Himeji Castle (Himeji/Hyogo)“Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

Talking 30 min by train from Kobe(50 km west of Kobe),Himeji castle is there. It was designated one of four world heritages in 1993(now there are14 world heritages in Japan) and one of four castles which are national treasures.Because of white walls coverded with white plaster, this castle has been called “White heron castle”. The height is about 46m. Himeji castle stands about 92m above sea level in that this castle was built on the top of Himeyama hill. It’s said that this is one of the greatest wooden architectures in the world.

[History] Himeji castle have had some steps to become huge like a maze castle. It is said that Akamatsu clan, a rular of Harima(now Himeji) first constructed a fort here in 1333. Then, Hideyoshi Toyotomi built three-storied castle to defend against Mori clan. When Ieyasu Tokugawa was Shogun and started Tokugawa Shogunate in 17th century, Terumasa Ikeda was in charge of ruling Himeji area. He repaired this castle for 8 years. It is 1618 ,when Tadatoki Honda coming to Himeji with Princess Sen, built “Nishino maru” for her. Himeji castle,then, become the current shape.

[Address] No need to write a address because people can see Himeji castle from Himeji station!

[Access]・Himeji station - Himeji Castle 20min on foot・Going to Himeji station - 30min by Sanin honsen from Kobe. (Please take a “Shinkaisoku(新快速）” train) / About 4 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo

[Time] 9:00- 17:00 ( Enter:~16:00)

[Fee] Adult ¥600 Child ¥200

[Tips] A tourist information center is right next to an exit of Himeji stationThere are some interesting shops on Miyukidori.