Ultimate Himeji Castle Day Trip Itinerary From Osaka Or Kyoto
Don’t miss the stunning Himeji Castle on your Japan trip and plan in a day to explore the city of Himeji. Only a short train ride from Osaka and Kyoto, Himeji is the perfect blend of history, architecture and scenic nature.
I visited Himeji as a day trip from Osaka and it was one of my favourite days. The castle itself is stunning, there is so much history to learn about when you go inside and Koko-en gardens are beautiful and serene.
I visited both Osaka and Himeji Castle and personally found Himeji Castle more impressive (though still visit both!). The city of Himeji is also really cute with lots of local shops, markets and delicious pudding.
Here is everything you should do and see on a daytrip to Himeji:
How to get to Himeji?
I would recommend heading to Himeji from Osaka, but you can also get there fairly easily from Kyoto.
How to get to Himeji from Osaka?
The cheapest way is by Hanshin Line from Osaka Umeda Station which costs 1,350 yen ($9.40) and takes over 1 hour 45 minutes. The other cheap option is by Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Osaka Station for 1,460 yen ($10.15) which takes around an hour. It can get busy between Osaka and Kobe at peak times.
Alternatively, the quickest way to get to Himeji is of course by Shinkansen. The journey only takes around 30 minutes and costs 3220 yen ($22) without a reserved seat and from 3750 yen ($26) with a seat. You can book tickets here.
Related article: The Ultimate 4-Day Osaka Itinerary
How to get to Himeji from Kyoto?
The cheapest way is either getting a local train ($3-4) to Osaka and then following the above options or getting the Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Kyoto Station for 2210 yen ($15.30). The local trains to Osaka take between 30-50 minutes. The Tokaido-Sanyo Line will take around 90 minutes total to Himeji.
Again, you could also take a Shinkansen which arrives in about 45 minutes. Tickets with unreserved seats cost 4740 yen ($33) while reserved seats start at 5270 yen ($36.60). Book tickets here.
Related article: The Ultimate 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary
Where to stay in Osaka or Kyoto?
Check out my full accommodation guides for the two cities here:
Daytrip to Himeji Castle Itinerary
Start the day at Himeji Castle, also called Japan’s White Heron
Himeji Castle is known as one of Japan’s most spectacular castles and for good reason: its sheer size, it is well preserved and the castle grounds are extensive and beautiful. Legend has it that the castle was never destroyed in the war like so many others as it was painted black to protect it, in stark contrast to the shining white it is known for now.
The castle is easily reachable from Himeji station, about a 20-minute walk to the castle’s gates.
If you want to see the inside, I would recommend coming early to avoid queuing for hours in the narrow, wooden staircases that snake up the six floors. The views from inside are stunning and there is a lot of history attached to it. Entry is 1000 yen or 50 yen more for the combined ticket with Kokoen Garden, which I’d HIGHLY recommend. Entry to the castle is even worth it if you choose not to queue for the inside, as the extensive castle grounds provide unique angles of the beautiful castle.
Enjoy the serenity of Kokoen Garden
After exploring the castle and its grounds, head around the castle walls to Kokoen Garden. I highly recommend getting the combined castle and garden ticket. It is a traditional Japanese style garden with lots of different areas such as a Garden of Pine Trees, Garden of Bamboo and Garden of Flowers. Walking through this garden was extremely peaceful and beautiful.
Check out the Soji-an Tea House, where for just 700 yen you can experience a traditional tea ceremony.
Explore Himeji and eat some delicious pudding
Himeji itself is a super lovely town with lots of interesting local shops and sometimes a big market just by the castle intersection. It is also very walkable.
Make sure to head to the Himeji Castle specialty Shiro pudding store, just outside the castle walls. The puddings are silky smooth and feature local flavours. I tried the pudding with crunchy meringue which was delicious, but I have heard the other flavours are just as amazing!
I would recommend to head back to Osaka and Kyoto either before or after rush hour (usually between 5-8ish pm) to avoid the packed trains. That means either having dinner back in the city or in Himeji. Himeji does have some great options such as Kushiyaki Kobe beef, BOOZE himeji or il riccio.
If you have some extra time:
Mount Shosha and Engyoji Temple
A stunning Buddhist temple complex with over 1000 years of history at the top of a mountain at the edge of Himeji. There is a bus and ropeway that go there, bus number 10 from the castle will get you to the ropeway (320 yen). From there, you can either hike or take the ropeway for 1200 yen roun-trip. The temple itself costs 500 yen.
If your are into films, “The Last Samurai” was partially shot here due to the stunning scenery and temple grounds.
Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine
Located near to Himeji Castle, this shrine offers a completely different vantage point of Himeji castle and makes for stunning photos. Be prepared to hike quite a few steep stairs.
Can you do Himeji in one day?
Yes, you can see all the main sights of Himeji and explore Himeji Castle fully in one day. It’s the ideal day trip from Osaka and even Kyoto.
Is Himeji day trip worth it?
100%, a day trip to Himeji is worth it! It was actually one of my favourite trips on my Japan trip, the castle is so beautiful and I loved the little town of Himeji.
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