Himeji is a city centered around Himeji “White
Heron” Castle, one of Japan’s most magnificent feudal
castles, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Himeji is a city in Hyogo prefecture and a
former castle town in the Himeji Domain, which was
established during the early Edo period. The focal point
of
the city, as well as the primary point of interest is Himeji
Castle. One of the 12 original castles of Japan, the initial
fortress is still standing beautifully even after having
been
bombed during World War 2. The castle is also known
as
White Heron Castle due to its appearance – an elegant
white bird in flight. Himeji is most beautiful in spring,
when
the cherry blossoms in the castle courtyard make the
White Heron castle appear to be floating on fluffy pink
clouds.
Other charms of Himeji include the Japanese garden
Koko-en, which is a reconstruction of the original
samurai
quarters from the Edo period. Nearby are nine
traditional
landscape gardens. There is also Engyo-ji Temple, a
Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect, which served as the
setting for part of the film “The Last Samurai”.
Please see below for tours that include Himeji:
