Himeji-jo Castle

“White as a heron, standing since 1333 — wood that outlived war.”

Art & ArchitectureBeautiful SceneryCulture ExperienceHistoryUnesco World Heritage
Himeji-jo Castle
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Himeji-jo Castle was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Not only is Himeji-jo Castle the only Japanese castle to hold that title, it is also considered one of Japan’s three principal castles alongside Matsumoto-jo Castle and Kumamoto-jo Castle, and it is one of only twelve original Japanese castles that still stand today. