Himeji Castle, also known as White Heron Castle because of its pure white color, is one of the architectural gems of Japan. Located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, the castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Japan and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Himeji Castle was built in the 14th century and has undergone many transformations over the years. However, the present structure dates from the 17th century and was built by the feudal lord Ikeda Terumasa. The castle was built as a fortification against enemy attacks and is considered one of the most outstanding examples of Japanese feudal era architecture.
Himeji Castle is famous for its elegant and complex architecture. It is composed of several buildings that are connected by paths and passages. The main tower of the castle is 46 meters high and is surrounded by several smaller towers and turrets. The outer walls of the castle are covered with white tiles that reflect the sunlight and create a bright and shiny appearance.
Himeji Castle is also home to beautiful gardens that have been designed to provide a breathtaking view of the castle. The gardens include ponds, bridges, pavilions, walkways and beautiful trees. They are especially popular in the spring when the cherry trees are in bloom, creating an impressive display of color and fragrance.
Himeji Castle did not see a battle but was slightly damaged by the 1945 bombings. It was fully restored in 2015, after five years of major renovation. The restorers worked to restore the castle’s original appearance, using traditional Japanese construction techniques and retaining as much of the original materials as possible.
Today, Himeji Castle is one of the most popular tourist sites in Japan, attracting millions of visitors each year.
It is famous for being the location of TV series and movies, including Ran by Arika Kurosawa.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of the castle from the gardens, as well as the interior of the castle where they can learn about the history and culture of the area. Tour guides dressed in traditional Japanese costumes are available to help visitors explore the castle and gardens.
Access, hours and prices for Himeji Castle
Here is the information on how to get to the castle, the schedule and the price:
Access: Himeji Castle is easily accessible by train from the cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. From Himeji station, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the castle.
Hours: Himeji Castle is open every day of the year except December 29 and 30. The opening hours vary according to the season:
- From April 1st to August 31st: from 9am to 5pm
- From September 1 to November 30: from 9am to 4pm
- December 1 to March 31: 9am to 4pm
Price: The entrance fee for Himeji Castle is 1000 yen for adults (about 8.50 euros) and 300 yen for children (about 2.50 euros). Group rates are also available for large numbers of visitors.
Please note that this information is subject to change, so it is advisable to check the updated times and prices before planning your visit.
