Things to do in Himeji
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Top 10 attractions in Himeji
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is a castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It is also known as Egret Castle due to its white exterior walls. Together with Kumamoto Castle and Matsumoto Castle, it is called the three famous cities in Japan. Due to its high degree of preservation, it is known as the No. 1 Castle in Japan and the first National Treasure Castle in Japan to be registered as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Himeji Castle is located in the center of Himeji and is the main symbol of the city. Many period dramas and movies are also filmed here. Himeji Castle is located in the southern traffic hub of Hyogo Prefecture, with elegant style and many historical sites. It is a historical city in Japan. The castle consists of 83 buildings, it has a highly developed defense system and elaborate guards. Castles also contribute to our understanding of Japanese feudal culture that began during the Shogunate era.Himeji · 2.8 km from downtown
Koko-en Garden
Kokoen is a Japanese garden in Himeji Park (Himeji Castle) in Himeji City, built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Himeji City's municipal administration. Kokoen is named after Kokodo, a school of the Sakai clan that existed since the Edo period, near the entrance to the garden. In the courtyard, there are nine gardens with different tastes, including Oyashiki's Garden, Tea Garden, Tsukiyama Pond Spring Garden, Pine Garden, Summer Tree Garden, Flowing Garden, Bamboo Garden and Flower Garden.Himeji · 2.5 km from downtown
Engyōji
Shuishan Engyo-ji Temple is located in Shishu 2968, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Known as Mount Hiei in the west, the emperor once came here, and together with Mount Hiei and Dashan, it is called the third major street of the Tiantai. The writing mountain is lined with green trees, and there are cable cars going up and down the mountain. The cable car reaches halfway up the mountain and walks up the mountain road that is not too steep. There are Buddha statues enshrined on both sides of the way. A 15-minute walk from the cable car is the Niwang Gate, and after crossing the Niwang Gate is the Engyoji Temple. The territory is densely covered with tall cedar forests, making it very peaceful. In the temple, there are also many important cultural heritages, such as the large lecture hall, clock tower, dining hall, Changxingtang, and Shouliang-in buildings built in the Muromachi period.Himeji · 8.5 km from downtown
Universal Studios Japan
There are thrilling rides themed around Hollywood's superstar movies, fantastic performances by popular cartoon characters, and more, so everyone can have fun! Featuring the world's first Nintendo theme park, experience the world of Super Mario in an immersive way! Festive limited parades and float tours! Everyone is a protagonist in this enthusiastic parade where everyone is full of passion and vigor! Universal Studios Japan (“USJ”) in Osaka is one of the world's five Universal Studios theme parks, which opened for business in 2001 and is a classic and wonderful world of fun in the hearts of many visitors. It is similar in design to Universal Studios Orlando in the U.S., with popular parks such as Jurassic Park, Hollywood, and Waterworld, and more than 60 fun-filled attractions. With these attractions, you can enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at Universal Studios Japan. Universal Studios Japan is also home to popular themed IP parks such as “Super Nintendo World (Mario/Super Mario)”, “Minion Park” and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. Whether it's interacting with the minions, riding on Mario Kart, or traveling through the Wizarding World of Hogwarts, it's an unforgettable experience that is full of excitement. △“Super Nintendo World” is the world's first Nintendo theme park built by Nintendo in cooperation with Universal Studios Japan. With the globally popular Super Mario as the protagonist, the game's Kuba Castle, Princess Brigitte's Castle, and the Mushroom Kingdom are reproduced 1:1 in a super-realistic way, providing immersive experiences of the world of Super Mario! △The “Freeze Ray Sliders” and “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” will get you involved in a huge farce and heat wave with the minions! The Minions have finally fulfilled their ambitions! All of humanity will be a part of the mayhem at the Minion Park! △Embracing a variety of areas with unique characteristics, wonderment and surprise, Universal Studios Japan covers a whole spectrum of world-class entertainment through thrilling rides and shows themed on blockbuster Hollywood movies, as well as seasonal events for all ages to enjoy. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ will reproduce the world from the Harry Potter™ stories, bringing it to life on a phenomenal scale at Universal Studios Japan.Osaka · 70.2 km from Himeji
