2025 Himeji Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

The road from the station to the castle is decorated with sparkling illuminations in Himeji. The colorful lights on the roadside trees were impressive. If you are going to Himeji during the Christmas season or on a winter trip, be sure to check it out. ◆Himeji Otemae Street Illumination ◆Event period: 2024.11.22 (Fri) to 2025.2.23 (Sun) ◆Illumination time: 17:00 to 22:00 (24:00 on weekends and holidays) ◆Fee: Free ◆Location: Otemae Street (from Himeji Station to Himeji Castle), Otemae Park and part of the Karyo Yashiki Ato Park Visit date: December 2024 #Christmas trip #Hyogo sightseeing #Illumination #Himeji

Shoshazan Engyoji Temple ⛩️🍁🍂 Engyoji Temple is located on the top of Mount Shosha. It is another temple with beautiful autumn leaves in Japan. It was built around 1,000 years ago by Shoku Shonin, a monk of the Tiantai sect. ⛩️🎏🍁When you reach the top of the mountain, you will find the Maniden Hall, a solemn building. It is a prominent temple built on a steep mountain slope in an architectural style called “Kakezukuri”, similar to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. 🎥👍🎦 Engyoji Temple has been chosen as a filming location for many foreign films, especially the one that made this temple known to people around the world, The Last Samurai. 📍 Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture Japan 🚆 Take Shinki Bus No. 8 and get off at Mount Shosha Ropeway, then take the cable car up to the top of the mountain 💵 500 ¥/person ⏰ 8:30 - 17:00 #triptravelchina

My visit to Himeji Castle during sakura season was like stepping into a fairy tale! The castle, with its stunning white walls, looked even more beautiful surrounded by soft pink cherry blossoms. Walking through the castle grounds, petals were gently falling like snow, creating a magical scene. I had so much fun taking photos of the castle framed by the blooming sakura trees. It felt like everywhere I turned, there was another perfect picture waiting. Climbing up to the top of the castle rewarded me with a breathtaking view of the entire area, covered in a sea of pink and white. People were having picnics under the trees, and the happy, festive atmosphere made everything even more special. Himeji Castle during sakura season is a dream come true, and I’ll never forget that beautiful spring day! #japan #japantrip #himejicastle #sakuraseason

You can also make your own soba at the soba-making dojo (reservation required). This time, I ordered the regular spicy daikon soba. The smooth texture of the soba combined with the spiciness of the daikon was delightful. Although it's located in a tranquil area, many people came to enjoy the soba. Be sure to check it out when visiting Himeji or Yumesaki. ✱----------------------------------------------- 【Name】Yumesaki Yume no Sato Farmhouse Restaurant 'Yume Kobo' 【Location】1281-2 Konokusa, Yumesaki-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture 【Access】About 12 km by car from 'Fukusaki IC' on the Chugoku Expressway, about 4 km by car from 'Yumesaki Smart IC' 【Business Hours】11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last Order 2:00 PM) 【Closed】Mondays (next business day if it's a holiday), New Year's holidays Visit Date: September 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱

This stylish log house comes equipped with a kitchen (bring your own utensils), bath and toilet, air conditioning, futons, and a refrigerator. Reservations are required for meals at the BBQ area by the day before. There is also a campsite available. The cottage is nestled in nature, giving you the feeling of being in a vacation home. Highly recommended for those looking for a comfortable cottage. ✱----------------------------------------------- 【Name】Yumesaki Yume no Sato Cottage Village 【Location】1281-2 Konokusa, Yumesaki-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture 【Access】Approx. 12 km by car from Fukusaki IC on the Chugoku Expressway, approx. 4 km by car from Yumesaki Smart IC 【Business Hours】09:00〜17:00 【Closed】Mondays (next business day if it's a holiday), New Year's holidays ◆Cottage (Capacity: 6 people) Accommodation: 17,200 yen per cottage (Check-in: 16:00 / Check-out: 10:00) Rest: 4,400 yen per cottage (11:00～15:00) Visit Date: September 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱

