The crown jewel of Japanese culture and history

Home to one of Japan’s most famous castles, Himeji is a dream destination for those interested in history and architecture. While the heart of the castle has been the subject of fascination for centuries, the surrounding city is also filled with countless charms – from the vast castle gardens of Hirokoen to the breathtaking mountain temple Enkyoji, which has plenty of A variety of luxury dining and accommodation options help you enjoy the ultimate in comfort while you delve into the area and uncover countless living histories.

Filled with authentic history, food and culture, Himeji is a place worth exploring, where guests can step back in time and experience the remnants of the Edo period.

Himeji Castle as you’ve never seen it before

Needless to say, Himeji Castle is Himeji City’s most popular tourist destination, and for good reason. It is one of Japan’s most iconic and well-preserved castles, known for its beauty, size and historical significance, and is sometimes called “White Heron Castle” – a name that refers to its dazzling white appearance and striking The elegance reminds one of a bird about to take flight. It is a world symbol of Japan and was listed as Japan’s first World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.

Now, visitors can experience the castle closer than ever before. Himeji Castle offers private night tours of the castle, allowing guests to explore areas of the castle that are not normally open to the public. Strolling through the crowd-free castle corridors, you can imagine yourself as one of the samurai who once walked the same floors. Another beautiful way to see the castle is during the Otemae Street Illumination: During the winter, the trees along the road leading from Himeji Station to the castle are illuminated by twinkling Christmas lights. Under the illumination of the lights, Himeji Castle becomes more ethereal.

Explore the wonders of the castle town

Himeji Castle is a short walk from many charming and culturally rich attractions. To the west you’ll find extensive gardens Haokoen. Set among the remains of samurai and feudal lord residences, this spacious park consists of nine gardens, each varying in size and style, each designed to reflect a different aspect of the Edo period. For those visiting in the fall, Hokoen Garden has some of the most stunning fall foliage views in the country.

Also located near Himeji Castle Himeji City Museum of Art. The stately red brick building contrasting with the castle in the background is memorable enough on its own, but the museum also houses some 5,000 rare works by esteemed artists such as Pissarro, Monet and Matisse. . The museum hosts world-class exhibitions year-round, and a major solo exhibition commemorating Himeji native Kenzo Takada is planned for April 2025.

Enkyoji Temple: Famous Temple in Hollywood

Himeji also has another amazing cultural heritage: Enkyoji Temple Shuishu Mountain is a sacred temple complex with a history of over 1,000 years. Visitors can take a 4-minute cableway ride to the top of the mountain to admire the stunning natural landscape and traditional architecture.

In addition to its immense historical significance, Enkyoji Temple has had a lasting impact on popular culture, becoming famous as a filming location for Hollywood movies the last samurai;It has also been awarded a Michelin Green Guide star. Guests can choose to participate in meditation and scripture-copying experiences, or indulge in Shojin ryori (Traditional Vegetarian Buddhist Dishes) Enjoy a unique immersive experience in a temple – please note Reservation required.

local food

Himeji is home to several incredible dining options that are unique to the city. one of them is Nadagiku Sake Brewerywhere guests can tour the facility, culminating in a tasting under the supervision of staff—the premium tasting experience with the establishment’s head winemaker is particularly recommended. The brewery also offers sake tastings and food pairings at its on-site restaurant. Serve dishes Using gut-healthy ingredients from the fermentation process, guests can fully enjoy the tradition of Japanese sake.

For guests who like to dine while admiring the view, Himeji Sky Castle Club (Kiko x Tatsuki) Taking full advantage of the unique scenery of Himeji Castle, we offer a spacious and luxurious dining experience. A collaboration between the prestigious Japanese restaurant Omotenashi Kiko and the 100-year-old sake brewery Tatsuki, the restaurant offers seasonal dishes made with high-quality ingredients, and guests can sip top-notch local sake while admiring the world-famous view.

World class accommodation

Himeji has a variety of accommodation options for the luxury traveler. Hotel Nikko HimejiFor example, both elegant and convenient. The hotel’s much-anticipated refurbishment of its executive rooms will be completed by February 2025, and some rooms are now available for advance booking. Hotel Nikko Himeji is located just one minute from Himeji Station, making it an ideal choice for both business and vacation guests.

Hotel Monterey Himeji Another great option for a relaxing stay. Directly connected to Himeji Station, this city hotel is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Himeji Castle. The hotel draws inspiration from Himeji’s sister city, Charleroi, Belgium, with an exotic interior design that blends European Art Deco and Oriental influences.