Himeji is located in the southwestern part of Hyogo Prefecture and is known for Himeji Castle.
Himeji is the second largest city in Hyogo Prefecture and
is located in the southwestern part. The Himeji Domain
was first established after the Battle of Sekigahara when
Ikeda Terumasa received a fief. He expanded Himeji
Castle and the town around it. Himeji Castle was the first
to receive the UNESCO designation in Japan. It is one of
the twelve original castles and has survived various
disasters. The people of Himeji believe the castle has
divine protection after a bomb was dropped directly on it
during World War II and came out unscathed. Even
though the castle is a popular tourist site it is not the only
thing Himeji has to offer.
Engyo-ji Temple has been around for over 2000 years
and has structures that spread across Mount Shosha. It
is located 8 kilometers northeast of Himeji Station. The
temple was built in a cedar forest and is part of the
Tendai sect along with Enryakuji on Mount Hiei. In the
autumn, Mount Shosha becomes a prime location to see
fall colors. It was also one of the filming locations for the
2003 movie “The Last Samurai.” Japan’s largest fighting
festival is annually held in Himeji and is called Nada No
Kenka Matsuri. The festival is all about having the
mikoshi (portable shrines) being carried as they are
rammed into other portable shrines through the streets.
Kansai | Hyogo | Himeji
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is one of the twelve original castles in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the best examples of a preserved castle ground.
Kansai | Hyogo | Himeji
Mount Shosha
Mount Shosha is home to Engyoji and was one of the filming sites for “The Last Samurai.”
Kansai | Hyogo | Himeji
Kokoen Garden
Kokoen Garden is located on the west side of Himeji Castle and consists of 9 different gardens.