You could fill a bag with bell peppers, shishito peppers, and more for just 100 yen. It was so cheap that it was shocking. Yume no Sato is an agricultural experience facility where you can enjoy activities like digging sweet potatoes, camping, staying in cottages, making soba noodles, dining at a restaurant, and having a barbecue (reservation required). It's located in a peaceful area, making it perfect for a drive. ✱----------------------------------------------- 【Name】Yumesaki Yume no Sato Yume Yakata Agricultural Experience Facility 【Location】1281-2 Konokusa, Yumesaki-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture 【Access】About 12 km by car from Fukusaki IC on the Chugoku Expressway, about 4 km by car from Yumesaki Smart IC 【Business Hours】09:00〜17:00 【Closed】Mondays (if it's a holiday, the next business day), New Year's holidays Visit Date: September 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱

During this trip, I will explore Japan’s food and culture, from the unique conger eel cuisine to the fragrant coffee to the magnificent Himeji Castle. This will be an unforgettable journey. 🐟 The unique flavor of conger eel The gastronomic journey begins at Hiiragi Restaurant, famous for its conger eel. Although I personally don't think it tastes better than regular eel rice, the set meal here is surprising. The set meal included conger eel cooked in different ways, such as pan-fried, steamed, and tempura, allowing me to fully experience the diverse flavors of this fish. Every preparation demonstrates the chef's ingenuity, especially the tempura, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Even though I was a little disappointed with the taste of the conger eel, I still appreciated the care that was taken to give me a more comprehensive understanding of this fish. ☕ Have a cup of coffee and feel the local culture Afterwards, I headed to Himeji Castle. On the way, I passed by Jiaolaowuji Park. The natural scenery here makes me feel happy. Before entering the park, I made a special stop to visit NAKAZAKI Coffee Roaster. This is a cafe run by friendly grandparents who enthusiastically introduce coffee beans from four to five countries, and the beans from each country have three different roasting degrees to suit the tastes of various coffee lovers. . I ordered a cup of Ethiopian medium-roast hand-brewed coffee. While waiting, I couldn't help but imagine the story behind every bean here. When the coffee was served, I walked outside the park and saw the cherry blossoms dancing in the breeze and petals falling in the air. It was a beautiful scene. If we had visited a week earlier, the cherry blossom trees would have made the scenery even more spectacular, making people marvel at the beauty of nature. 🏰 Stroll to Himeji Castle After staying in the park for about half an hour, we officially set off for Himeji Castle. Following the flow of people, we passed Sakuramon Bridge, passed through Otemon, and finally came to the monument of Himeji Castle. In front of you is a large and spacious square, with cherry blossom trees in full bloom on both sides. The pink petals sway gently in the breeze, falling with the breeze, as if dancing in the air. Walking in the middle of the trail, the surrounding cherry blossom trees complemented the sky, forming a beautiful picture that made me stop, take a deep breath, and feel the romance of spring. There is a small shop on the left where you can rest. After buying the ticket, you can enter the city. When entering the main castle, I found that the queue was a bit slow. It turned out that you need to take off your shoes when entering. The castle has six floors, and each floor has a short introductory map to let visitors understand the history and culture of the city. Here, I try to challenge myself: can I walk all the stairs without handrails. Since each step was high and narrow, I was a little nervous, but in the end I made it! Going up and down the stairs without the help of handrails made me feel super excited and accomplished. 🌟 Summary This day's journey gave me a deep understanding of Japan's food culture and historical charm. From the various ways to eat conger eel, to the coffee at NAKAZAKI Coffee Roaster, to the incomparably magnificent Himeji Castle, every aspect made me linger. This is not only a journey, but also a pursuit of quality of life. I hope there will be more opportunities like this in the future and keep exploring this world~! #花花 #古Architecture #osakatravel

