One of Japan's most famous castles. Visited back in 2018 and was blown away by the size of the castle, it is deft at least twice the size of any of the other castles I visited during this trip. There's more to the visit than just the castle itself. The castle grounds are beautiful and well looked after. There's a museum within the castle itself and there's also several sections where you can do a self guided tour which goes through history of the castle and what each of the sections purpose was. Overall, an excellent experience and a must visit for anyone travelling to Japan.

Majestic Beauty and Educational Splendor at Himeji Castle Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to history and is undoubtedly a journey worth embarking on. Fortunate with unexpectedly glorious weather, we basked in the splendid sunshine while exploring the castle grounds. To fully appreciate the site, budget at least 90 minutes. The castle is impeccably maintained, offering photographers a plethora of captivating scenes that could extend your visit indefinitely. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the castle provides an enlightening experience with detailed explanations about its history and former inhabitants. Incorporating Himeji Castle into your travel itinerary is a must. Consider the combo ticket with the nearby Koko-en Garden for added savings—an excellent choice for a memorable experience. Imagining the breathtaking cherry blossoms, while acknowledging the likely crowds, this destination remains a gem. A visit here is not just a journey into beauty but also a valuable lesson in history. Can't wait to return.

If you are in Japan, it is almost certainly worth your time and money to get to Himeji and see the castle. Even the experience or arriving at the train station and seeing the castle high on the hill in the distance was incredible and it just got more effective as we walked towards it. The building itself is one thing, taking the tour through the internal floors all the way to the top room of the castle gives so much insight and into the long and storied history of this remarkable building. Beyond that, the grounds and other ancillary buildings surrounding the caste are equally compelling in their history, I believe one could easily make an entire day out of a visit here and it is literally a 10 minute walk from the bullet train.

This castle is truly amazing—easily one of the most impressive I've visited. You'll spend around 2 hours here, ascending stairs through all 7 floors after removing your shoes. The view from the top is breathtaking. I highly recommend visiting this stunning castle

The most beautiful and majestic castle in Japan - a must see. It's also very large and a unique feature is that they allow you to not just enter the castle but you climb all the floors to the top where there's a shrine and nice views of the area. Large castle grounds and garden also deserve some time, both are beautiful. It's a popular destination for tourists but given the size of the property and the steep ascent to the top of the castle, it's not terribly busy. On a weekday morning, we purchased tickets at the gate, included the garden pass, and there was no wait or lines.

This is by far my favourite castle in Japan. It's huge. Elegant design. Well preserved and maintained. And lots of educational stations around the castle. The garden outside the castle is so beautiful and the scenery looks like something out of a painting. When you enter the castle gates, there are guides who can give you a tour for free or you can take a map and walk solo. Once you enter inside the building, at the entrance, you must take off your shoes. They provide free plastic bags so you can put your shoes in it and carry it around. The downside is that since there are a lot of people, sometimes there is that one person who has smelly feet! Yuck! The first you'll notice is that the doors in the castle are small and the ceiling height in some areas are low. So if you're taller than 1.7m, be ready to duck your head. A lot. Especially the stairs as you go up the levels to the top of the castle. The wooden stairs are very steep and sometimes there are old people walking very slowly on it. So be courteous and take care! I wouldn't recommend wearing skirts as it could be a tripping hazard. Once you get to the top, the view is amazing! In summer it is very hot here, so wear light clothing and enjoy the gentle breeze at the top. Bring water and stay hydrated. I think the museum needs a bit of work and I think the souvenir shop needs to be a bit bigger to accommodate a larger crowd. There are so many people in a tight space it becomes uncomfortable. I would have loved if they has costume dress up like they have in Osaka Castle.

Paying a visit to Himeji Castle was an unforgettable experience. As one of Japan's most spectacular and well-preserved feudal castles, it stands majestically against the skyline, offering a glimpse into the country's rich history. The castle's white exterior, earning it the nickname 'White Heron Castle,' is not only visually stunning but also imbued with historical significance. The well-organized tours and informative displays provide an insightful look into the life and architecture of feudal Japan. The surrounding gardens add to the serene beauty of the location, making it a perfect blend of history and natural elegance. This is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese history or architecture.

The most beautiful castle I’ve visited in Japan. The surrounding area just makes it a perfect place to visit whether as a tourist or taking your date out for an evening stroll. I love the details of this castle and the immense size gives off a charming feeling. Although the inside of the castle was bare, I enjoyed the exterior of the castle more. I wished they would decorate the interior with how it would’ve looked like back in the old days but it’s literally empty.

I had such a great experience at Himeji Castle this year. It was a perfect time to visit as most annoying tourists from a specific region are not bussed in like cattle. Honestly, I have not visited any historical tourist site in the past decade to avoid these extremely rude FOBS. In any case, I decided to visit on a Saturday and was pleasantly surprised with the local events around the castle and the short lines upon arriving at the entrance. The castle grounds are in spectacular condition, clean and uncrowded. I spent the day cruising around the different exhibits and enjoyed each section of the castle without being rushed, bumped, or listening to tourists scream at the top of their lungs even though they were standing 1 foot away from each other. I recommend visiting as many of these historical locations before the border opens again; honestly, it is just not the same.

A must-see place. On the outside it looks similar to the Osaka Castle so I did not expect much. But inside this is a completely different story: original layout (only the staircase has been added to allow the flow of tourists). We were lucky as a free guide offered us a tour when we bought tickets. And it was genuinely for free. Eventually we learned a lot about the history of the castle and were shown the best places to take pictures.

The very first UNESCO world heritage site in all of Japan and the largest castle in all of Japan. Also the most visited and the most popular castle in all of Japan. When I first made it to the city of Himeji and got off from Himeji Station after taking the Shinkansen, the first thing that stood out was this. The castle is so huge that you can see it from within the station. Usually flooded with tourists and also lots of school trips, so it's definitely very busy, just like most tourist spots. Otherwise, this castle is beautiful. Even the walls and other towers, turrets, buildings, and houses within the castle have been well preserved.

By far one of the best castles that I have ever visited in Japan. The workers are very helpful and guide you through the castle with ease. The stairs are very narrow as your going up and down the floors within the castle. The views of the castle grounds are amazing from the top floor.

