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Chic . Explore . ThinkerTen

My Style ~ My Journey ~ My Inspiration

HyogoJapanTravel

Himeji Castle aka the “White Herorn Castle” – The most beautiful castle in Japan

by kumamonjeng March 28, 2019
written by kumamonjeng March 28, 2019
Himeji Castle aka the “White Herorn Castle” – The most beautiful castle in Japan

There are many castles in Japan but only 12 castles that are considered “original” and Himeji Castle is one of them also the most beautiful castle in Japan.  Anyone who is visiting Kansai – Hiroshima region should include Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture.

From Osaka to Himeji took about an hour and a half by car and by Shinkansen, it takes 30-40 mins. We are on our way to Hiroshima and we made a detour to Himeji to check out the icon of the city, the Himeji Castle.  We parked our car near the train station and the “shotengai”/shopping streets of Himeji.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan If you are taking the train, you will see Himeji Castle once you come out of the station.  It can be seen from afar as it is located in the hilltop.

Otemaedori street

Walk along Otemaedori street as it is the main street of Himeji town and as you walk towards the castle, the castle appears to look bigger. Both of the sidewalks are wide for pedestrians so it is pretty comfortable to walk.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Bronze Statues

As you walk you can see some interesting bronze statues created by the leading sculptors of Japan.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

During my visit, there is a festival for the special kids in the square of Otemaedori Street.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

White Heron Castle

Himeji Castle is voted as one of the most beautiful castles in Japan as the whole building is in white color, pretty unique. It also has another name called White Heron Castle due to its color and perches on the edge of the situated location just like a heron.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

At the entrance, there are some bonsai plants.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Autumn Flower in Japan – chrysanthemums

In autumn you get to see the flower of this season displaying everywhere; at the temples & castle entrance, chrysanthemums are one of the common flowers which represent autumn.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Original Main Pillars

Some of the original main pillars which were made from Japanese cypress.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Entrance Fees

  • Adult 1000yen (USD 9.10) & Children 300yen (USD2.70)
  • Including garden: Adult 1040 yen (USD9.45) & Children 360yen (USD3.30) You may want to add in a little more fees to see the Japanese garden.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Himeji Castle was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage in 1993 as well as designated as a National Treasure in 1951.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

The roof was printed with beautiful details such as flowers & butterfly print.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Wooden Interior

The interior of the castle is made from wood including the wooden floor so visitors are not allowed to wear shoes to walk on the wooden floor.  Visitors are given a plastic bag to hold shoes and walk around with the plastic bag.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Must Visit Castle in Japan

As you can see, it is very crowded especially during public holiday and weekends as this is one of the must-visit castles in Japan.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Shachihoko

On top of the rooftop of some temples or castle, you can usually spot Shachihoko 鯱鉾 or shachi 鯱 is an animal in Japanese folklore with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp. It was believed that this animal could cause the rain to fall so it protects the building from fire. I have also seen a pair of Shachihoko (fishtails in gold) at the Todaiji temple in Nara.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Beautiful Skyline at the top of the castle

There are stairs to the highest point of the castle and the staircase can be very narrow and steep.  At the top, you will be rewarded with the beautiful skyline of Himeji city.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Himeji Castle has never experienced any damage

Most castle I have visited has been experiencing some sort of damage such as fire and earthquakes but Himeji Castle has never experienced any severe damage from the natural disasters which is quite unusual.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

James Bond Movie – You Only Live Twice

Himeji Castle is also the movie scene for James Bond Movie, “You Only Live Twice” released in 1967.  In the film, Bond visits the castle which houses a ninja training center but in real life, the castle is a tourist destination.  You also spot some tourists dress in ninja costumes for free photo shoots.

Japanese famous director Akira Kurosawa also shoot a few of his films here; “Ran” and “Kagemusha”.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Interesting Maze

Another interesting feature of Himeji Castle is it has a unique defense that many other Japanese castles do not have. That path maze to the main keep has many “dead ends” as this is to prevent the attackers from entering.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

Final thoughts:

I have visited quite a few castles in Japan, eg Kumamoto Castle & Matsumoto Castle and I have to admit that Himeji Castle has gotten my vote as the best among all.

