Himeji castle in the Early Meiji Period
Also known as 'White Heron" because of its white walls
The spring cherry blossoms are a delight
The castle tower (main donjon) is five-storey high
View of Himeji town from the top of the castleAdmission: 600 yen, 9am-4pm (5pm for summer)
Direction: Take JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Line for 3 hours and 10 minutes from Tokyo Station to Himeji Station, or take JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line for 40 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station or 69 minutes from Osaka Station to Himeji Station (Japan Rail Pass can be used for all routes mentioned)
Himeji-jo or Himeji Castle is one of Japan's most impressive castle. Located in Himeji, a small city between Osaka and Okayama, it is a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A fort was first built at the current site around the 14th century and then further enlarged throughout the 16th to 17th century by feudal lords. The castle has a complex maze of path and feature openings on the wall that allowed dropping of stones, oil or water.
It took me about 2 hours to walked along the arrow-marked route around the castle and up to the top of the main tower. Visitors can opt to take a 15 minute walk or cycle from Himeji Station straight up Otemae-dori street to the castle. I suggest visiting Himeji-jo during the spring cherry blossom season. It's beautiful!
