Himeji Castle

Visiting Himeji Castle felt like stepping into a real-life fairytale. The architecture is absolutely stunning and the entire experience had a magical, almost cinematic vibe. I used a tour guide, which I highly recommend, as it brought the rich history of the castle to life in an engaging and informative way. From the clever defensive design to the beautiful views from the top. A must-see if interested in Japanese culture, history.

I've been a couple of Japanese Castles. The beauty of Himeji Castle is undeniable, even just from the outside. We spent time admiring the impressive architecture and structure as we walked around the grounds. The top view there is so good, you can enjoy the whole Himeji with a comfortable air. It's worth to stay there for one hour.

A UNESCO world heritage site. Awesome visit made even more special because of the cherry blossom which was amazing. Nicknamed the “White Heron Castle” for its elegant white appearance • 1333: A fort was first built on the site by Akamatsu Norimura. • 1581: Toyotomi Hideyoshi significantly expanded it into a three-story castle. • 1601–1609: Ikeda Terumasa, a daimyo allied with Tokugawa Ieyasu, rebuilt it into its present form, including the iconic five-story main keep (which appears as six from the outside due to a hidden floor). • 1609: Completion of the current structure, largely unchanged since. In 1956, a massive restoration project began, known as the Shōwa Restoration: • The entire main keep was dismantled and reconstructed using original materials where possible. • Modern techniques (such as hidden steel reinforcements) were used discreetly to improve earthquake resistance. • The work lasted until 1964 and cost over 550 million yen—a huge sum at the time.

As of 9 April 2025 at 8.00 am, the sakura has already been in full bloom. It is one of the best place to see the sakura since the color of sakura flowers here is so pink without photoshop and with the himeji castle background, it is so stunning. When I first came here, I was like stunning for 10 s for how beautiful it was. If you want to see it with less people, maybe you can come here before 8.30 on weekdays (It is really worth it to wake up and see such the view !!).

Visiting Himeji Castle was an unforgettable experience. The castle’s pristine white exterior, often likened to a white egret in flight, is truly breathtaking. Exploring the interior, I was impressed by the well-preserved wooden architecture and the steep staircases leading up to the top floor, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding city. The informative displays throughout the castle provide valuable insights into its rich history and cultural significance. I highly recommend joining a guided tour to enhance your understanding and appreciation of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Overall, Himeji Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japan’s historical landmarks.