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Thema Area Himeji
Himeji is the main city of Harima, the southern half of Hyogo Prefecture that stretches across the vast Harima Plains from the Chugoku Mountains to the north to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea to the south.
It is home to Himeji Castle, a National Treasure and Japan’s first monument registered as a World Heritage. The Koko-en Garden located next to the castle was reconstructed following excavations of the west-side residential compound. Besides streets, residence parcels, tenement gates, earthen walls and residential gates, there are nine gardens.
Point1
Himeji Castle has another name, "White Heron Castle," because the shape of the castle looks like a white heron when it's flying up. The museum to the east of it gives you the best view of it. Go straight over the hill beside the zoo. Then you get to the museum.
Point2
It takes you 35 min. to go to Himeji from Kobe by special rapid express of the Kobe Line(JR), 60 min. from Osaka. If you just visit the castle, a day's trip is possible, but we recommend you to spend two days in order to visit other places around Himeji.
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Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle was the first monument in Japan to be registered as a World Heritage. The keep is of a curtain wall structure consisting of a main donjon and three baileys. The castle is not only beautiful but has perfected castle architecture from the Azuchi Momoyama Period to the early Edo Period, and, because of its outward appearance, has earned the nickname of the “White Heron Castle.
Admission fee:400yen for adults
("Egret's Eye View" at Himeji Castle, special visitor facilities for the restoration 200yen)
Open:: 9:15am - 4:30pm (Last admission: 4:15pm)(September 1 - April 26)
9:15am -5:30pm (Last admission: 5:15pm)(April 27 - August 31)
Himeji City Museum of Art
This red brick building was constructed in the Meiji Period (19th century). It houses and exhibits works by local artists, as well as surreal works Belgian Paul Delvaux and more.
Admission fee: 200yen (Separate price for special exhibits)
Open: 10:00am - 5:00pm (Doors closed at 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday), 12/25 - 1/5
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Koko-en Garden
TThis beautiful garden was reconstructed on the site of the west-side residential compound of Himeji Castle. Besides streets, residence parcels, tenement gates, earthen walls and residential gates, there are nine gardens reconstructed.
Admission fee: 300yen
Open: 9:00am - 4:30pm (Unit 17:30 in summer)
Closed: 12/29 - 31
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Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple
Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple has a history of more than 1,000 years and belongs to the Tendai Sect of Buddhism. Built at an elevation of 371 m on the highest peak in Himeji City, this temple complex consists of several venerable structures including the Daikodo and Jikido, which are designated National Treasures, and the Jogyodo, which is designated an important cultural property. The complex is famous as a location for the movie “The Last Samurai” (starring Tom Cruise), which was shot in 2003.
Admission fee: 300yen
Open: 8:30am - 5:00pm (Until 6:00pm in summer)