plain, covers 107 hectares . There are several other types of Japan Rail Passes available. If you're a fan of warm weather, summer presents an excellent opportunity to explore Himeji. Moving the Atomic Bomb in Civ 5: A Comprehensive Guide. Valid for 7, 14 or 21 days. Own or manage this property? It is also considered a National Treasure of Japan. Here is what to expect from Himeji Castle during all seasons. The design and history here are incredible and very worth a visit even from other parts of Japan. Feel free to come in. The famous roof top railway or the Kiyomizu-dera Temple are two other must-see attractions. It's the most visited castle in Japan, and it's easy to see why. I read online that they give out numbered tickets every day on a first come first serve basis to help control the amount of visitors. Restaurant: Koba&More Himeji Castle is an incredible site and well worth the visit. Bringing melatonin supplements into Japan? We stored our luggage in a locker at Himeji Station. You can see a variety of animals up close in a relatively free environment, which is a great experience. Tim and Kara in front of Himeji Castle | Himeji Castle day trip. Each room at this hotel is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. Himeji Castle is known as White Egret because of its white color. Engyo-ji Temple. Need to climb steep stairs when you get to the tower. Although I do definitely believe that Himeji Castle is worth visiting, I've never felt compelled to stay the night in Himeji, where Himeji-jo really is the beginning and end of what there is to do there. Spring in Japan is a popular time to visit, so make sure to book your tickets well in advance. They really saved me during my last trip to Japan in December. We visited in April and got there on a rainy day, but still the caste and the gardens looked stunning, and we managed to take some gorgeous photos. & estimate arrival to Kyoto? It can be done, but you will spend 8 hours on the train to do this. Getting from Himeji Station to the Castle. Foreign visitors can use the JR Hiroshima Area Pass for five consecutive days of unlimited train and bus travel on specific JR train and bus lines (including shinkansen and limited express trains) in Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures. Even though Hiroshima is one of Japans most well-known attractions, it is frequently overlooked. I am trying to decide whether I should go to Himeji Castle for the day before I head off to Kyoto. The main keep is six stories high and the stairs to the top get progressively steeper and narrower as you go, you need to be fairly mobile and active to go to the top. In light of the current situation, the central government believes that there is no threat to the public from radiation levels in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Unlimited travels. The owner is a really nice Japanese man who speaks English and is up for a bit of conversation. It's been beautifully restored. The number of visitors are limited to 15,000 per day. The distance between Himeji and Hiroshima is 151.1 miles. Great potential but theyre missing a trick here - put a proper exhibition on. Is Himeji Castle worth a visit? Order the special milk ramen, and I promise you wont be disappointed. It takes only 1 hour and 33 minutes to reach Osaka. how to get to Hokkaido from Tokyo? If you want to spend the day in Hiroshima and see the city from Kyoto, there are several trains that leave from Kyoto Station every day. The Main Keep is not wheelchair accessible. Originally, Himeji served as the capital of what was back then called Himeji Prefecture before merging with Hyogo Prefecture in 1876. Every room in Himejieki-Minami has a private bathroom. Either way, you'll be rewarded with stunning views. if you tall say over 6 feet you will need to duck under some of the beams and may find like I did you need to lean sideways to get under down the stairs. There's also a shop selling local products and souvenirs. Himeji-jo is the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture. It can be done, but you will spend 8 hours on the train to do this. Assuming youre coming from the Kansai region, direct Hikari Shinkansen trains take just 45-60 minutes, depending on whether you originate in Kyoto or (Shin-)Osaka. On August 6, 1945, the Enola Gay dropped the first of two atomic bombs over Japan. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What is Travelers Choice Best of the Best? Why? A pro-tip for extra warmth: consider purchasing heat-patches from one of the local stores. Yes, unfortunately, many locations in Japan are not wheelchair friendly, from what I read. In addition to purpose-built museum exhibits throughout the castle interior, the original design has been fully restored, which is an education experience in itself. You can either take a bus or just walk - you can see it from the exit of the train station. Himeji Castle: Worth visit - See 5,385 traveler reviews, 9,904 candid photos, and great deals for Himeji, Japan, at Tripadvisor. Our website uses cookies. Today, Himeji Castle continues to be the most visited castle in Japan, attracting visitors from around the world. The island has a beach as well. Since the end of World War II, Hiroshima has always had normal radiation levels. Himeji Central Park is more than just a park. Hell, we visited Himeji Castle in November 2016. The island of Miyajima in Japan has some of the most spectacular views of any country in the world. It might be five! One place I often go when I take a Himeji Castle day trip is to the southeast corner of the castle, just south of Himeji Zoothis is where you get the famous Red Bridge shot. It is possible to travel between Osaka and Hiroshima on a Shinkansen train using a JR Pass. For those who only want to use the Japan Rail Pass for a single trip, the One-Day Rail Pass is a great option. From Himeji Station, a 25-minute bus ride will take you to the base of Mount Shosha. Himeji Castle started off as a fort in 1333. Although we didnt use the checked bags, I believe there is a place to store some smaller things for a small fee. