Himeji is a city in the Kansai region of Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. Some of the best things to do in Himeji include exploring the history, culture, architecture, and art of Hyogo prefecture. The city is also popular for its gardens, amusement parks, and shopping.
Owing to its quintessential old Japanese look, Himeji has been featured in several films, “The Last Samurai” being the most well-known among them. You can take a walking tour to explore Himeji attractions featured in films.
Himeji Castle is the crown jewel of the city. It is considered the finest castle in Japan and is also included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The beautiful white castle is one of the best places to visit in Himeji for its architecture, history, and artwork. During the 1500s it used to be the largest castle in all of Asia. Many people visit Himeji only to see this castle.
Besides the castle, there are many other historical and cultural things to see in Himeji. You get to explore temples, shrines, and traditional houses. The temples and shrines especially are wonderful. Not only for their architecture but also as a cultural experience.
Each of these temples has unique rituals associated with them. The best way to experience these Himeji tourist attractions is to participate in the rituals. The majority of the temples are located atop hills or mountains. So you get an amazing view while you receive blessings.
You can further explore the culture, art, and history of the city at its museums. Himeji tourist spots have museums for classic Japanese art, modern art, city’s history, prefecture’s history, literary history, handicraft traditions, and more.
The city also has a lot of options for fun and entertainment during Himeji sightseeing. You can explore the parks, amusement parks, zoo, aquarium, gaming arcades, and shopping mall.
This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.
Top 18 Tourist Places to Visit in Himeji, Japan
1. Himeji Castle
Himeji is one of Japan’s 12 original castles and one of the most beautiful among them. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle is known for its large complex, elaborate architecture, and intricate carvings. It is among the best places to visit in Himeji for its history and cultural significance. The castle dates back to 1333 and was gradually developed under multiple rulers. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this castle.
I suggest you should book a Guided Tour to The Himeji Castle in advance.
2. Mount Shosha
Situated on the outskirts of Himeji, this mountain is an important cultural landmark. The mountain is home to the Engyo ji Temple, which is one of 33 Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage sites. You can take the ropeway to reach atop this mountain. The ride is among the best things to do in Himeji as you get amazing views of the city and the mountain. People also enjoy exploring nature around this mountain. You will need 3 to 4 hours to enjoy Mount Shosha.
3. Koko-en Garden
This traditional Japanese garden is renowned for its design, ambiance, decorative gardening, ponds, picnic spots, and more. The park consists of 9 gardens depicting the Edo Period. It is also included among Himeji attractions for the Tea Ceremony garden. You can enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and snacks at Soujuan tea house in the garden. You will need about an hour to explore this garden and its attractions.
4. Engyō-ji Temple
With more than a thousand years of history, this temple is one of the most revered shrines in Japan. This large Buddhist temple complex is also renowned for its architecture, wood carvings, carved stones, sculptures, and artworks. It is among the most beautiful things to see in Himeji. As you enter the temple you will feel overwhelmed and peaceful at the same time. Such is the energy of this place. You will need about 2 hours to explore this temple complex.
5. Himeji City Museum of Art
This museum is home to more than 3,700 works of art. You will get to see historical, modern, and contemporary artworks of the region. The museum also houses a few paintings of French artists such as Monet, Matisse, Pizarro, Corot, and more. The building housing this museum is also among the historical Himeji tourist attractions. You will need about an hour and a half to tour this museum.
6. Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History
This museum focuses on the history of the Hyogo prefecture and Japan. The museum has several interesting artifacts including replicas of 12 original castles of the country. You will also get to learn about history, culture, traditions, festivals, religions, lifestyles, weapons, politics, and more. This museum also has one of the finest art collections in the city. You will need about an hour from Himeji sightseeing to tour this museum.
7. Himeji Central Park
This park is famous for its zoo, amusement park, picnic spots, sports facilities, games, and more. The Animal safaris and amusement rides in this park are among the most fun things to do in Himeji. You can tour the zoo on foot, on a bus, or in a ropeway cabin. The amusement park has mini-golf, roller coasters, Ferris wheel, a horror museum, boat rides, train tours, and more. You can easily spend a few hours at this park.
8. Miyuki Street Shopping District
This street is a quintessential Japanese shopping district. You will see shops, shopping centers, food joints, and more. This street is among the must-visit Himeji tourist spots for some of the quirky things you can buy here in fashion, food, home decor, electronics, and so on. You will need about an hour or so to explore this shopping street.
9. Taiyō Park
This themed park lets you revisit ancient times. The park has recreated several monuments from around the world including castles, the great wall, pyramids, and more. You can also adorn costumes from different cultures and have photographs clicked with the monuments. You will need an hour or so from Himeji travel to explore this park.
