Please see venue website to view updates on when the Castle will reopen as it is closed due to Covid19
Himeji castle is an astonishing feat of engineering. Built in the 16th century, this castle has undergone expansions over the years. Every detail is beautiful and the fortress was considered impenetrable. When you enter the site, the size of the castle will surprise you. The paths are cobbled, so not great if you have mobility issues. If you are able to walk unsupported, you will be able to walk through the increasingly narrow paths that are surrounded by archery nooks that were used for defense.
You can climb each level to get to the top where the views are amazing. The staircases are narrow and steep and worn from centuries of use. My husband being 6ft 1in hit his head on his way up! I am very petite though, so apart from it being exhausting to climb up for me I had no issues with the size. There are many informative posters throughout that show you where the hiding nooks, armory, and where archers would take aim from.
The ticket price is very affordable at ¥1000 or if you want to see the neighboring Koko-en gardens it is a combined ticket price of ¥1050. The trip from Kyoto is around 2hrs by train and if you have time there was markets in front of the castle on the main street which were very interesting.
If you get an opportunity, go and see Himeji Castle and have a great time!
…thank you for this amazing photographic journey through the castle. It must’ve been a nice feeling being in these rooms, touching and feeling the wood, feeling the breeze while watching out of the tower.
I love the very first picture in your post. Nice shot with the cherry blossoms in the front.
Thank you for your comment @nakashi ! I look forward to seeing your post and reading about it from a local’s point of view! What is your favourite season in the Hyogo prefecture?
Thank you @JacobLED yes the details were amazing in the castle, and a lot of the wood was smoothed by hundreds of years of use. It was really amazing, and I would recommend seeing it! I think I will go again next time I am in Japan as I find that I notice different things when I revisit places.
How I now Japanese preciseness and how they care to keep their traditional heritages in order it is imaginable how beautiful it must’ve been there. I also find always more by a second visit as your attention is not anymore at the main attractions.
@JacobLED It was my childhood dream to see Japan, and we finally went in 2014 and it was just as amazing as I imagined! We went again in 2019 with friends and it was just as great for the second trip. It’s easier to get to places in Asia when you live in Australia as we’re pretty close here.
I know mate. It was my plan to work and travel in Australia and visit during that year a couple of asian countries. My cousin and his friend studied in Australia, they told me a lot back then.
Thank you for sharing this place with us. What impressed you the most about this castle? Could you share more details about your experience?
By the way, I want to remind you that we don’t allow any kind of promotion here on Connect and therefore I removed the external link you had provided. Please review our Local Guides program rules before posting.
@JacobLED I think Australia is a good place to live and study. Some French friends lived here for a while and loved it. Only problem with visiting Australia now is border control. The country is essentially ‘closed’ due to strict quarantining. We’ve been given no indication of when that may end.
Hi @GNaz apologies for including the link, I only did so to make it easier for other people to view ticketing details and reopening times (as venues are closed due to Covid19).
The most impressive part of Himeji castle was the workmanship. The castle is hundreds of years old, and largely made of wood - but in perfect condition. The guides also provided good information on how the castle was used as a defense fortress as well.
The preservation of old buildings and castles is an important part for the future generations. Thank you for sharing these details with the rest of the community @Istillwannahavefun .
I missed my time of studying in Australia mate. This pandemic destroyed our plan, as me and a friend would be in Tasmania by now. We wanted to help a friend building his house. All plans postponed to an unknown time @Istillwannahavefun
@JacobLED Tasmania is amazing! I have a lot of family there so I have traveled around a bit. The far south near Geeveston has the Tahune air walk. It’s a suspended bridge walk through the Tahune forest. Hope you can make it some time.
That’s a beautiful post on the Himeji Castle, @Istillwannahavefun . Thank you for sharing the detailed pictures, especially the inside of the castle, they look so quiet and calm. I hope I can visit the castle one day.
and greetings from Turkey
culture!