This is such a nice castle in this town. It's so bright and easy to see from the station. The care to maintain and preserve this site is great. The cost for the castle and garden for 1050 yen is a great deal. It was such a great time.

何度か訪問していますが、まったく飽きません。 大改修後の「白過ぎる姫路城」も白鷺城のイメージと重なってなかなか良いです。 見所満載で城好きにはたまりません。 観光シーズンだと、入場制限されて天守閣に入れないことがあるので要注意です。 石垣好きなら観光シーズンでも楽しめます。

It really goes without saying that this is one of the most beautiful and essential must see locations in all of Japan. The castle is gorgeous, well maintained, and clean. Having visited over 30 castles in Japan, I can confirm that it truly is the best. Located a short train ride from Kobe or Osaka, it is absolutely worth the time to go see.

The castle can be seen even from the Himeji station building. From the station just a straight walk to reach the castle. You can reach Himeji by Shinkansen or local trains as well. Its very unique and amazing view. The castle looks most amazing during cherry blossom season. The entry fee is 1000 yen per person. Many people used to visit this everyday even during weekdays. Its highly recommended place to visit in the Kansai area.

My friend and I went on a Sunday thirty minutes before closing. We were only few people, it was really quiet and relaxing. The weather was perfect! I strongly recommend visiting the castle thirty minutes before closing because of the cool weather and the nice view from the windows! Here some pictures: the sky is amazing and also the light!

Extraordinary views, worth a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto if in the area. It's insane the work Japan has done to preserve and restore this castle. It really feels like stepping into a different era when you see this white castle far off in the distance. It's presence is not imposing, but rather gracious and beautiful. You can see most of this and through the castle within 2 hours. Another hour or so if you're stopping for photos every 15 steps. The stairs get taller and steeper the further you go up in the castle. So those with vertigo or not good with stairs- I would practice getting your steps in on the metro subway, or just admire it from outside. The top floor gives you nice views, while walking through the interior makes you wonder what it was like back then. Bring a portable neck fan if you visit during the summer and don't like the heat.

It was my second trip to this beautiful castle. It's always and enjoyable day out here for the whole family. It's not a lot of walking so don't be worried if that's your concern. The walk itself through the castle and then up through the inner floors of the castle only takes about 1 hour. But you can of course spend more time if you wish. I would recommend going earlier in the morning rather than afternoon if you wish to avoid crowds.

Beautiful castle both in the daytime and at night. It is illuminated until midnight every day. Walking up to the main keep itself will involve several ramps and stairs, whilst the interior has around six storeys but rewarding views from the top and a completely original/preserved vibe compared to Osaka Castle which has a modern interior.

I came here during January of 2024, and I was blown away by the rich history and beauty of this world-famous castle. Even though my visit was “out of season” and during the winter, I enjoyed walking around leisurely to soak in all the wonders of this place. If I recall, Himeji Castle is Japan’s largest castle, and it took me over an hour just to get around the main parts. I can only imagine how much more beautiful this place would be in the spring with all the blossoming Sakura trees! As for the castle itself, I think there’s something here that interests both history buffs and those fascinated with architectural design. The main keep of the castle is filled with steep stairs with some low clearances, so heads up (or down) if you’re planning on going inside!

(Translated by Google) Beautiful and stunning 🏯 World Heritage Site Odawara Castle ❗️ The wind was nice on the top floor, and it was great to see the 🌿 green scenery in Himeji city 😊 It was like a scene from a movie ❗️ (Original) キレイで見事な🏯世界遺産の大天守閣❗️ 最上階は風が気持ち良く、姫路市内の🌿緑の風景が一望できてスゴく良かったです😊まるで映画のワンシーンのようでした❗️

(Translated by Google) A pure white and beautiful castle! !! Great! !! !! !! I walk a lot from Himeji station, and I walk a lot even after I think I've arrived at Himeji Castle! !! Lol The stairs are steep inside Himeji Castle, and I thought I went with a long skirt and honestly failed. I had a hard time raising my legs. But I did my best and went up to the 6th floor. It is truly a modern improvement with VR. If you come near us, please do! !! !! (Original) 真っ白で綺麗なお城！！素晴らしい！！！！ 姫路駅からは結構歩きます、そして姫路城ついたーと思って中に入ってからも結構歩きます！！笑 姫路城の中は階段が急で、私はロングスカートで行って正直失敗したなーと思いました。足を上げるのに一苦労。でも頑張って6階まであがりました。 VRがあったりと今風の改良されててさすがです。 お近くに寄ったらぜひ！！！

(Translated by Google) I came to the long-sought Shirasagi Castle. When you go on the road from Himeji Station, you can see a white high-rise building, and you are excited even before you enter the parking lot. Even if you enter the castle, you will walk to the castle tower, buy a ticket and immediately enter the slope. It is better to leave useless luggage in the coin locker at the entrance. It is a considerable amount of exercise for those with weak legs. Take off your shoes and carry them in the bag to go up to the castle tower. Mask, temperature measurement and disinfection are essential. You can freely shoot inside the castle tower. Even though I was preparing for the training and doing some preliminary research, I was still impressed by seeing the actual product. You can see the awesome power of the main pillars in the west and east. On each floor, when you climb the steep stairs, you can see old thick beams in your eyes. When you get out of the castle tower and look up, it feels different from before you climbed up. The overlapping roofs are beautiful. The plaster was repainted and I had to refrain from going out in the second year since the restoration, but there were no foreigners and it was a nice time to take a leisurely tour without waiting. (Original) 念願の白鷺城に来れました。姫路駅から道路を進むと真っ白で高層の姿が見えて、駐車場に入る前から興奮。城内に入っても天守までかなり歩き、チケットを買いすぐ坂道に入ります。無駄な荷物は入り口のコインロッカーに預けた方が得策。足腰が弱い方にはかなりの運動量です。靴を脱ぎ袋に入れたまま持ち天守閣まで上がります。マスク、検温、消毒は必須。天守の中の撮影が自由。予習してかなり下調べをしていても、やはり現物を目にし、触れられ感動しました。西と東の大柱の凄さ迫力は見とれます。階ごとに、急勾配の階段を昇る時、目線に古い太い梁が見れます。天守から出て、見上げると昇る前とちがう感覚に。屋根の重なりが綺麗。漆喰が塗り替えられ修復からまだ二年目で外出自粛でしたが、外国人もおらず、待ち時間もなく今がゆっくり見学できるナイスタイミングでした。