Visiting Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site known as the 'White Heron Castle,' offers an unparalleled charm! From its white walls to its intricate defense system, every corner here tells a story of history. ✨ Architectural Features: - White Walls: Beauty like a dreamy ink painting. - Intricate Defense System: Ingeniously designed and historically rich. - Japanese Elements: Elegance infused with Japanese culture. 🌧️ Beauty in the Rain: - In the drizzle, the white walls of Himeji Castle appear especially enchanting, with raindrops adding a touch of mystery and romance. 📸 Best Visiting Times: - Early Morning: Enjoy the tranquility and take clear photos. - Dusk: Romantic scenery under golden light. 🍂 Best Seasonal Activities: - **Spring (March to May)**: Cherry blossoms in full bloom create a stunning contrast with the castle. - **Autumn (September to November)**: The colorful autumn leaves enhance the photography experience. 🌟 Recommended Activities: - Stroll inside the castle to appreciate its architectural beauty. - Join guided tours to delve deeper into its history. - Taste local delicacies to enrich your travel experience. No matter when you visit, Himeji Castle will leave you with unforgettable memories! Don't forget to capture beautiful moments here, making Himeji Castle an eternal memory in your heart!

Shinki Bus's "Himeji Castle Loop Bus 1-Day Pass" is recommended for sightseeing around the castle. It comes with a 20% discount on admission to tourist facilities. It's a short walk, but it was a very useful ticket in the summer. ✱----------------------------------------------- 〈Himeji Castle Loop Bus 1-Day Pass〉 Adults 400 yen, children 200 yen *Adults 190 yen per trip on the loop bus ||Discount points|| 20% discount on the following facilities Himeji Castle, Himeji City Museum of Art (permanent exhibition only), Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History, Himeji Literature Museum (permanent exhibition only), Kokoen Garden ||Route|| Himeji Station (Platform 6) → Himeji Castle Otemon Gate → Himeji Post Office → Museum → Shimizu Bridge (Literature Museum) → Kokoen Garden → Otemae Street → Himeji Station ||Operating days|| Weekdays (No service from December to February) Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays New Year's (January 1st to 3rd *Special schedule) Visit date: September 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Discounts and tourist services #Tourism #Domestic travel #Hyogo sightseeing #Himeji #Bus #Discount

🗺| Route: Osaka Umeda - Kobe Sannomiya - Himeji - Maiko Park - Suma - Kobe Sannomiya - Maya Mountain Cable Car - Kobe Sannomiya ⭕️ Use ICOCA card (Suica card) for the bus from Osaka Umeda to Kobe Sannomiya, Hanshin Electric Railway 330 yen. Buy the Sannomiya-Himeji one-day pass for 1600 yen at the station office in Kobe Sannomiya, then you can take the Sanyo Electric Railway as much as you want. You will get on and off several times along the way, so you will get your money's worth! 😛😜😁 🌇| Himeji Castle · Main Keep (World Cultural Heritage) 🎟| Ticket Price: Main Keep: 1000 yen Main Keep + Koko-en Garden: 1050 yen Koko-en Garden: 300 yen 🚃| Transportation: Hanshin Electric Railway (Sanyo Electric Railway) 🚩| Station: Sanyo Himeji Station Even during the rainy season, it started with clear skies, but after a round in the main keep, the weather changed 😔😔😔. Although it wasn't too hot, it wasn't great for taking photos 😂😂😂. 🌇| Koko-en Garden 🎟| Ticket: 300 yen (purchased separately) It is more cost-effective if bought together with the Himeji Castle ticket. Koko-en Garden is 260 meters to the right after crossing the bridge from the main gate of Himeji Castle. There are bamboo gardens, pine gardens, etc. It is very beautiful if you come during the autumn leaves season. But the green scenery is also nice this season. 🌇| Maya Mountain Cable Car (Night View) 🎟| Ticket: 1760 yen 🚩| Location: Kobe Maya Mountain 🚌| Transportation: Bus No. 18 Kobe Sannomiya Station — Maya Mountain Cable Car Station ⏰| Time: Opening hours: Weekdays 17:30 Holidays 20:50 Taking the cable car up the mountain, you can see one of Japan's three major night views, the Kobe night view. It is very beautiful, but because I came late today, the photos were not as good as those taken at 19:00. The cable car ride is divided into two sections, the first section is a large cable car, and the second section is a small cable car. As the cable car slowly ascends, the night view of Kobe gradually unfolds before your eyes. This is also one of Japan's three major night views and is worth seeing. 🍲| Meals Lunch: Unatoto 💳| Cost: 800 yen 🚩| Location: Himeji Station Dinner: Kajoshiken 💳| Cost: 1400 yen 🚩| Location: Kobe This noodle shop offers spicy, black garlic, and basil flavors. The spiciness can be compared to Chengdu. The black garlic is very fragrant, and garlic lovers will definitely like it. The basil flavor is relatively mild.

