Himeji Day Trip from Osaka, Japan

Himeji is a historic Japanese city known for its UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, often called the “White Heron Castle” for its elegant, white appearance.

Himeji Castle: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
Koko-en Garden: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
Date Picture Taken: October, 2024

I traveled to Himeji from Osaka on the Shinkansen bullet train, which took about an hour in total.

The Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, also known as Shirasagi-jo or “White Heron Castle,” is Japan’s most celebrated and well-preserved feudal castle. Located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Treasure, renowned for its stunning white exterior and elegant design, which resembles a heron in flight.

Second gate

Back side

The origins of Himeji Castle date back to 1333, during the Kamakura period, when Akamatsu Norimura built a fort on the hill where the castle now stands. Over the centuries, the fort underwent significant expansions and improvements. In 1581, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most prominent unifiers, expanded the structure into a three-story castle.

Third gate

The most significant transformation occurred between 1601 and 1609 under Ikeda Terumasa, a daimyo (feudal lord) loyal to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Terumasa rebuilt Himeji Castle into the grand, five-story structure seen today, complete with intricate defensive systems and a layout designed to thwart potential invaders. The castle continued to be expanded and fortified by subsequent rulers.

The fourth gate

During the Edo period (1603–1868), Himeji Castle served as the seat of local government and military operations. Remarkably, the castle survived numerous threats, including battles, natural disasters, and even the extensive bombing of World War II, making it one of Japan’s few remaining original castles.

Himeji Castle is celebrated not only for its beauty but also for its ingenious design. The castle complex consists of 83 wooden buildings, including the central keep, smaller keeps, gates, walls, and moats, all strategically arranged for defense.

Central Keep (Tenshu): The six-story central tower is the heart of the castle, both a stronghold and a residence. Its interior features wooden beams and steep staircases, offering insight into samurai life. The top floor provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Right side.  

Defensive Features: The castle’s design includes maze-like pathways, steep walls, and hidden defensive elements to confuse and slow down attackers. Loopholes in the walls, called sama, allowed archers and gunmen to defend the castle effectively.

The final door into the castle

In the castle’s basement

To the first floor

The first floor

Unlike Osaka Castle, Himeji Castle has preserved its original interior, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the internal architecture of ancient Japanese castles.

To the second floor

The second floor

To the third floor

To the fourth floor

The fourth floor

To the fifth floor

To the sixth floor

The sixth floor

This floor is also an observation deck

On the way down to the lower floor

Came back to the ground area

Himeji Castle is more than just an architectural marvel; it is a symbol of Japan’s feudal past. As one of the 12 original castles that survived the Meiji Restoration’s demolitions and the destruction of World War II, it represents the resilience of Japanese heritage.

The castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, recognizing its outstanding universal value as a masterpiece of Japanese architecture and a vital cultural monument. It continues to be a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts, drawing visitors from around the world.

Exiting the castle

Out of the castle

Next to the castle is KoKo-En Garden

Kokoen Garden, located near Himeji Castle, is a beautifully landscaped traditional Japanese garden offering a serene retreat and a glimpse into the Edo period’s aesthetic sensibilities. Opened in 1992, the garden spans over 3.5 hectares and consists of nine distinct garden areas, each designed with its own unique theme, including a tea garden, a pine tree garden, a bamboo garden, and a garden of flowers.

The gardens are connected by pathways and ponds, featuring meticulously arranged rocks, waterfalls, and seasonal plants that create a harmonious blend of natural and architectural beauty. A highlight is the Cha-no-niwa (Tea Garden), where visitors can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in an authentic tea house overlooking the tranquil scenery.

Kokoen Garden is particularly stunning during spring and autumn when cherry blossoms and vibrant autumn leaves add splashes of color to the lush greenery. It serves as an ideal complement to a visit to Himeji Castle, offering a peaceful contrast to the imposing grandeur of the castle’s historic architecture.