During our last trip to mainland Japan back in June 2018, we visited 7 cities including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Fukuoka. On our fourth day, we headed to Himeji, about an hour and thirty minutes from Osaka. We had lunch at a burger spot… cannot remember the name but it was so good! We then walked over to see visit the Himeji Castle, also called the White Heron Castle, for its bright appearance.
The castle was built back in the early 1600s and it is easily one of the most popular castles in all of Japan. In 1951, it received the designation of National Treasure, and in 1993, it became the first Japanese castle to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the things that makes it extra special is that it’s one of twelve original castles that still stands.
The castle is HUGE!! There are over eighty buildings scattered throughout the grounds, connected by gates and winding paths. You can tour the main keep and climb narrow staircases to see the view of the grounds and the city.
^^ the castle was celebrating 25 years since becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site! ^^
^ I love snapping photos of our admission tickets ^
^^ when you’re short and fit perfectly through the tiny doorway ^^
The castle has an urban legend/ghost story of a servant girl that was killed by the lord. He was obsessed with her and she refused his advances over and over. She was tasked to keep an eye on 10 precious golden plates, count them, wrap them, and place them inside a wooden box. The lord himself stole one of the plates in order to force her to be with him. When she refused again, he stabbed her with his sword and disposed of her body in this well. It is said that you can still hear her counting from 1-9 and then screaming because one is missing. Read more on this website.
Himeji Castle
Address: 68 Honmachi,
Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (6 PM during summer)
Admission: ¥1,000 for castle only
¥1,040 for castle + Kokoen garden
See more from our trip: Dotonbori Street | Kiyomizudera Temple | Exploring Kobe + Cafe Freundlieb | Nunobiki Herb Garden | Ikuta Shrine | Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park | Hiroshima Castle + Gokoku Shrine | Miyajima Pt. 1 | Miyajima Pt. 2 | Fukuoka Castle Ruins + Ohori Park | Nanzoin Temple + Tochoji Temple + Kushida Shrine |