Things to do in Himeji

Himeji Castle is an expensive, dapper castle, more expensive than Kumamoto Castle, Osaka Castle, and Nagoya Castle combined. It's 2500 yen per person, 2600 yen with a garden, and 2000 yen per person for groups of 30 or more. Himeji Castle is truly enormous, roughly the same size as Osaka Castle and Nagoya Castle, and much larger than Kumamoto Castle, Gifu Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Wakayama Castle. However, it's incredibly tiring; Japanese castles are always exhausting. Only Kokura Castle and Osaka Castle have elevators that allow you to climb floors one by one. Climbing six floors in the others is really tough on the legs. I recommend visiting Himeji Castle, but it's definitely a rip-off.

The interior scenery and layout are perfect, and it is extremely suitable for taking photos or wearing kimonos. You don't need to buy tickets at the gate, but can buy a combination ticket directly at Himeji Castle for only 1050 yen (Himeji Castle 1000 + Kokoen 50), which is so cost-effective that it is basically free.

This is a temple with a very long history. It is made of wood but looks very solid. The overall brown tone is very cool. It is a place with a very Zen atmosphere, quiet and peaceful. Very comfortable.

Figure 1 shows the store where the food voucher can be used; other stores don't accept it. It's a Mario-themed food store. I selected the starred item priced at 1100, and although it exceeded 1000, they didn't ask me to pay an extra 100. All the food items there could be redeemed; they were beautifully presented and delicious.

I was curious about the Western-style castle I could see on the mountain while driving through the city of Himeji, and now I finally know what it was. Although it's not very well made, it seems that many people visit to take cosplay photos. I wonder why it's here, but I hope it continues to do its best.

I was able to see various parts of the castle tower etc without feeling too stressed out during the wait. There is a large open space in front of the castle where you can take a picnic-like walk, so it also has a park-like element where you can spend the day.