(Translated by Google) It is a World Heritage Site and a national treasure. The park and site are also very well maintained and you can walk comfortably. You can enjoy the castle 🏯 itself with almost no exhibits from the 1st floor to the 6th floor of the castle tower. It's also possible that the amount of information is too much. The cityscape of Himeji seen from the top floor of the castle tower was more urban than I had imagined. There was something special. (Original) 世界遺産であり国宝です。 公園・敷地も非常に整備されており気持ち良く歩けます。天守閣も1Fから6Fまで展示物などほとんどなく城🏯そのものを堪能出来ます。情報量が多過ぎるのもかんがえものですからね。天守最上階より望む姫路の街並みは想像以上に都会でした。格別なものがありました。

One of my favorite castles. The castle itself is fantastic architect with its size and history. All information is also provided in English so you can enjoy it, although you do not understand Japanese at all. The city will at the top was also awesome.

Widely considered the most beautiful traditional castle in Japan. The exterior is a striking white and the structure is in excellent condition. The interior has been minimally transformed so it keeps its historical charm and value, as opposed to several other castles that have been repurposed as museums. Go early in the morning (before 11:00) to avoid the crowds.

Lots of stairs inside so be prepared. You will have to take your shoes off before entering the castle. On the cooler days the wooden floor can be quite cold. Never destroyed by any war or earthquake, therefore you can visit it in it's original form. Views from the top are amazing. Public toilets are available in the park around the castle.

This place can only ever get top marks from me! To my mind, the most beautiful and appealing castle in the whole country, set on a commanding raised base so as to be visible from almost the whole city. Although there is little inside the keep itself, the view from the top is still very nice, though perhaps the diversion if you are short on time. Instead, enjoy the castle from the outside and walk through the warren of pathways, multitude of gardens and large, open spaces that make this such a wonderful site to visit.

Must visit!! As you step out of the Hemeji station, you are greeted with the beautiful view of the castle. Such a memorable and welcoming experience ❤️. The castle ground is approximately 10 minutes walk from the station. There is a fee of 1050¥ for the entrance of the castle and the garden. Lots of STEEP and straight up stairs to climb. It’s a great workout for your knees!! Be sure to give yourself enough time to explore the magnificent building and garden as it closes at 4pm. There were so much to absorb. This well kept castle was a true beauty!! You can feel the sturdiness of the floor when walked on. The rooms are empty and there are staff on site to provide guidance if needed. Walking through the castle and into each room allows you to go back in time to experience what it might be like to stay there. Be sure to take your time to read over the facts as they are interesting and informative. The view from the top is as beautiful as the building itself. Highly recommended!!!

One of the five national treasures of Japan that is still open to general public. Also an UNESCO world heritage site. Must visit and grateful to visit and physically behold the grandeur and spectacle of actual castle grounds and working timber floors. Its an immense place with various functions, counted seven to eight massive gates to keep intruders out along with many arrow/slingshot firing holes. Still very well preserved and luckily not destroyed/devastated by war (although US did tried to bomb it :P) Known as White heron castle, it is the biggest one in Asia, undoubtedly one of the best castles in the world.

One of the greatest tourist attractions in the world. It is beautiful, fascinating and authentic. You are allowed to roam around without a lot of restrictions. Unlike many of the castles in Japan, it is all original, not a 20th Century concrete replica (although it was taken down and rebuilt with new beams as necessary) in the 1960s or so. It is interesting to climb through the many stories and see the various rooms and defensive tools. Plan for 4 hours at least so you can see the outbuildings and gardens. We visited on a Friday in May. Lovely weather and not overcrowded at all.

After visiting many shrines and temples it was a pleasant change to experience this fortress. Allow plenty of time if you want to walk the grounds as well as the castle building. You have to remove your shoes inside the castle building; be aware that the stairs to the upper floors are very steep and with socks on smooth steps it will tricky to negotiate for some! Recommend a combined ticket with the lovely Koko-en Garden next to the castle.

This UNESCO world heritage listed castle is well worth visiting! Sitting proudly above the township it is an easy stroll from the train station to the castle. To enter the castle and climb to the pinnacle, you must remove shoes out of respect and the wooden floors are very well preserved. Unfortunately for people in wheelchairs or disabilities, there are no lifts to the top, and the climb up the stairs is quite steep; not for the faint hearted or those with a fear of heights! The surrounding gardens are immaculately manicured and also worth the time and a few photos! Highly recommended! Hope to return on another visit!

One of the better castles that is not flooded with tourists. View around the castle was beautiful and we toured the garden to take some beautiful pictures. Only downside is that you have to take off your footwear inside the castle, which can be pretty chilly during winter.

You just need to get a combi-ticket. The garden is gorgeous. It is so well kept and simply a joy to stroll about. The castle grounds are vast. We spent close to 2h just exploring the castle alone. There is not much to see in terms of splendor, unlike with other castles, but to see the original structures and imagining what it must have been like back then, to walk these historic grounds, is impressive on another level. As for himeji itself, we stayed over night and it was a great decision. There are so many shops, bars and eateries in the surrounding shotengai that it really would be a shame to leave early.

If you love castles, this is probably one of the most beautiful. The inside is less interesting in my mind but the outside and surrounding buildings are amazing to walk. If you get the chance, check out the nearby gardens.

Fascinating castle to visit! Well preserved, historic, with great views of the surroundings. Unlike most castles we have come to visit in Japan, this one was not transformed into a museum, you really get to see the architecture. There are guided tours and everything is translated in English inside the castle. You can get a combo ticket for the gardens as well, it's not too expensive and worth it, even in winter (in winter, the combo ticket is only ¥50 more than the castle only).

Himeji Castle is quite out of the way, but I'm so glad that I went here. I did a big Kansai trip, and Himeji Castle is by far my favorite place in Kansai. The castle is so beautiful, and you really feel like you are stepping back in time. If you are going to climb the central tower, do note that it is quite exhausting. If this is the first thing in the morning, then you'll be fine, but if you've been walking for more than 20k steps the whole day, then yeah, you will feel it in your knees.