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM. Hiroshima, which is just 1 hour and 40 minutes west of Osaka on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen train (covered by your JRail pass), is an excellent place to visit on a day trip. If you want an easy and quick way to get between the two cities, this is one option that should be on your to-do list. Advice needed! However, you can still visit the grounds surrounding the castle. Enter through the Otemon Gate and make your way towards the Main Keen. We were lucky that it werent busy during our visit as some reviews suggest. While the castle is open during the summer, it may take up to four hours to visit depending on the number of people present. On a one-way basis, the price ranges from 9,890 yen to 10,000 yen, while on a reserved basis, the price ranges from 10,000 to 12,000 yen. You might say Im an expert in crafting the perfect Himeji Castle day trip, given how many times Ive done it myself. The garden was built on the former site of the samurai houses, adding a historical dimension to its charm. Youll need both your preparation and your strategy to get around Hiroshima on a day trip. So, is Himeji worth the extra effort? There is a small shrine at the top, and there are also information displays in English on each floor to tell you the highlights of the building. I am thinking of storing my luggage at Shin-Osaka station and. It costs roughly 5,800. It is regarded as one of Japan's three most premier castles (the other two being Kumamoto Castle and Matsumoto Castle). Thanks for all the great photos and info in your blogs! During World War II, it somehow survived repeated bombings to the city of Himeji. The good news, assuming you order a Japan Rail Pass (and you absolutely should) is that the trip is covered by the pass. It was designed a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1993. Catholic mass in English and other languages, Another JR pass question! Does anyone know if you can take a taxi from the port to Himeji Castle? Yes, you can do a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima. How much are they? Its white exterior, intricate design, and rich history are one of the reasons Japan is famous internationally. So, how to get to Himeji? In 2015, Himeji Castle underwent extensive restoration work, which served to remove decades of accumulated dirt and restore its former glory. A few things to help enhance the experience: (1) English-language tour (currently twice a day, limited to 10 people, and is worth scheduling around - times available on the website). Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Himeji Castle is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in Japan that was never destroyed by war, earthquake or fire. If you want to see one of the best traditional Japanese castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is definitely worth visiting. The aquarium features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Enough time to climb Fujinomiya Route? Hiroshima, a city of great significance, was once the capital of a powerful shogunate. Himeji is an awesome fortress. A4. 68 Hommachi, Himeji 670-0012 Hyogo Prefecture, $ Japanese Japanese - Other Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Japanese Steakhouse Japanese Fusion, $$ - $$$ Japanese African Japanese - Traditional Cuisine, $$ - $$$ Japanese Asian Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ French Vegetarian Friendly Gluten Free Options, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. On a recent golf trip to Kobe, l took a day off from the tight golf schedule to relax. Comment below if you have questions. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. New -price JR pass & Tokyo - Shikoku journey. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The inside is opened to the visit up to the upper floor. The LiVEMAX hotel is regarded as one of the best hotels in the world. She travels full time with her husband and is passionate about creating in-depth travel guides. December 5, 2022 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment. If you leave Kyoto around 8 am, you will reach Himeji at 9 am. 2.4 Take in a Panorama, or Three. How long is customs at Haneda? This is the park for the old chief-retainers mansion ruins (Karo yashiki ato kouen / )', Points of Interest & Landmarks Architectural Buildings. 7 years ago Save I will be in Osaka from the 15th-20th January 2016 and from there I head off to Kyoto. 