#cherryblossom2024 The cherry blossom season on the entrance of Himeji Road in Japan is not as extensive as in other popular tourist spots. 🌸 Himeji is most renowned for its Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that can be explored in a single day. Himeji Castle, along with Matsuyama Castle and Wakayama Castle, form the trio of Japan's significant Hirayama Castles. 🏯 Recognized for its exceptional preservation, Himeji Castle holds the title of the "Number One City in Japan". 🇯🇵 residents of Kobe or Kyoto in the Kansai region can easily embark on a day trip to this area, where the cherry blossoms typically bloom in white. 🍒 📍Location-wise, visitors can alight at JR Jilu station and swiftly reach Jilu City, making it incredibly convenient. 🚂It takes about an hour to travel from Osaka, Kobe, or Kyoto, with the nearest entrance being the Shinmon gate. 🚄 F or accommodations, it is advisable to travel from residential areas in Kansai for a day trip or consider a stay near Himeji Castle if desired. ⏰The operating hours are from 9:00 to 17:00 from September to April and from 9:00 to 18:00 from May to August. 🏰

#winHong Kong air tickets Himeji City, Japan Himeji Castle (White Heron Castle) One of Japan's 100 famous cities Himeji Castle is the most symbolic and complete castle in Japan. The seven-story castle tower in the city has a history of more than 400 years. It is one of the 12 existing buildings in Japan. Himeji Castle itself can be traced back to more than 600 years ago. Also known as the first city in Japan Outside is a large lawn called Sannomaru Cherry blossoms will bloom in spring Free to enter If you want to further visit Himeji Castle, you need to pay to enter the Nishinomaru Garden. When walking through Himeji Castle, you will find that the road is winding and slopes. Mainly designed during the Warring States Period to resist enemy attacks. thereby delaying the enemy's advance speed Here you can see many children wearing ninja costumes🥷 It’s really very appropriate and cute Once you enter the castle, you can pay to go up to the top castle tower. Tall friends should note that the castle tower is not high and may require you to bend down for a long time to move. Himeji Castle is the most beautiful Japanese castle I have ever seen🏯 The complete topography, landforms and buildings are full of Edo style. You can better understand the history of the Warring States Period by being there. I want to go to Hong Kong to eat good food

#fallingseason #timetotravel The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, is also known as the White Heron Castle for its pristine white stature that stands out against the blue sky, resembling a white heron taking flight. Admire the dazzling castle tower and explore the many attractions including the various defenses against attack. In Koko-en garden founded on the grounds of the former West Residence, you can enjoy dining or tea while gazing at the majestic castle.

In one of the Japanese view, this castle is obviously the best castle in Japan. The white walls are so beautiful so that you can watch transparent from Himeji station. Himeji station is about an hour from Kobe station, 90 minutes from Osaka , 2 hours from Kyoto. If you go to Kyoto or Osaka , I highly recommend you to visit. Inside of the castle is a museum. You can inevitably feel Japanese past culture. The Japanese garden is great as well.#Himeji #Castle #姫路城 #姫路観光 #姫路観光

Himeji !! Famous for it beautiful white castle and it called White Egret Castle. One of the most 12 beautiful castle in Japan . With a history spanning 400 years , magnificent structures is renowned in Japan and its national treasure and world cultural heritage site . Every year , famous for hanami as well , lots of beautiful Sakura surrounded the whole compound. It located near Hemiji station and can even see from station itself, just 10 mins leisure walk from station and beautiful statue along the way . And remember to enjoy Kobe beef near the castle as well . I drop by Hemiji castle along to way to Osaka . Make sure you visit this beautiful castle while you are in Japan . See you on the other side of the world 🌎!! #Japan #naturelover #solotravel

