Destination Himeji

Himeji, also known as the Himeji castle town, home to one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Himeji Castle.

Himeji is not too far from Hiroshima or Kobe, however hotels at Himeji cost quite a bit, so your best option is to either stay in Hirohima or Kobe and take the JR train to Himeji. It takes about 1 hour to travel to Himeji from Kobe (JR Kobe Line), also 1 hour from Hiroshima on the Shinkansen Nozomi 70 or 72. It will take 1.5 hour if you are to travel from Hiroshima on the Shinkansen Hikari RailStar 440

There are several attraction in Himeji, but with the castle being the most common tourist attractions. Other attractions include the Engyō-ji temple, Mount Seppiko-san, Himeji Central Park (a safari park), Mount Sosha, and the Himeji City Tegarayama Botanical Garden.

Originally known as the Himeyama castle, the castle was planned in 1331 and built between 1333-1346, with major expansion work done during 1601-1608. Himeji was bombed twice in 1945 during World War II, while most of the surrounding area was destroyed, the castle survived. Castle restoration work began in 1956, and to date, restoration work is still on going.

Himeji castle is visible from the Himeji station, it takes about 15 minutes to walk to Himeji castle from the City's station. It really depends how detail you want to look at the castle, however, it will take you at least 2 hours to go through the castle. Admission - 600￥

Himeji Central Park is a safari park, and the ONLY safari park in Kansai region.