Amazing beautiful castle built with wood. We can see the great ancient architecture of Japanese people on this building. It's about 15 minutes walk from Himeji station. We can see the nice view of Himeji city and beach from the castle by using telescope.

(Translated by Google) It's huge! As soon as I left the station, I saw the heavenly lord. (Original) 巨大で！駅を出ると直ぐに天主が見えました。

The grounds are huge, allowing for a nice walk around the place. The history here is very interesting. A tour to the top of the castle was informative and pretty cool. To see inside a piece of history was pretty cool. I definitely recommend anyone visiting the area to make a stop here.

(Translated by Google) Shirasagi Castle used to be inside Himeji Station, and there are still many remains that are reminiscent of those days, so it is recommended to get a glimpse of the lifestyle of old people. It may be difficult to see at your own pace because it has become a tourist destination and there are many people. It is interesting to look at the historical background, such as whether Terumasa Ikeda's career will be as high as his wife alone. (Original) 白鷺城は以前は姫路駅まで城内であったという、今でも広く当時を偲ばせる遺構も多い、古の人の生活様式など垣間見えお勧めです。観光地化され人が多く自分のペースで見るにはキツいかも。池田輝政の出世が嫁だけでここまで成るものか、など、歴史的背景を考えながら見ると面白い。

(Translated by Google) Unfortunately it was raining, but it was very beautiful and nice! I also saw Okiku Well! (Original) あいにくの雨でしたがとても綺麗で良かったです！ お菊井戸もみれました！

Incredibly beautiful castle. It’s all white, that’s why people said it is a white heron castle. One of the castle that still intact through periods of time. Take about 15 mins walk from himeji station, we can easily spot the castle view from a far and it is a beauty indeed.

Very beautiful castle. From the top you have an amazing view of the city. I went there, and by pure coincidence they had some light show going on - this week only. Enjoy the videos of it - I know it's quite a lot, sorry! Also the last Cherry blossoms before winter.

Himeji is one of a few castles in Japan that have survived mostly intact. The park surrounding the castle is fairly large and well kept. Once you get to the castle itself, you can buy tickets from a kiosk that lets you select from multiple languages. The castle itself is majestic and quite a sight to see. There are plenty of information signs inside the castle to read. These contain notes about the castle history and construction details. If the castle is crowded, I’d recommend scanning the QR code which will bring you to a webpage with the same information. There are also a lot of steep stairs you’ll need to climb to get to each floor. If you have bad knees or have trouble with stairs, this castle might not be for you. If you have a full day to spend at Himeji castle I’d recommend also getting admission to the garden. The garden is beautiful and has a lot to see. There are different sections and each has a different theme. It’s well worth the price of admission. There are lockers on site that you can rent if you don’t want to carry bags or other items with you. Hope this review helps and have a great trip if you go!

By far the most beautiful castle I've ever seen in my life. Full respect to the people who worked on the restoration. It was a marvelous job well done. There was a free English volunteer guide who walked the castle grounds with us, which we really appreciated. She shared so much about the castle with us then we would have learnt if we had walked the castle grounds on our own. Fantastic experience. Great views. Highly recommended.

Definitely the most beautiful castle in Japan. There were soooo many people but the castle staff did a great job managing the crowds so there were no accidents climbing up and down all the floors. Once you get inside, you do have to take your shoes off and walk around barefoot or in your socks. There are plastic bags you can use to carry your shoes around. I recommend bringing socks if you aren’t wearing any. The park is stroller friendly up to the ticketing gate and then you have to park your stroller and walk up the castle with the kids. The pictures are worth a thousand words. Absolutely beautiful and worth the crowds.

So beautiful and worth the day trip from Osaka. I loved it so much and loved learning about the princess that once resided there. It’s worth getting a ticket to the gardens next door as well as it’s relaxing and a cute spot to take photos as well. Staff is very helpful and you find yourself obsessed with taking pictures of this castle. It’s just so pretty!

A lot of walking and steep stairs. Castle has six floors. There are exhibits and audio tour to explain the artifacts. The park next to castle has beautiful landscape and koi ponds. The city is build around this beautiful castle.

An absolute must visit if you're in Japan. The castle is in immaculate shape, as are the gardens that accompany it. I recommend buying the combination ticket that will allow you to go to those gardens. If you do decide to ascend all six stories of the main keep, be prepared to navigate steep and narrow staircases, taller people are definitely going to have a more difficult time going up and down these staircases.

Stunningly beautiful to the modern eye, this is a castle, a fortification designed to hold back any determined army. It has layers of walls and gates. Vertical advantage. Moats. Archery and firearm portals. And more. The self-guided tour approaches the castle, enters it and ascends all the floors with steadily increasing views and decreasing floor plate. And there is the quieter, more solemn tour of the princess' quarters. Well worth a visit!

Himeji Castle is a beautiful castle to visit. You can really see how it was constructed. If you are a military minded individual. You can see how they designed the defense of the castle as well. The only negative thing I would have to say is that I would have enjoyed it even more if they had exhibits on each floor that explained how people lived in the castle. For example, how did they use the space for living quarters, r ceiling guest, etc. I think more history on the day to day activities of the people who lives and worked their would have made it even more better.

A beautiful, well preserved 16th century structure. Shoes have to be removed when entering the main keep due to the polished wooden floors, so care needs to be taken on the many flights of steep stairs. Very busy at the time of our visit, with lots of school parties. Nevertheless it is most definitely worth visiting. I’d love to return when the cherry trees are in full blossom.

Lovely castle a must visit area. I hear that this castle is not open for visit all year, so we were lucky to be there. The area and building is very beautiful, it was a lovely and windy day. Must enter the castle not only the yard. Come early as it gets very crowded inside the castle.

