From a distance Himeji-jo is exactly what a Japanese castle should look like. The grounds surrounding it, for all their purposefully maze-like complexity, are beautiful and tranquil. Himeji-jo itself is empty. This is somewhat sad as I'm sure the screens and paintings and charcoal braziers and humble crockery were all lovely. However there is something so haunting about the still,... more

The castle reveals itself as you draw nearer and meander your way through the castle complex. The historic castle walls actually are now interweave into the fabric of the modern city. The inner castle grounds are pristine. The complex is so large that there is a real possibility of missing areas such as the hara-kiri court. Incredible gardens and amazing... more

We visited Himeji-jo on a day trip from Kobe. The entrance to the castle is an easy 1/2 mile walk from the train station. Although there are signs in English explaining what you are looking at as you walk around and through the castle, I would recommend one of the free guided tours (also in English). There are 6 levels... more

I quite enjoyed Himeji-jo. It is one of Japan's remaining authentic castles. It is beautiful, interesting, and fun to see. I recommend taking a good camera. The view from the top floor is amazing, and much of the castle is fun for pictures. There are very steep stairs in many areas for moving between the levels, so if that is... more

Himeji - jo deserves a stop on your way from Tokyo southward. I believe it is the most representative image of castle in Japan, personally my favourite, together with Nijo-jo in Kyoto, which you can visit next and the Imperial palace in Tokyo. Don't forget suitable clothing you'll have to wal a lot more

We were not able to take a tour of the castle, so for our family it was cool to see, but we didn't have as much history on the castle. Without a tour, it doesn't take long to walk through. The castle was empty inside except for some exhibits. Our older teenage sons enjoyed seeing it more from the outside.... more

On our recent trip to Japan, we took a 4-hour stop from the train to see the castle in Himeji, and we were so glad we did! It is the best castle we saw in Japan, and the adjoining gardens were so beautiful. It was also the most tourist-friendly site we visited. There are signs (with English) beginning at the... more

This castle an surrounding grounds are amazing. One could spend all day at the castle alone. I believe this is the largest remaining original castle in Japan. Expect a crowd, and access inside the castle is a bit of an assembly line, but the visit is well worth it. The surrounding grounds allow you to view the entire castle as... more

Himeji Castle was definitely worth the side trip out of Kyoto in my January 2008 trip. You can get to Himeji from the train, and if I remember correctly, the castle is about a 10-15 minute walk from the station. We were very lucky and got an English speaking tour of the castle. I think you just have to be... more