Himeji Castle aka the "White Herorn Castle" - The most beautiful castle in Japan

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"Ran" and "Kagemusha"Akira KurosawaAutumn Flower in Japan – chrysanthemumsHimeji castleHimeji IconHyogo PrefectureInteresting MazeJames Bond Movie - You Only Live TwiceKansaiNational Treasure of JapanNinja School the Himeji CaslteOtemaedori streetshachiShachihokoUNESCO Cultural World HeritageUNESCO World Heritage siteWhite Heron Castle“shotengai”/shopping streets of Himeji鯱鉾
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39 comments

Ben Butler March 28, 2019 - 12:42 pm

That castle and the grounds are so beautiful! I love Japanese architecture. I think it’s gorgeous. The lines and use of wood always amaze me.

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:00 pm

Dear Ben,
Himeji Castle stands strong after so many years and never been damaged by the natural disaster such as earthquake as you know Japan is in the earthquake zone.

Reply
Mummy's Diary Katie Davies March 28, 2019 - 1:18 pm

what a beautiful castle i love how ornate other countries buildings and towns are

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:00 pm

This is one of the top castle and considered the most beautiful castle in whole Japan.

Reply
Raluca March 28, 2019 - 2:20 pm

Never been to Japan yet, so it’s great to read such a great post and see these beautiful photos, taking notes for a future trip 😉

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:02 pm

Dear Raluca,

Japan is a perfect destination in Asia, very safe and easy to explore. It has so many things to offer and most importantly is the thing here can be very cheap.

Reply
Samantha March 28, 2019 - 3:40 pm

Such gorgeous shots! Loving all the details! Japanese architecture is so pretty! Thanks for sharing 🙂

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:05 pm

Dear Samantha,

Japan has so many castle but Himeji Castle is Hyogo Prefecture, about an hour drive from Osaka is one of the most beautiful castle in Japan. If you are visiting Kansai area, do include Himeji Caslte in your itinerary.

Reply
wander women abroad March 28, 2019 - 7:50 pm

The castle looks absolutely beautiful grounds. I felt like I was there. Cant wait to visit Japan

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:06 pm

I love how Himeji Caslte was painted in all white so it is also called as “White Heron” Castle. This is the only castle in Japan that is painted all white.

Reply
Sara Welch March 28, 2019 - 8:21 pm

What a gorgeous castle! Everything looks so clean and organized in this town, too!

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:09 pm

Dear Sara,

Japanese take pride in keeping their locality clean and tidy so don’t be surprised the castle is so clean and organized. I guess education to the people is so important, it was taught since they were born.

Reply
Mama Maggie's Kitchen March 28, 2019 - 8:57 pm

Wow! This place looks amazing! Wish I could be here right now!

Reply
Calleigh March 28, 2019 - 10:02 pm

I had visited Himeji Castle and this place is the best among all, I just love the walk in the castle itself is scenic with all these Cherry Blossom trees, I could still imagine how beautiful it would look like with everything in pink.

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:11 pm

Dear Calleigh,

You are so lucky to be here in the cherry blossom season. I was here in the autumn so there is no cherry blossom but I was told during the spring season, the cherry blossoms are just stunning as there are so many cherry blossom trees planted around the castle.

Reply
Katerinotshka March 28, 2019 - 10:44 pm

Japanese arhitecture is so beautiful. The cherry blossom trees makes the castle so romantic !!

Reply
danielle March 29, 2019 - 12:32 am

Japan is such a beautiful place, thank you for sharing! I love the locals, they are the sweetest

Reply
Angie Scheie March 29, 2019 - 3:03 am

Such beautiful architecture and culture! My mom was raised in Japan and it’s on my bucket list to visit someday. I’ll put this castle on my list!