My first castle visit to Himeji Castle during my trip in Japan. There were so many levels in the Castle which you can explore, all the while learning about its history such as it's past occupants/families. Throughout the castle levels (especially at the top), I got to take in the beautiful scenery overseeing the castle's surrounding architecture and its gardens (including the city). Even the entrance and path leading up to the Castle are lined by cherry blossom trees in bloom during the spring period we visited. But if you love greenery/nature the Koko-en garden beside Himeji castle is also a must go with tranquil rivers and a colourful scene painted by a large array of plants and flowers 💮 Tickets are needed for both the castle and garden but can be purchased as a bundle. Just a word of caution, the steps as you traverse the Castle are quite steep and small so be careful as you try to climb them. #himeji #castle #history #garden #spring

📍 Himeji Central Park 💬 Integrate a zoo and an amusement park into one 💬 You can take a ride to see various wild animals up close, and watch the feeding process of white lions and tigers while walking in the walking area. 💬 The amusement park has Japan’s earliest roller coaster, jumping machine and other thrilling rides #japanattractions

This garden was constructed 30 years ago to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of HImeji municipality. It has a total of 9 different gardens. Although petite in size but this garden has all it needs. It has a tea house serving tea with a view of a large pond with numerous collections of Koi fishes. The gardens have different themes so that visitors can enjoy the different feeling of excitement. During autumn, the maple leaves will turn red whereby it provides a feeling of calamity and somber mood. Be sure to spend some time to pay a visit as the ticket to Himeji castle also includes the admission fee to this garden, especially after a tired walk in the castle, sipping a cup of tea is the best option. #celebratewithtrip #tripblazers

Himeji Castle is one of the 100 famous castles in Japan. Together with Kumamoto Castle and Matsumoto Castle, it is known as the three most famous castles in Japan🙌🏻 Himeji Castle is very well preserved. Although it has a long history, it has successfully escaped the Warring States Period, World War II, etc. It was damaged by wars and natural disasters, so there was not much damage👍🏻The castle tower in the castle is also one of the 12 existing castle towers in Japan. Therefore, Himeji Castle is not only a national treasure and national special historical site designated by the Japanese government, but also one of the first batch of world-famous castles in Japan. One of the cultural heritages, it is known as "Japan's most famous city"🤩Many Japanese dramas and movies have been filmed here! 😝 The pure white exterior wall of Himeji Castle is full of Japanese aesthetics and is very eye-catching. What amazed me the most was the layout of the interior of the castle. It reflected that Japan’s defense technology was very mature at that time and highlighted the wisdom of the ancients😍 Although Himeji is not close to Osaka, they are both worth a visit🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #japanattractions

National treasure Himeji Castle was the first World Cultural Heritage in December, 1993 at Japan as well as Horyu-ji in Nara. Himeji Castle which enjoys by a nickname of "hakurojo" from the elegant form that an aigrette spread its wings. A vivid white rampart built with white lime plaster sounurikago and coalition system Tenshu where 5 layers of east, west and Inui's Kotenshu(smaller donjon) were connected to Daitenshu (Main donjon) in the 1st floor of 6th floor underground in Watari yagura (Turret) are the feature. Address : Himeji Castle Administration Office Zip 670-0012 68 Honmachi Himeji city the north side of Sannomaru Square in Himeji Castle Opening Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm, (for gate closing, 5:00pm)

Himeji Castle is the most popular castle in Hyogo, Japan. It is known as White castle due to its white interior and apperance. The Otemon gate is a great spot to photograph the castle and view the cherry blossoms, if you are lucky enough to see them since cherry blossoms appear during spring season. But even though summer, fall or winter, Himeji Castle is worth to visit. #givethanks #givethanks

This is a truly magnificent castle and as you walk around the grounds there are many fine views of this astonishing building. It is built on top of the biggest, most impressive dry stonewall I've ever seen. The building itself brings thoughts of Samurai. Used many times in films from Kurosawa's films to James Bond. This is a visual treat as well as an historically important part of Japanese culture. #GiveThanks

#japantrip #osaka #travel #thingstodo #himeji #castle #culture #summer Standing proudly as Japan’s most stunning original castle, Himeji Castle is a must-visit for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike. As you walk through its winding paths and towering white walls, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the era of samurai and feudal lords. The intricate wooden interiors, panoramic views from the top, and beautifully preserved design make it one of the most breathtaking castles in the world. Whether you’re admiring the cherry blossoms in spring or the golden hues of autumn, Himeji Castle never fails to impress!