The castle is under restoration..some of the area is restricted but you can still go up to the castle..there are proper signage for foreigners for them to read and also a lot of clean and accessible toilets. You cannot enter if you don't wear mask properly, so you must observe the rules and follow them...also there are lot of alcohol and hand sanitizer that you can used as much as you need. If you're going to visit during weekdays maybe you can encounter a lot of students whose having a field trip, so please be aware of your surroundings and wear 😷., for all of our safety!...have fun visiting☺

What can one say about Himeji Castle except "WOW!" It is everything you expect & want it to be. From the moment you emerge from Himeji Station and see it sitting proudly on a hill in the distance, to the moment you walk away from it, it captivates you. ... It's appeared in classic Japanese Films too. If you visit Japan...visit Himeji.

It's a massive castle of feudal Japan. It takes about 20 minutes to climb to the top of the castle which served as an observation post in feudal days. It's a great sight at the top and there is a small Shrine at the peak. Blessings from the gods. I think.

Thats a beautiful castle and if I am not wrong it is also the biggest in all of Japan! Take in mind that you have to climb a lot inside but you should do it cause you got until here ;) From inside you can see almost all of the city if the air is clear and the view is great

I rode my bike about 500ks to get here, truly a beautiful building and lovely little city.

Everyone visiting Japan must go there. It's not far from Osaka by train so it's worth the trip. It's so big it takes more than 2 hours or more to visit if you want to visit the whole place. Like many Japan attractions it's super cheap and worth the admission price for sure. It transports you in the past, it's well preserved. The photo ops are endless...

A must visit place if you in Osaka, about 2 hours journey through JR rapid service. Iconic place.

for those who love history. a big and spacious fort. see the weather forecast, in certain seasons the wind is very strong

(Translated by Google) There is an appreciation! (Original) 見応え有り！

11月の下旬の紅葉の時期に姫路城を訪問しました。紅葉と城を同時に撮影するスポットを探しましたが、なかなか見つかりません。大手門を入ってすぐの真っ赤に紅葉したカエデを見つけ、アングルを決めました。快晴の午前中、順光で撮ることが出来ました。

Himeji Castle or also known as White Heron Castle is one of the perfect spots for this coming Sakura Season located in Hyogo. I spent a day here , had a picnic while being surrounded by Sakura trees. I love Himeji so much that if given a chance, I would love to live around the area. From Osaka Station take the train to Himeji Castle.

さすが国宝大きくきれい！

世界遺産! たまりません✨

(Translated by Google) A beautiful and beautiful place The invincible Himeji Castle All white city walls Climbing the stairs to life in doubt There are many small monuments inside (Original) 很美很漂亮的一個地方 決定無敵的姬路城 全白的城牆 爬樓梯爬到懷疑人生 裡面有很多小古蹟

元旦から天守閣行きました

(Translated by Google) The pride of Himeji (Original) 姫路の誇り

A masterpiece of wood-and-stone construction and one of Japan’s last surviving feudal castles from the 16th and 17th centuries. Known to many as White Egret Castle or White Heron Castle because it is said to resemble a bird taking flight, Himeji Castle was built by Ikeda Terumasa in 1601–1609. Ikeda was appointed governor of the western provinces by Tokugawa Ieyasu (whose dynasty ruled as Shoguns over Japan until the late 19th century), and his castle was part of the Shogun’s peacekeeping plan to build one castle per province. Designed for defense. Ikeda Terumasa replaced the existing three-story keep with a five-story castle that in fact hides six floors and a basement. He added three further keeps, linked by two-story covered corridors in a formation known as renritsu tenshu (“connected towers”). There was only one access point to the keeps, and the outward-facing walls of the complex were protected with gun and arrow ports and stone drop windows (wooden structures with openings at the bottom through which rocks could be thrown). The castle was surrounded by a spiral-shaped moat, within which were a series of fortified gateways, and a labyrinth of courtyards and steep passageways designed to confuse attackers. An almost impregnable castle, its tiers of roofs and decorative gables were also a beautiful expression of traditional Japanese style. The castle somehow survived the extensive Allied bombing of Japan in World War II, becoming one of Japan’s National Treasures in 1931 and one of the country’s first two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993.

Beautiful white castle clearly dominates the Himeji city and the surrounding landscape. Inside you find a surprise – original timber construction – both intricate and mighty. There also is a model of the inner construction in the castle. Otherwise the interior is more or less empty. The top floor provides for stunning views.

(Translated by Google) The view from the castle tower is the best (Original) 天守閣からの眺めが最高

(Translated by Google) Great! should go. (Original) 素晴らしい！ 行くべき。

(Translated by Google) It was good during the renovation work. Good even after renovation work. Of course, there is no elevator so you can just go up. (Original) 改修工事中も良かった。 改修工事後も良い。 もちろん、エレベーターはないのでひたすら上るのみ。

(Translated by Google) The best castle in Japan. When I was in front of me, I got goose bumps on its majesty. (Original) 日本一のお城。 目の前にした時、その荘厳さに鳥肌たちました。

(Translated by Google) As a Japanese, I can't die without seeing here! (Original) 日本人として、ここを見ずして死ねません！

Very beautiful castle in Japan, which was not destroyed during the WW II. The roof was painted back to white and looks absolutely stunning. If you want to visit the castle inside, do remember to wear/bring your own socks, because you are not allowed to wear shoes or walk on barefoot inside the castle. Otherwise excess will be denied eventhough you have paid the entree fee.

(Translated by Google) No matter how many times you go to the beautiful castle, you won't get bored. (Original) 美しいお城で何度行っても飽きません。

Take a Shinkansen to Himeji and the Himeji Castle park is just a short walk from the station. It a beautiful serene place, was lucky to bump into a few ‘samurai’s’ when i was there and they happily posed with visitors.

