We don’t know anyone that has been to Japan and doesn’t want to go back at some point. Japan is an amazing country and, although we are happy about the trip that we did in 2015, we know that someday we will return to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Tokyo, Kyoto and Miyajima are in the beaten track, but there are some other destinations that surely deserve a visit. An example of this is the city of Himeji, which has one of the most beautiful castles we’ve ever seen. Of course we love European medieval castles, but the Himeji Castle was something totally new for us. We felt as a Samurai when we saw it.

Himeji can be easily reached from Osaka in less than one hour by train, so why don’t you keep reading and add Himeji to your bucket list? 🙂
We got up in our hotel in Osaka, which was next to the Shin-Osaka train station. From there, we took the bullet train towards Himeji, where we arrived early in the morning. Getting to the castle is quite easy, because you only need to follow the main road.
The Himeji Castle is the most visited one in Japan. Located in a hill, the castle is a perfect example of the typical Japanese architecture. Built in the feudal period, the castle is a sophisticated complex with a great defensive system. It is often known as the White Egret Castle due to the white color of its façade and its resemblance to a bird taking flight. The fact is that when we were in the square right in front of the castle we couldn’t stop staring at its beauty and magnificence.

The castle comes from a fort built on 1333 and has been remodeled from time to time, specially at the beginning of the Edo period by Ikeda Terumasa, a samurai who received the castle as a gift for his help in the Battle of Sekigahara. He rebuilt the castle between 1601 and 1609 and expanded it into the amazing complex that we can enjoy today. Fortunately, the castle survived the bombing of Himeji in the World War II.

The Himeji Castle was recently under restoration work and reopened on March 27, 2015. Luckily, we visited Japan in August 2015 so we could enjoy of the castle immediately after its reopening. Thanks to the restoration work, the castle recovered its splendor and continues astonishing visitors from all over the world. It’s not without a reason that the Himeji Castle was registered in 1993 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can of course enter the castle (you’ll find the relevant tourist information here). Inside the Himeji Castle you’ll find an amazing structure made from wood. Although the floors are mainly unfurnished, visitors can climb upwards while learning about its history and architecture.

After our visit, we had lunch in one of those Japanese fast food restaurants where you order your meal through a machine. It was quite frequented by local people and that’s always a sign that we’ve made a good selection! Later, we went back to the Himeji station. Our next destination: Tokyo.
When I make it back to Japan one day (I was born there), I will definitely stay for at least a month so explore everything! I’m sure I too would love it and I definitely want to see this castle! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should go back to Japan, of course! There’s a lot to see and do. We missed some interesting places in our visit, like the Japanese Alps, so we hope to return at some point. Thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so pretty! Next time I go to Japan I want to do this kind of off the beaten track places. I have already been to Kyoto and Tokyo. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Anisa, this comment went to Spam O_O I don’t know why. Sorry. Japan is a never ending country. We also need to come back to see many places that we left undiscovered las time.
Thanks for your comment 🙂
LikeLike
I visited Himeji on a day trip from Osaka in 2016 and I am glad I did! It’s such a beautiful castle with a really interesting history. Great photos and, I agree, it’s well worth the visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Then you did exactly the same as we did. It is a perfect day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Thanks for your comment! 😊
LikeLike
Can’t wait to visit Japan, and really hope we get to Himeji. We’re just in awe of the architecture. Love your photos – Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Rob! If you get to Japan you should for sure visit Himeji, it’s a great example of the Japanese architecture 🙂
LikeLike