Taiyo Park in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, is a unique theme park that makes you feel like you're traveling around the world as soon as you step in. The vast grounds feature replicas of famous world landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, Moai statues, and the Arc de Triomphe. The park is divided into two main areas: the 'Stone Area' and the 'Castle Area.' The European-style castle known as 'Shirasagi Castle' in the Castle Area is like something out of a fairy tale! Inside the white castle, you can enjoy a magical atmosphere with shining stained glass. In the Stone Area, there are numerous photo spots that make you feel like you've wandered into a foreign land. Walking along the Great Wall of China, you'll feel as if you're really traveling in China! Access: About 30 minutes by bus from JR Himeji Station

Handmade Café “Gozasōrō” Shoshazanroku Branch 📍 1199-3 Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2201, Japan Located at the foot of Mount Shosha in Himeji, Handmade Café “Gozasōrō” is a charming café where visitors can enjoy freshly made Gozasōrō (a famous Japanese red bean-filled pancake) along with carefully brewed coffee and tea. The café provides a relaxing atmosphere, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern comfort. Whether you’re stopping by after exploring Shoshazan Engyoji Temple or simply looking for a cozy spot to enjoy delicious Japanese sweets, this café is a must-visit in Himeji. #celebrateit

Taiyō Park, located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, is a fascinating theme park that showcases replicas of famous landmarks from around the world. It is a unique destination where visitors can experience global architecture, history, and culture—all in one place! Highlights of Taiyō Park • The “Great Wall of China” – A massive replica of the famous wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. • The “Stone Area” – Featuring lifelike reproductions of famous world heritage sites, including the Easter Island Moai statues, the Arc de Triomphe, and Egyptian pyramids. • The “Schloss Neuschwanstein” – A breathtaking replica of Germany’s fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, making for a perfect photo spot. • Cultural Experience – Walk through different historical sites without leaving Japan, and immerse yourself in the beauty of global architecture. A Fun & Educational Trip Whether you’re a history lover, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a unique place to explore, Taiyō Park offers an unforgettable experience. It’s an excellent destination for families, couples, and tourists seeking something different from the usual Japanese landmarks. Make sure to add Taiyō Park to your Japan travel itinerary! #celebrateit

Take a rickshaw to visit the old town of Hyogo In 🏯Himeji City, Kansai Region . Himeji (姫路) The old town of Himeji Castle which is only half an hour from Kobe. This is an old town since the Edo period with traces Some of the culture disappeared during WWII But it still has the atmosphere of Himeji, both the castle Shrine, beautiful gardens, but there is also a part of the current city. There are activities to visit the city, both taking a rickshaw (Jinrikisha) and taking a kotatsu boat to see the view of Himeji Castle to visit. Wear a kimono to walk around or You can choose to ride a bicycle to visit the city as well. Suitable for half a day or a light day trip should be pleasing. Those who like to visit old towns with not many people, oh Recommended souvenirs Tamatsubaki (玉椿) Mochi The bean filling looks like a camellia flower. Found only in Himeji I want everyone to try it. . #TravelJapan #trip

#ancienttownvibes My second visit to Himeji Castle was just as enchanting as the first, if not more so. The iconic white façade, often referred to as "White Heron," glimmered against the clear blue sky, showcasing its stunning architectural elegance. This time, I took the opportunity to explore the inner grounds more thoroughly, marveling at the intricate details of the castle's design and the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding it. Climbing to the top offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains, making the effort worthwhile. The rich history and well-preserved structures truly convey the castle's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overall, my return to Himeji Castle deepened my appreciation for its beauty and historical importance, solidifying it as one of my favorite destinations in Japan.