6 years ago Save Hi, Was wondering if Himeji Castle would be worth visiting with a 1 1/2 year old if staying in Kyoto? Filed Under: Japan Destinations Tagged With: Himeji, Hyogo, Japanese castles. This is the fastest way to Himeji and if you have a Japan Rail Pass it is valid for this trip. You cannot purchase tickets in advance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Like all Japanese cities, it caters to a wide range of interests and tastes. This is an exceptional time to take pictures and videos. As a result, I literally took the 7 am Shinkansen Hikari from Kyoto (where I was living at the time), which saw me arrive at my first photo spot just after 8. Over the centuries, the fort was gradually expanded into a fully-fledged castle, with the current structure dating back to 1609. There is a virtual reality theatre as well which is really fun and totally worth your visit. If you can, take a seat on the bench near the wall or wait outside until someone finishes their food. Since its construction in the 17th century, Himeji Castle has been at the center of events in the city, and it continues to be the centerpiece of the city to this day. Hi. Contents If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I visited twice that year because on my initial visit, the flowers along the canal where I got my money shot werent quite where they needed to beI ended up coming back two days later to get a better snap. Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan. Pictures and commentary from my previous trips . Why is it so confusing! How to Visit Himeji Castle What is Himeji Castle and what's the big deal? The castle garden's evergreen trees, when dusted with snow, resemble fluffy clouds, creating the illusion of the castle floating amidst them. A one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Osaka Station costs 20,080 yen (unreserved seat) or 24,080 yen (reserved seat), but only if you have a JR Pass. Im actually shocked at how affordable this ticket is, given than many much smaller and less attractive attractions in Japan charge even more! Ill then explain how you can write your own, including specific details about how to get there from almost anywhere in Japan. Once in the Main Keep, you will climb up all six levels. Here's what to do in Himeji during your trip. i was there in the fall and didn't stay the night BUT found this info on the internet: During autumn, the weather can become chilly, especially during the evening, so why not enjoy some hot ramen or gyoza at any of the eateries along Miyuki Street. Read our. We recommend booking Himeji Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. UNESCO: Added As A World Heritage Site in 1993 (One of Japan's First) The castle is an incredible piece of architecture but its literally empty - loads of narrow steep staircases to nothingness. The museum is focusing on local history and education. Cory is multilingual and an alumna from The University of Manchester. It is possible to visit Hiroshima on a single day. Built in 1609 and nicknamed White Heron Castle, it was renovated in 2010 and in 2015. From 07:30 to 09:30 each day, we offer a daily buffet serving warm and cold dishes in the lounge area. Q3. It is much nicer and larger than Osaka castle and easy to get to from the train station. We arrived on a rainy day, but we still very much enjoyed the walk. Are there any tattoo restrictions in Japan? If you dont have any problems with getting it done on time or want to save money, this may be a viable option. Well, if youre headed back to Osaka or Kyoto, you could stop in Kobe. Great views from the top as you can see from the photos provided. Find information about location, tickets on their official website. For us, there is no better time to visit Japan than during autumn. Cory published her first book on Japanese customs and manners, because she's obsessed with everything Japan. Also - make sure to get souvenirs of the castle's precious white mascot! From thrilling roller coasters to more relaxed family rides. The biggest size is 1135H x 350W x 640D(mm). 2.2 Visit One of Japan's Best Chinatowns. The city has a beautiful environment, and it is an ideal location to explore. Are there luggage storage lockers as we are planning to stop on our way from Kyoto to Hiroshima? Enjoy the heart of opera and ballet in Japan, Plan your trip to Tokyo around live theatre performances, Is Himeji castle worth the trip if you're already going to s, Re: Is Himeji castle worth the trip if you're already going to s, Get answers to your questions about Japan, 2023 public holiday chart in East Asian countries. Whether you're seeking information or inspiration, all your trips to Japan start here. Following the bombing, structures in Hiroshima were demolished to make way for the citys reconstruction. Thanks! Actually, it wasnt even a day tripI simply stopped at the castle for a couple of hours before sunset. In comparison to other types of trains, the Nozomi Shinkansen is the most efficient bullet train that takes four hours to travel between Tokyo and Hiroshima. It is OK to skip (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Incredible Story Of The Hiroshima Krauts, The Bombing Of Hiroshima: Consequences That Lasted For Decades. With a Hikari or Sakura ticket, you can go for a variety of interesting side trips along the way. According to some, the decision was based on advice from American archaeologist and art historian Langdon Warner not to bomb cultural treasures. If you take the Shinkansen, you will be able to see Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day.