Taiyō Park
This is a theme park where you can rent gorgeous ethnic costumes in the castle area and see the Terracotta Warriors.Himeji · 9.6 km from downtown
Harima-no-Kuni Sohsha-Gomon shrine (Old Prefectural Shrine)
Himeji · 2.3 km from downtown
Oushiko Shrine
Takasago · 10.7 km from Himeji
Sakuramon-bashi Bridge
Himeji · 2.4 km from downtown
Sannomaru Square
Himeji · 2.6 km from downtown
Himeji City Museum of Literature
The Himeji Literature Museum was established to commemorate nine writers and philosophers born in Himeji. It is located in the northwest of Himeji Castle, hidden in a residential area, and was designed and constructed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The Literature Hall is divided into three parts: South Hall, North Hall and Wangjing Pavilion. In the south hall, there is a video exhibition room with 9 150-inch large screens, as well as the Sima Ryotaro Memorial Room and the library. In the North Building, there is a literati exhibition room exhibiting the Harima culture at the end of the Shogunate period. In addition, there is the Wangjing Pavilion designed in the form of the Taisho period, which houses a Japanese room and a tea house. The Wangjing Pavilion can overlook the surrounding scenery.Himeji · 2.9 km from downtown
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Free things to do in Himeji
Himeji Castle
Himeji · 2.8 km from downtownKoko-en Garden
Himeji · 2.5 km from downtownEngyōji
Himeji · 8.5 km from downtownUniversal Studios Japan
Osaka · 70.2 km from HimejiBook now for todayTaiyō Park
Himeji · 9.6 km from downtownHarima-no-Kuni Sohsha-Gomon shrine (Old Prefectural Shrine)
Himeji · 2.3 km from downtownOushiko Shrine
Takasago · 10.7 km from HimejiSakuramon-bashi Bridge
Himeji · 2.4 km from downtownSannomaru Square
Himeji · 2.6 km from downtownHimeji City Museum of Literature
Himeji · 2.9 km from downtown
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What travellers say about Himeji
河蟹的夏天August 1, 2026
4.0
Himeji Castle is an expensive, dapper castle, more expensive than Kumamoto Castle, Osaka Castle, and Nagoya Castle combined. It's 2500 yen per person, 2600 yen with a garden, and 2000 yen per person for groups of 30 or more. Himeji Castle is truly enormous, roughly the same size as Osaka Castle and Nagoya Castle, and much larger than Kumamoto Castle, Gifu Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Wakayama Castle. However, it's incredibly tiring; Japanese castles are always exhausting. Only Kokura Castle and Osaka Castle have elevators that allow you to climb floors one by one. Climbing six floors in the others is really tough on the legs. I recommend visiting Himeji Castle, but it's definitely a rip-off.
Himeji Castle
KzosJanuary 21, 2025
5.0
The interior scenery and layout are perfect, and it is extremely suitable for taking photos or wearing kimonos. You don't need to buy tickets at the gate, but can buy a combination ticket directly at Himeji Castle for only 1050 yen (Himeji Castle 1000 + Kokoen 50), which is so cost-effective that it is basically free.
Koko-en Garden
泰宁根吴承恩October 24, 2019
5.0
This is a temple with a very long history. It is made of wood but looks very solid. The overall brown tone is very cool. It is a place with a very Zen atmosphere, quiet and peaceful. Very comfortable.
Engyōji
Anonymous userOctober 16, 2026
5.0
Universal Studios Osaka Japan was amazing! I loved Nintendo world and the picturesque view of all the other lands. It was such a nice experience to share with friends. I loved it and will definitely be back. 🇯🇵❤️
Universal Studios Japan
_GG***02July 27, 2023
4.0
I was curious about the Western-style castle I could see on the mountain while driving through the city of Himeji, and now I finally know what it was. Although it's not very well made, it seems that many people visit to take cosplay photos. I wonder why it's here, but I hope it continues to do its best.
Taiyō Park
M32***23June 10, 2020
5.0
I was able to see various parts of the castle tower etc without feeling too stressed out during the wait. There is a large open space in front of the castle where you can take a picnic-like walk, so it also has a park-like element where you can spend the day.
Himeji City Museum of Literature
