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Himeji | Day Trip from Osaka



Himeji | Day Trip from Osaka

Learn more about Himeji: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3500.html

In this video we explore the spectacular Himeji Castle and the atmospheric temple complex of Shoshazan.

This video was filmed in mid-September 2023.

– Chapters –
00:00 Intro
01:42 Himeji Station
02:03 Himeji Castle
05:07 Kokoen
06:22 Travel to Shoshazan
06:36 Mount Shoshazan
10:09 Outro

– Video Credits –
Host & Narrator: Matt Evans
Videographer: Thomas Roennlund
Producers: Stefan Schauwecker

For more information about Japan:
https://www.japan-guide.com/

Any questions regarding your future trip to Japan? Feel free to ask a question in our question forum:
https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quedisplay.html

47 Comments

  1. @ThomsenTower

    Thanks for this channel’s videos. It might be useful to say when they were filmed, since surely it makes a difference during what season you visit.

  3. @AP-hn8wd

    Great video. Went to Himeji Castle and the garden for the first time exactly a week ago. Himeji was 1000円 and if you want to go to Kokoen Garden it was only an extra 50円as of this post.

    My suggestion, go as early as possible. I went around 10:30am (last Saturday) and the PA system went off every 30mins or so announcing the castle was at maximum capacity and overcrowding (only 1.5hrs after its 9am opening time). Since Himeji isn’t modernized like some other large castles, Kumamoto or Osaka for example (with elevators), Himeji is all walking through the six floors which causes long queues. Like waiting in line at an amusement park. One floor transition we waited over 30mins.

    Due to this, it took over three hours give or take. I didn’t leave until after 3ish in the afternoon and I entered in the morning. This includes the side castle wall corridor, the castle itself, and open for the first time to the public, ‘The West Keep’ (the smaller looking castle next to the main one). If it wasn’t for the wall corridor and the west keep + no crowds, you can see the entirety in about an hour to 1.5hrs tops.

    Out of all the major castles I’ve visited over the years, Himeji is the largest in terms of what you walk through and see. Probably my favorite so far, but never again if crowded.

    To not make this comment any longer, I will say the garden next door is an A+ experience as well.

  4. @19800910

    I was there last Spring, the castle and gardens. The best was the view from the sixth floor of the city from the Castle.

  6. @chetmanley1885

    I like Himeji, it's the best preserved castle (most are recreations) in Japan and it is beautiful but I'd say better from the outside.

    The inside of the keep, impressive as it is, is not the best experience since you're funnelled through with lots of other visitors and the design of an Edo period keep has a slight issue; it gets smaller towards the top. Fine on the bottom floor, horrible on the top, and you have to navigate the steep stairs in big crowds during busy periods.

    The grounds are lovely, and you could skip the keep if that doesn't sound appealing.

  7. @BNRK21

    How IN THE WORLD were you able to visit mount Shosa without mentioning this is where the Last Samurai was filmed???

  8. @Dogsnark

    I visited Himeji Castle years ago, before the more recent renovation, and I found it spectacular! I will definitely visit again if I’m ever back in Japan. I didn’t take time to visit the Kokoen Gardens, so I would include that on any future visit. Himeji has several museums that are also worth a visit.

  9. @drlink7691

    on our trip to japan himeji was one of our best high lights when we go back we will be sure to visit once again, dont miss out in the best castle in japan

  12. @Wha2les

    I love himeiji!

    Didn't know about that temple though, so definitely want to go back and look!

  13. @littlesmallhugebigguy

    Man I'm so glad more people are talkign about himeji! I went for 2 months and saw a brilliant amount of this area, for all my hiking lovers, there is an INSANE hike from Tenman Shrine all across the Tohori range, you can get brilliant vistas of the beautiful city, and hit so many interesting shrines along the way (the horse shrine is sick dude)

    Please visit thsi are and do this walk! it is just brilliant dude! If you look it up on all trails, you might even see my walk + review lmao

  14. @5217tuber

    What fire protection measures are there at these historical buildings? Given Japan’s history of fires, I would hope that some sort of at-the-ready sprinklers or other measures are in place.

  19. @ijansk

    Japanese castles are so beautiful. I wonder if they sell assembable miniatures.

  21. @whatthenihon

    I've got to get to Himiji. This is very motivating. In fact that map at 2:52 is very motivating. I would love to squeeze them all in. …and Mt Shoshazan…I hadn't even heard of it…thank you so much guys!!!

  22. @neayneaynui

    Truly, Himeji city was an amazing place! I traveled there last December for my2nd. time.
    This time, my first destination was Mt. Shosha Engyoji temple, so I bought a
    Mt. Shosha Ropeway Package Ticket. I rode the ropeway in the morning, and the view from
    the window was breathtaking. If you can walk to Engyoji temple, the route along the walk can make you feel peaceful. When I finished from the top of the mountain,
    I hopped on the local bus and went back to Himeji Castle. I truly recommend this route
    "Mt. Shosha Ropeway ⇒ Engyoji temple ⇒ Himeji Castle" too.
    Let's try it!

  23. @Crossingt

    That was pretty much our day there. We skipped the garden though. The visit up the mountain was very atmospheric as it was covered in mist. A monk showed me a golden Buddha and we rang the bell too. It was a great day. My boys got a kick out of seeing a location from a film we recently enjoyed.

  25. @Hisamuran

    I was there (Himeji, visited the castle and Kokoen garden) in summer 2007, I still remember it to this day. Truly amazing, must be experienced in person 100%
    I also remember amazing ramen noodles local from the region 😋

  26. @TheXorion

    Visited Himeji, just got out of the train station after taking the very quick shinkansen from Osaka, and I just got wow'ed immediately.

  27. @marissasuess4064

    I wish to visit the Himeji castle if I ever plan a visit to Japan. It would be an incredible chance to see it. Thanks for sharing a video detailing more about the Himeji castle. I just discovered the castle from Bing website. I thought it was really neat. 🏯🤍

  31. @deejars

    thanks for this vlog. Makes me want to go to Himeji and see the castle for myself with my friends.

  32. @devilmaycry383

    Didn't get around to doing it this year as I left Osaka for Nakano yesterday, but i will be seeing Himeji on next years trip.

  36. @danielsato4410

    Hi!

    Would you say it's possible to explore Himeji Castle (with the boat ride) and Engyoji in one day?
    I'm actually going there for the third time on Sunday! 🙂

  42. @mpandunky

    Going to Osaka for 2025 Expo, and this video convinced me to add Himeji into my itin.

    Host Matt Evans' silky voice is pleasant to listen to.

  43. @TheTurtleLookingAtCamera

    I was born in Himeji.Beside the main street(Ohtemae street),there is a large shopping street(Miyuki street )where you can enjoy numerous popular dishes and pubs. To enter the castle, you have to take off your shoes. Also, it is very crowded in spring and fall. In summer you will have a hard time because of the humidity.

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