(Translated by Google) It's a very beautiful castle. I'm proud that this castle remains. (Original) とても綺麗なお城です。この城が残っていて誇らしいですね。

(Translated by Google) Pretty history (Original) 이쁜역사

(Translated by Google) Thirty years ago, I fell in love with a person who broke up due to circumstances. (Original) 三十年前事情が有って別れた人との想い出に一人慕った。

(Translated by Google) Great experience, worth walking up (Original) 很棒的體驗，值得上去走

(Translated by Google) It is majestic. It was partially renovated, but I wonder if it can be done because it is old. (Original) 荘厳です。部分的に改修中でしたが、古いゆえに致し方ないかと。

(Translated by Google) There were food stalls around Himeji Castle boar? Deer? I forgot something, but I'm glad that the mysterious meat hamburger was rare (Original) 姫路城の周辺で屋台が出ていた イノシシ？シカ？何かは忘れたけど謎肉のハンバーガーは珍しくて良かった

(Translated by Google) It's okay to go to Asaichi (Original) あさイチ行くと空いてて良い

(Translated by Google) Himeji Castle shines in the blue sky. Once you see it, you can see why you are obsessed with it! (Original) 青い空に姫路城、映えますね。 一度観たらとりつかれる理由、行けばわかります！

(Translated by Google) It is genuine, not imitation. It might be fun to touch the water in the well. (Original) 模造品ではなく本物です。井戸の水にさわれたら楽しいかも。

(Translated by Google) The castle was beautiful, but the garden was also beautiful! (Original) お城もきれいでしたが、お庭もきれいでした！

From the himeji station to the castle it is 15 min on foot or 5 by bus. Several lines make the route. In the castle, 1h30 to 2h is enough to visit the gardens and its interior. I left Kyoto early, visited himeji in the morning and hiroshima in the afternoon. It was quiet, except for the surprise that the Jr pass was not accepted in most of the region's bullet train!!!!!

It is in a small town accessible by bullet train and 6 to 7 hours are more than enough to disembark at the station, walk to the castle to enjoy its garden, its tower, have lunch and walk again to the station. If you are tired, taxis and buses are available on several lines at all times. I recommend the tour. It is no accident that it is a UNESCO world heritage site.

(Translated by Google) I think it is the best castle in Japan. When you get off the station, you suddenly see it and it's wonderful. (Original) やはり日本一のお城だと思います。駅を降りるといきなり目に入り素晴らしいです。

(Translated by Google) Was good. It's wide and beautiful. It depends on the season. (Original) 良かった。広くて綺麗。季節にもよるが。

(Translated by Google) Shirasagi Castle world Heritage It's wonderful no matter how many times you watch it. (Original) 白鷺城 世界遺産 何回観ても素晴らしい。

(Translated by Google) It is the most beautiful castle. The inside is full of highlights. Himeji Castle itself is a wonderful word. Unfortunately, there are souvenir shops and restaurants in the area. Don't you feel embarrassed to have T-shirts and goods with TOKYO printed in the store? There are only katsudon and soba noodles that can be eaten anywhere in restaurants ... I can't think of a Himeji specialty called Kore, so I just don't know, or is it bad at PR? I thought it would be great if the souvenir shop had a lot of restaurants. (Original) 最高に美しいお城です。中も見所満載です。 姫路城自体は素晴らしいの一言です。 残念なのは周辺の土産物屋や飲食店です。店内にTOKYOがプリントされたTシャツやグッズは置いていて恥ずかしいと思わないのでしょうか？飲食店もどこでも食べられるようなカツ丼や蕎麦などばかりだし…コレと言った姫路名物も思い浮かばないので、私が知らないだけなのか、PRが下手なのか？土産物屋が飲食店が充実するといいな〜と思いました。

(Translated by Google) Even if you look at it from a distance, it's as big as "Oh, big!" And fine. As expected it is a World Heritage Site. (Original) 離れた場所から観ても「うおっ、でかっ！」というくらいでかいです。そして立派。さすが世界遺産。

(Translated by Google) When I went to the end of the year, it was a holiday. I'm sorry I couldn't go on vacation (Original) 年末行ったところ休みでした。休み遊びに行けず残念

(Translated by Google) A stable tourist destination. It was whiter than I imagined (laughs) and it was very beautiful. Is it because of the expanded color? Is that really the case? I felt bigger than Osaka Castle. (Original) 安定の観光地。想像よりも白で（笑）それにとても綺麗でした。 膨張色のせいなのか？実際そうなのか？大阪城より大きく感じました。

国宝世界遺産白鷺城最高

この歴史ある建物に対して悪評価をする必要もなく、よくぞ現存してくれていた事に本当に感謝です。 見る者を圧巻する佇まいは私の中での城NO1です。

随分昔に行ったきりなので、リニューアルされた美しいお城に、本当に感動、感嘆。 天守閣まで登って、更に満足。 国宝、世界遺産、さすがですねぇ。 桜の頃にまた来たい。

さすがは日本で唯一の世界遺産登録された戦国時代の城。

The outside is beautiful and free to look at, If you pay to go in be prepared for a lot of walking without shoes on because they aren't allowed inside the castle. If you're a tourist the souvenir shop is a great place to buy things that scream Japan, but if you live here it isn't too exciting.

5ちゃんねるで倉吉メリーランドって名前で韓国批判したら、ゲームセンターメリーランドの店員がボコボコにされました笑　つまりメリーランドの店員はネトウヨに見えるという訳になります大爆笑

駅から見えます。次回は現地に行ってみたいです。

(Translated by Google) When I was in the 5th grade of elementary school, I belonged to the History Study Group and came to take pictures of Himeyama virgin forest. For six years in junior high and high school, I took a detour to check the Himeyama virgin forest. (Original) 小学5年生の時、歴史研究会に所属し、姫山原生林等を撮影しに参りました。中学高校の6年間は回り道して姫山原生林を確かめておりました。

(Translated by Google) There is no castle below. The DQ Walk souvenir point is near the paid entrance. There is a castle stamp, but for a limited time Not available all year at this time Due to the old architecture, we do not recommend sightseeing in the castle for people with poor legs. There is a shrine of Princess Osakabe on the stairs (with ropes) that even young people feel uneasy. (Original) 下に城はありません。有料入場口付近がDQウォークお土産ポイントです。 城印は存在しますが、期間限定 現時点では通年で出てません 古い建築の為、足の悪い人には城内観光はオススメしません 若い人でも不安を感じるほどの階段（綱あり）の上にオサカベ姫のお社あります

(Translated by Google) My favorite castle in the world. It's too beautiful. You will be walking quite a bit, so it may be better to wear comfortable sneakers. (Original) この世で一番好きなお城。美しすぎる。 結構歩くことになるので、歩きやすいスニーカーなどで行った方が良いかもしれません。

(Translated by Google) It was a beautiful castle. (Original) 美しいお城でした。

天守閣までは足腰が鍛えられる

Until I visited I had thought "It is just another caster, isn't it?" but seeing it with me own eyes, I was stunned. Interior was amazing, too. I was able to feel how the castle was used hundreds years ago. Steep stairs, wood floors, small windows, everything about it, is something you can feel only with your skin by being there, not by seeing photos or wearing VR headset. While you are there, spend time expanding your imagination and time-traveling in your head. Hats off to those working to maintain the castle, which got to be a hard task but they are doing it well.

