Recommended Routes

Trip to World Heritage Site Himeji Castle and Mt. Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple (2-day/1-night trip, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture)

Himeji is the main city of Harima, the southern half of Hyogo Prefecture that stretches across the vast Harima Plains from the Chugoku Mountains to the north to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea to the south.
It is home to Himeji Castle, a National Treasure and Japan’s first monument registered as a World Heritage. The Koko-en Garden located next to the castle was reconstructed following excavations of the west-side residential compound. Besides streets, residence parcels, tenement gates, earthen walls and residential gates, there are nine gardens.

Video

Tabinohoshi “World Cultural Heritage: Himeji Castle, a National Treasure” Himeji, Japan vol.29

Access

How to get there - By train
From Osaka
Take the New Rapid Service from JR Osaka Station to Himeji Station … Approx. 57 min.

How to get there - By car
Approx. 1 hr from the Suita IC
Approx. 1 hr 10 min from Osaka International Airport

Route

  1. Osakaby car
  2. Japan toy Museumby car
  3. Himeji Castleon foot
  4. Koko-en Gardenby car
  5. Himeji City Museum of Artby car
  6. Shioda Onsen springsby car
  7. Shoshazan Engyo-ji Templeby car
  8. Akashi Kaikyo Bridgeby car
  9. Osaka

Highlights

  • Japan toy Museum

    This museum is located in a rural area about 10km northeast of Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site.
    It is a private museum with six earthen storehouses housing about 90,000 toy materials from 160 countries and regions around the world, including Japan.
    This museum strive to investigate, collect, research, and engage in activities related to toys and dolls in Japan and around the world, and hold permanent exhibitions, seasonal special exhibitions, and toy-making classes to deepen understanding of culture related to toys.
    Admission fee:600yen
    Open:10:00 - 17:00

  • Himeji Castle

    Himeji Castle was the first monument in Japan to be registered as a World Heritage. The keep is of a curtain wall structure consisting of a main donjon and three baileys. The castle is not only beautiful but has perfected castle architecture from the Azuchi Momoyama Period to the early Edo Period, and, because of its outward appearance, has earned the nickname of the “White Heron Castle. Admission fee:1,000yen for adults　
    ("Egret's Eye View" at Himeji Castle, special visitor facilities for the restoration 200yen) Open:: 9:15am - 4:30pm (Last admission: 4:15pm)(September 1 - April 26)
    9:15am -5:30pm (Last admission: 5:15pm)(April 27 - August 31)

  • Koko-en Garden

    TThis beautiful garden was reconstructed on the site of the west-side residential compound of Himeji Castle. Besides streets, residence parcels, tenement gates, earthen walls and residential gates, there are nine gardens reconstructed.
    Admission fee: 310yen
    Open: 9:00am - 4:30pm (Unit 17:30 in summer)
    Closed: 12/29 - 31

  • Himeji City Museum of Art

    This red brick building was constructed in the Meiji Period (19th century). It houses and exhibits works by local artists, as well as surreal works Belgian Paul Delvaux and more.
    Admission fee: 210yen (Separate price for special exhibits)
    Open: 10:00am - 5:00pm (Doors closed at 16:30)
    Closed: Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday), 12/25 - 1/5

  • Shioda Onsen springs

    Shioda Onsen springs in a quiet rural area by the clear Yumezaki River. The hot spring is said to have opened about 300 years ago, and since the early Meiji period (1868-1912), it has been the only hot spring in the Harima region and has been very popular. Visitors can enjoy seasonal delicacies from the mountains and rivers, such as river fish, wild vegetables, matsutake mushrooms, and button meat.

  • Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple

    Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple has a history of more than 1,000 years and belongs to the Tendai Sect of Buddhism. Built at an elevation of 371 m on the highest peak in Himeji City, this temple complex consists of several venerable structures including the Daikodo and Jikido, which are designated National Treasures, and the Jogyodo, which is designated an important cultural property. The complex is famous as a location for the movie “The Last Samurai” (starring Tom Cruise), which was shot in 2003.
    Admission fee: 500yen
    Open: 8:30am - 5:00pm (Until 6:00pm in summer)

  • Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

    The suspension bridge, one of the largest in the world, crosses the Akashi Strait and connects Honshu and Awaji Island.
    "Akashi Kaikyo Bridge World", where you can experience a 360-degree panorama at the main tower about 300m above sea level through a management passage that you cannot usually enter, is a surprising and impressive experience that Hyogo Prefecture is proud of.
    https://www.jb-honshi.co.jp/english/bridgeworld/index.html