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Castle · Hyogo · Kansai

Himeji Castle

姫路城

Iconic castle with brilliant white exterior, designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure, fully restored to its original appearance in 2015.

Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle © Niko Kitsakis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Opening hours
Every dayAlways open
Admission
EveryoneFree
Links
Official websiteEnglish · Japanese
Access
68, Hommachi, Himeji City, Hyogo
〒 670-0012
How to get there
Nearest stationHimeji Station
姫路
Bantan Line · JR Kobe Line · Kishin Line · San-yo Main Line · Sanyo Shinkansen18 min walk from the station
Nearest bus stop姫路城大手門前5 min walk from the bus stop
Tickets & deals

Gate price from¥1,000

Provider prices may differ from the price above. Booking through our links earns us a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Himeji Castle is a historic Japanese castle located in the city of Himeji in the Hyōgo Prefecture. It is considered the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture and is known for its brilliant white exterior, earning it the nickname "White Egret Castle" or "White Heron Castle." The castle dates back to 1333 and has been rebuilt and remodeled several times over the centuries. It has remained intact for almost 700 years and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Special Historic Site, and National Treasure. It is considered one of Japan's three premier castles, along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle. The castle underwent restoration work and reopened to the public in 2015, restoring the roof's original brilliant white color.

Getting There

Map: Getting to Himeji Castle. Legend: Sanyo Shinkansen. Labelled stations: Kobe, Okayama, Sannomiya, Himeji.
What's On here

Upcoming events at this place

Festival

Himeji Castle Festival

Three-day festival featuring outdoor Noh theatre performances, classical arts, historical pageantry, and family activities across Himeji Castle grounds.

22–24 May 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedHimeji · Hyogo
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