18 Spectacular Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Himeji, Japan

September 30, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 5980 Views

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.

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Table of Contents

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

Budget Hotels

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