(Translated by Google) Visited in November 2020. It's a beautiful castle! (Original) 2020年11月に訪問。 美しい城だ！

(Translated by Google) Himeji Castle in the evening (Original) 夕方の姫路城

(Translated by Google) The scale of the castle is big and wonderful ♪ (Original) お城のスケールが大きく素晴らしい♪

(Translated by Google) It is open to the public in winter. You can see the stone drop now ❗ (Original) 冬の特別公開しています。石落とし口も今なら見れます❗

(Translated by Google) The year of registration as a World Heritage Site and the year of birth are the same, and I feel a sense of intimacy. The site is quite large, and I think it will take a long time to see "Kokoen" and souvenir shops around the castle (you can enjoy it that much), so there is plenty of time for those who want to enjoy the World Heritage Sites. I wonder if it's good to come at times! I was able to learn about the various facilities and mechanisms of the castle inside the castle, and I was able to spend a very meaningful time studying history 😆! (Original) 世界遺産登録年と誕生年が一緒で勝手に親近感湧いてます笑 かなり敷地が広くて「好古園」や城周りのお土産屋さんとかまで観ようとすれば結構な時間が掛かる(それだけ堪能できる)と思うので、しっかり世界遺産を楽しみたいという方はお時間いっぱいある時に来るのが良いかと！ 城内では城の様々な設備や仕組みを知ることができて、歴史の勉強をする上でも大変有意義な時間を過ごすことができました😆！

(Translated by Google) It's beautiful 💓😍💓 (Original) 綺麗だね💓😍💓

Wonderful castle

(Translated by Google) Too beautiful castle (Original) 美しすぎるお城

(Translated by Google) it's the best (Original) 最高です

(Translated by Google) A very beautiful castle, quiet. Bear in mind that you cannot take a photo with a drone nor will you pay a decent amount (Original) قلعة جدا جميلة ، هادئة خذ بالاعتبار انه لا يمكن ان تلقط صورة بواسطة الدرون ولا فإنك سوف تدفع مبلغ محترم

(Translated by Google) It was a very beautiful castle and I was overwhelmed. We recommend that you also visit the neighboring Kokoen as a set. There is a great set of admission tickets. There was a very friendly cat in the square. (Original) とても美しいお城で、圧倒されました。 お隣の好古園もセットで観光する事をオススメします。 お得なセットの入場券があります。 広場にとても人懐っこい猫がいました。

(Translated by Google) Make the viewer groan. As expected, it has a world heritage-level spectacular atmosphere. (Original) 見る人を唸らせる。さすが世界遺産レベルの壮観さと雰囲気があります。

(Translated by Google) Since I am a local, I watch the castle almost every day, so there are only two recommended spots. The angle looking up from a steep angle from the east side of the castle is It is exceptional. The other is the view from Otokoyama on the north side of the castle. I think it's good. As an aside, there are many cats around the castle. If you like cats, please find and heal 😻 (Original) 地元民なのでお城はほぼ毎日のように観ているので、お薦めスポットを二つばかり お城の東側から急角度から見上げるアングルは 別格です。 もう一つは、お城の北側にある男山からの眺めが 良いと思いますよ。 余談ですがお城周りには多数の猫がいるので 猫好きなら見つけて癒されてくださいね😻

(Translated by Google) I never get bored anytime (Original) いつ行っても飽きない

(Translated by Google) It is too beautiful. (Original) 美しすぎる。

(Translated by Google) It's a wonderful castle. The roof is getting a little black. (Original) 素晴らしいお城です。屋根が少し黒くなってきました。

(Translated by Google) The night illumination is beautiful ✨ (Original) 夜のライトアップは綺麗✨

(Translated by Google) World cultural heritage is wonderful (Original) 世界文化遺産素晴らしい

(Translated by Google) One stone. (Original) 流石。

(Translated by Google) It's a World Heritage Site, so it's wonderful. ❗ It's quite difficult in winter because you have to take off your shoes to go to the castle tower and walk on the board. It became so cold that my legs were numb. But I could feel the distant history of Japan. (Original) さすがに世界遺産というだけあってとても素晴らしい❗天守閣に行くのに靴を脱ぐ必要が有り板の上を歩くので冬場はかなり大変。足がしびれるほど冷たくなった。でも日本の遠い歴史を感じる事ができました。

(Trip was made back then on 6 Dec 2019, 2 years before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit) Visited Himeji Castle 2 years ago today, which is considered to be Japan’s most impressive castle and I could understand why. The castle stands at about 10 storeys high, with its elegant architectural design and pure white exterior perching elegantly on the hilltop supposedly resembling a bird taking flight, which is often referred as the “White Heron Castle”. It is both a national treasure and a world heritage site, as well as one of the 12 original castles in Japan, having survived the feudal wars, earthquakes and even the air raids during world war 2. Climbing to the castle’s top storey offers a beautiful view of its compound, and the surrounding landscape, where the mountains display a range of warm orange hues. It’s also a popular destination during cherry blossom season. Unfortunately there isn’t that many autumn foliage for viewing within its main compound but there is a Kokoen Garden located just next to Himeji Castle which has some nice autumn foliage to view. Would love to revisit the castle during the cherry blossom season in spring.

Absolutely beautiful. But was awfully crowded and the queue for entry into the castle was horrendous. We took a walk around the castle and it was stunning. Extremely convenient to walk to the castle from JR Himeji station. You can actually see the castle from the station.

The most beautiful castle in Japan in my opinion. It is huge and sits in the middle of a large park. It is worth venturing inside. It is very beautiful during sakura season.

Himeji Castle is worth a day trip from any major city in the Kansai region. It truly is one of Japan’s most iconic and impressive castles. The view from the castle itself is also quite splendid. While the city of Himeji may not have much else to do, the castle alone makes it worth the trip. You get a sense of the feudal period when samurai were still protecting castles in Japan. It towers over the city, and is an amazing spot even for mundane activities.