10. Himeji City Aquarium
This aquarium has several marine animals and plants native to Japan and its surrounding water bodies. You can see fishes, turtles, tortoises, crabs, jellyfish, sea horses, eels, snakes, and more. The aquarium has several play areas and activities for children. If you visit Himeji with your family, they will enjoy this place. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this Aquarium.
11. Himeji City Museum of Literature
This museum is dedicated to the preservation of the literary history of Himeji and Harima. It celebrates renowned writers from the region and great works of literature. It is also among the best places to visit in Himeji to learn more about the city’s famous castle. There is an entire gallery dedicated to Himeji castle, its history, and literary works concerning the monument. You will need an hour to tour this museum.
12. Shosha Art & Craft Museum
This museum focuses on the art and handicraft of Himeji. You will get to see paintings, wood-carved items, textile art, glassworks, and more. The museum not only exhibits artworks but also showcases the traditions of craftsmanship. You will come across some of the most attractive things to see in Himeji at this museum. The museum is surrounded by a bamboo grove. The building is shaped like a dome standing on red pillars. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.
13. Hiromine Shrine
This Shrine may look similar to other temples in terms of architecture, but the rituals here are quite different. The shrine is known among Himeji attractions for its wish wall. Behind the wooden building, there is a wall with 12 holes, each representing a deity. You have to buy 3 things: a wooden plaque, an amulet, and an ornament. Each of these depends on your birth date. You then write your wish on the wooden plaque and place it with the relevant deity. The amulet is to be kept in your person and the ornament in your house. This shrine provides a memorable cultural experience during Himeji sightseeing. You will need 30 to 45 minutes here.
14. Tegarayama Central Park
This public park is home to several Himeji tourist attractions including Aquarium, Monorail Museum, Botanical Gardens, Peace Memorial, Amusement Park, and more. Several monuments of this hilltop park offer great views of the city. The Control Tower and the Castle are the most popular features of this park and among the best vantage points to see the city. You will need an hour or so from Himeji travel to explore this park.
15. Otokoyama Senhime Tenmangu Shrine
This shrine is particularly popular among young people, especially couples. It is associated with Senhime or Lady Sen, the eldest daughter of Shogun Hidetada and wife of Hideyori. The shrine is considered auspicious for couples who are married or are looking to get married. It is among the most peculiar Himeji tourist attractions. You will need about an hour for this Shrine.
16. Japan Toy Museum
This museum is housed at the residence of Shigeyoshi Inoue, a famous toy collector. The museum boasts a collection of 90,000 toys. These hail from different eras with the oldest one going back to the 1960s. It is one of the top things to do in Himeji for family tourists. You will need an hour to tour this museum.
17. Daisho Leather Factory
This factory carries a 1000-year tradition of making fine white leather. The factory has been run by the same family since its origin. The current owners are 3rd generation of the family. You will get to see ancient leather-making techniques and tools. The discipline and craftsmanship at this factory is fascinating. It is one of the most interesting Himeji tourist spots, though not very well known. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this factory.
18. Asago Art Village
This place has an indoor art museum and a sculpture park. The permanent exhibition is focused on the works of Toshio Yodoi, one of the pioneers of modern and contemporary arts in Japan. This place also promotes various other contemporary and modern artists of Japan through its exhibitions. You will have to travel a little outside the city to reach this place. So you will need about 2 hours to explore Asago Art Village and get back to visit Himeji.
If you are looking for more places to visit in Himeji, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of all the attractions and activities that you can enjoy in and around this city.
Things to do in Himeji, Japan
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Himeji, Japan
- Himeji Castle
- Himeji Museum of Art
- Engyoji Shrine
- Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History
- Himeji City Museum of Literature
- Shosha Art & Craft Museum
- Hiromine Shrine
- Senhime Shrine
- Nagoyama Cemetery
- JR Station Information Center
- Japan Toy Museum
- Asago Art Village
- Daisho Leather Factory
- Tatsuno Castle
- Kakurinji Temple
- Ichijo ji Temple
- Uzurano Airfield Site
- Hishi no Mon Castle
- Himeji City Science Museum
- Hakucho Castle
- Ishi no Hoden Historical Site
- Kashima Shrine
- Oushiko Shrine
- Kameyama Hontokuji Temple
- Shirotopia Memorial Park
- Takasago Shrine
- Ikarugadera Temple
- Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine
