Himeji: Japan's finest castle

Himeji exists on most itineraries for one reason — Himeji Castle, widely considered the most beautiful surviving castle in Japan and one of the few that escaped both fire and bombing. It's an easy half-day stop on the Shinkansen line between Osaka and Hiroshima.

Getting There

• Shinkansen — 30 minutes from Osaka, 1 hour from Hiroshima
• Walk — the castle is a 15-minute walk straight up Otemae-dori from the station, with the keep visible the whole way

What to See

• Himeji Castle — the 'White Heron' keep; wear socks without holes (you'll be carrying your shoes)
• Koko-en — a beautifully landscaped garden complex next to the castle, often skipped
• Mt Shosha and Engyo-ji Temple — featured in The Last Samurai, reached by ropeway

Practical Tips

• Buy a combined castle + Koko-en ticket at the entrance; saves time and money
• Arrive at opening time (9am) to beat the crowds
• Allow 90 minutes inside the castle keep — the climb to the top floor is steep and queues build quickly

You can do Himeji as a 3-hour stop on a Shinkansen ticket between Osaka and Hiroshima — leave bags in a station coin locker and pick them up on the way back.