Our friend recommended this castle for us and she was on point. This castle is beautiful and huge. We have visited many castles in Japan, but my feeling is, that this is worth every yen of the entrance fee. There are plenty of English descriptions. it is a good 2-3 hour program. Prepare yourself for climbing some steps, since it is very high and you can climb to the top of the castle.

If you are in Japan, it is almost certainly worth your time and money to get to Himeji and see the castle. Even the experience or arriving at the train station and seeing the castle high on the hill in the distance was incredible and it just got more effective as we walked towards it. The building itself is one thing, taking the tour through the internal floors all the way to the top room of the castle gives so much insight and into the long and storied history of this remarkable building. Beyond that, the grounds and other ancillary buildings surrounding the caste are equally compelling in their history, I believe one could easily make an entire day out of a visit here and it is literally a 10 minute walk from the bullet train.

What a beautiful place! This castle has a fascinating history and has been kept in pristine condition. My recommendation is climbing the staircases all the way to the top for a great view but beware - the stairs are steep and there are very low overhanging beams so you have to bend down a lot! The grounds also provide nice walking areas and there's several stores selling sueveniers and snacks. There's vending machines for cold drinks and a visitor's center for assistance.

Love this place, never regret came from Osaka which took 2 hours by train. I will recommend who want to visit here. But improvements are needed, for example about queue and the explanation of every floor, it will be great if there are bigger place to read explanation and please add some collections. Overall its great 😃👍

Coolest castle I've ever been to in Japan. I love visiting all the different castles across the country, but this one is on a whole different level. Originally was just a last minute plan for my Golden Week trip, but turned into one of my favorite places to go now. The castle and surrounding areas can be done in a day, so easily to add a quick stop here on the way to Hiroshima or Kyushu.

I only visited 2 castles in japan. Nijo castle and himeji castle. This castle absolutely better. The view is spectacular. The castle design is shown in details. You get to climb the main keep to the top and enjoy the view from there. If you buy combo ticket, you can also enjoy kokoen garden. Pictures won't be able to capture the true beauty of this castle. I am not a big history fan yet i still enjoy this castle. The only downside is the weather. It was scorching hot when i visit the castle.

beautiful, historical, very worth seeing. however if you are handicapped, they will not allow you to use accessible options unless you have a card proving your handicappedness. signage is somewhat poor, so be careful to go the right way to get to the garden.

Second time here. I simply adore this castle!!! It's truly beautiful and serene. Unesco site. The stairs are steep so be prepared to exercise and walk as theres no elevators inside the castle. I also loved the west section with history of princess Sen. Such a sad and poignant story. This is definitely a must visit destination for those that travel to Japan!!!

Just amazing. Visited Osaka Castle 15 years ago and wondered why Himeji Castle was rated as better - now I know!! Magnificent architecture and, for me, the complex is the definition of the word fortress. Grandmothers with broomd could nearly defend it!! A busy place but you can move at your own pace. Lots of steep stairs so keep that in mind. The beams running across them can also be a challenge for those of us over 6 feet. Oh, no shoes allowed after a certain point so wear something easy to remove and put back on. But visit, an absolute must see.

We really enjoyed our visit to Himeji castle. Between this and Osaka castle, this one was worth the admission fee. I loved that the inside was more reflective of the history and the descriptions of architecture were fascinating. We paid the ticket that also covered the garden and it was definitely worth it!

One of the must-visit castles in Japan. It was a stunning building and it was a great visit when you got in and walked up the stairs. Great exhibitions of art works and antiques as well. The parking was quite close to the Himeji park.

I visited here on Marine Day so it’s full of people but it was great. There are many people in line to climb the stairs in the castle together 😅 I enjoyed wandering around the castle and exploring inside the castle. I came here during summer and the sun was so strong so please prepare a bottle of water and if you wanna go inside you have to take off your shoes and put them in a plastic bag and you have to carry them during the tour so please prepare the easy-to-wear shoes. PS I recommend you buy a combined ticket, the garden was so awesome!!!

When I first saw the castle from a distance, white tower was strikingly elegant against a backdrop of blue sky. When closeup you realise how big it actually is. During the visit I was deeply impressed by the structure and various historical details learned inside the castle. It is a treasure and a miracle. I highly recommend visiting.

The castle is awesome, you can walk through most of the buildings now (that might be temporary though) and the higher floors offer great views. There is not so much in terms of the exhibits, though, but enough to spend 2 hours here and then some.

My visit to Himeji Castle in Japan on a weekday afternoon was fantastic. There were no queues, and the ticket machine made entry convenient. The castle itself is incredible and rightfully a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just a heads up, it's a preserved old building with six floors to climb up stairs and no lift, so be prepared for some physical activity. Other than that, it's a wonderful experience!

Amazing castle from the 1600s, strongly recommend visiting. Shoes have to be taken off inside the castle and steep steps inside can be hard work. Amazing value to enter and very close to the train station.

Insanely large and well kept castle. There's 6 floors and and entire side corridor to explore here. There's panels everywhere explaining the history, or you could time your visit with a tour guide. Expect to spend 1.5-2ish hours here. It can get a bit crowded, but definitely worth coming to visit!

Absolutely worth the journey and the entry fee! The architecture is stunning and the views are incredible. The west side of the fourth floor has a breathtaking view, be sure to stop and take pictures! Can buy entry ticket with credit card. 1000¥ for the castle + 50¥ for the garden.

Himeji castle was absolutely beautiful and it seemed there was also a festival going on when I was there which made for a very fun vibe. The actually castle was extremely crowded and honestly wasn’t worth the climb up 7 floors unless you want a decent view and pretty sure I caught a cold from all the people that were there. There are also coin lockers there although I didn’t use them I think it is worth mentioning and they’re cheaper than the ones at the station although there are less of them.

Well worth the visit together with the Kokoen garden. Enjoyable 2 hours climbing up and down the castle with shoes remove so you do not dirty the lacquered floors that have been in existence for the past 500 years. The views are fantastic especially when you crossed over the sunset. Thanks for the experience.