- Sone Tenman Shrine
- Matsubarahachiman Shrine
- Azuki Museum
- Ibo no Ito Somen Museum
- Ieshima Shrine
- Usukihachiman Shrine
- Tamaoka Historical Park
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Himeji, Japan
- Mount Shosha
- Ichinoike Park
- Mount Takamikurayama
- Mount Seppiko
- Tonomine Kogen Plains
- Mount Beniyama
- Hyogo Prefectural Ieshima Nature Experience Center
- Ayabeyama Plum Forest
- Kashima Ogidaira Natural Park
- Yumesaki River
- Mount Kasamatsuyama
- Heiso Lake
- Mount Okeiyama
- Mount Hiromineyama
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Himeji, Japan
- Kokoen Garden
- Himeji Central Park
- Taiyo Park
- Himeji City Aquarium
- Tegarayama Central Park
- Himeji City Zoo
- West Side Park
- Hyogo Prefectural Flower Center
- Tsujikawayama Park
- Himeji Tegarayama Botanical Garden
- Kakogawa Wellness Park
- Hyogo Prefectural Kuniminomori Park
- Aizome Traditional Japanese Indigo Dying Workshop
- Otemae Park
- Tatsuno Park
- Mitachi Park
- Oyashiki Park
- Ice Park
- Sakurayama Park
- Takasago Seaside Park
- Himeyama Park
- Hanada Central Park
- Sekainoume Park
- Higashiyama Park
- Tsuda Park
Shopping in Himeji, Japan
- Miyuki Shopping Street
- Himeji Ceramics Market
Beaches & Islands in Himeji, Japan
- Ie Island
- Suma Beach
- Boze Island
- Matogata Beach
- Tanga Island
- Shirahama Beach
- Nishijima Island
Offbeat Places, Tours & Adventure Things to do in Himeji, Japan
- Boat Tours
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Camping
- Walking Tours
- Mountain Climbing
Sightseeing in Himeji, Japan
- Sannomaru Square
- Sakuramon Bashi Bridge
- Mitsu Road Station
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Himeji, Japan
- Sumiyako Anago Yamayoshi
- Iccyoura
- Sushii Chi
- Ekisoba
- Ramen Zundoya
- Ju Ju
- Jigoro
- Morishita
- Takopia
- Tonraishun
- Oden Nako
- Ittetsu Ramen
- Totoro
- Gyuunagi
- Tamagoya
- Karaiwatei
Where to Stay in Himeji?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Himeji. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Himeji.
Luxurious Hotels
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hotel Nikko Himeji
- Hotel Monterey Himeji
- Richmond Hotel Himeji
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Himeji
- Hotel Livemax Premium Himejieki-Minami
- Toyoko Inn Himeji-eki Shinkansen Kita-guchi
- Himeji Ekimae Universal Hotel South Exit
- Hotel Himeji Hills
- Business Hotel Kurogane Ryokan
- Hotel Aston Plaza Himeji
Budget Hotels
- Comfort Hotel Himeji
- Dormy Inn Himeji
- Koderaso
- Hotel Wing International Himeji
- Himeji Castle Grandvrio Hotel
- Hotel Claire Higasa
- Chisun Inn Himeji Yumesakibashi
- Shironoshita Guesthouse
- Hotel Crown Hills Himeji
- Hotel Livemax Himeji-Ekimae
- Grandouce Himeji
- Himeji 588 GuestHouse
Custom Tours Package in Himeji
How to Reach Himeji, Japan?
By Air
There are 3 airports you can choose to visit Himeji. These are Kobe Airport, Osaka International Airport and Kansai International Airport. Kobe is the nearest to the city, but only receives a few domestic flights. Osaka and Kansai receive both domestic and international flights. You can get direct flights for Himeji travel from Sapporo, Tokyo, Matsumoto, Nagasaki, Moscow, Honolulu, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Seoul, Vancouver, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, Macau, Auckland, Hong Kong, Manila, Dubai, Bangkok, Los Angeles, Sydney, Singapore, and several others.
You can get buses and cabs from any of these airports to reach Himeji. Kobe and Osaka airports also have direct trains to get to the city.
By Road
You can get direct trains to reach Himeji from Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Okayama, and Kyoto. The bus network connects Himeji to several cities, towns, and villages on the main island of Japan.
If you are planning to visit Himeji by road, you should head for routes 250 or E95.
By Water
Despite being a coastal city there are no direct water routes for Himeji travel.
Image Reference
- Himeji Castle – gosia64 / PixaBay
- Mount Shosha – Corpse Reviver / Wikimedia Commons
- Koko-en Garden – Federico Moroni / Flickr
- Engyō-ji Temple – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
- Himeji City Museum of Art – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
- Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History – Drivephotographer / Wikimedia Commons
- Himeji Central Park – Martin Lewison / Flickr
- Miyuki Street Shopping District – SRIA / Wikimedia Commons
- Taiyō Park – Corpse Reviver / Wikimedia Commons
- Himeji City Aquarium – DVMG / Wikimedia Commons
- Himeji City Museum of Literature – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
- Shosha Art & Craft Museum – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
- Hiromine Shrine –
- Tegarayama Central Park – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
- Otokoyama Senhime Tenmangu Shrine –
- Japan Toy Museum – cotaro70s / Flickr
- Daisho Leather Factory –
- Asago Art Village – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
The post 18 Spectacular Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Himeji, Japan appeared first on Wide World Trips.