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:13 pm

Dear Angie,

Glad to hear that your mom is raised in Japan so I guess you are familiar with Japanese culture. Visiting Japan should be fun for you if you have already been exposed to Japanese culture.

Reply
Rhonda Sachs Albom March 29, 2019 - 9:30 am

The entrance fee sure is cheap. What age is a child? Under 12? Under 18? Or basically just if they’re travelling with the parent? It certainly is beautiful architecture.

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:16 pm

Dear Rhonda,

The child who is traveling with parents ( elementary school and Junior high school) cost children price. I guess it is under 18 years old. It also applied to the foreigner.

Reply
Yeah Lifestyle March 29, 2019 - 11:40 am

That truly is a beautiful castle, what wonderful architecture. I can see why it is so busy!

Reply
Catherine Santiago Jose March 29, 2019 - 12:05 pm

Wow, Japan is one of wonderful place that I want to visit and everything in that castle is really beautiful. You are so lucky to see that place!

Reply
Melissa Dixon March 29, 2019 - 12:55 pm

That’s really neat, I have never seen a castle quite like that one. I bet my daughter would enjoy this one. She is really interested in Japanese architecture and design so this would be a fun one to check out for her.

Reply
Kami | Life with Kami March 29, 2019 - 1:09 pm

The white castle has an elegant structure. I love trees outside the place. Thanks for sharing this amazing place.

Reply
Surekha Busa March 29, 2019 - 2:04 pm

Wow, that castle is so beautiful, everything about it, is just so fantastic. I really love this country.

Reply
Kalyan Panja March 29, 2019 - 2:45 pm

I have a fascination with castles and would love to visit these places and see them in person.

Reply
justabelfastgirl March 29, 2019 - 6:13 pm

Your photos are stunning! I loved your cute outfit, too. The castle really is beautiful, I would love to visit both China and Japan someday. I’m definitely putting the White Herorn Castle on my to visit list when I eventually visit.

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:19 pm

China is another interesting country to visit too, I have been there several times and every destinations give me surprises.

Reply
Chad March 29, 2019 - 6:24 pm

I can’t believe i’ve never been to Japan yet ughhhh…Soon i promise. Thanks a lot for the amazing post.

Reply
Beth Pierce March 29, 2019 - 8:12 pm

Those chrysanthemums are simply perfect! Just like that castle!

Reply
kumamonjeng March 31, 2019 - 1:20 pm

The chrysanthemums resemble the flowers in autumn in Japan so you get to see chrysanthemums flowers in most of the places, eg at the entrance of the restaurants or museum etc.

Reply
Chelle Dizon March 29, 2019 - 8:19 pm

This is the first time that I have known about that castle. The Himeji Castle looks really magnificent and I love the view.

Reply
Alexandra Cook March 30, 2019 - 7:44 am

What a beautiful place. I never been to this castle when o was in Japan and for sure I will go back and visit here.

Reply
Catherine March 30, 2019 - 5:38 pm

Japan is truly incredible! Every city I’ve seen has it’s own unique look which I love. Someday, I hope to visit.

Reply
dearmummyblog March 30, 2019 - 9:58 pm

This looks picture perfect almost like something out of a dream! Love the colour of it. Japan is one of the places we’d love to visit x

Reply
Jasmine - LoveLifeLaughMotherhood March 31, 2019 - 3:35 am

this lace looks magical! i’d love to go here someday

Reply
Amy April 2, 2019 - 11:19 am

wow looks incredible! What stunning architecture!

Reply
NPC April 4, 2019 - 5:24 pm

Wow, so many beautiful places to see! I adore all of the architecture. I need to visit!

Reply

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I am the travel writer for Thinkerten. I lived in Japan, Australia, Malaysia and now based in Singapore. Speak 4 languages, Japanese, English, Malay, and Chinese. There are the many types of travels one can experience and mine are mostly focus on self-driving/road trip to explore the places I wanted to see and learn about. Only if you get out of your country, you will see the real you and understand more about yourself, to realize of your own identity, your own culture, and your root.

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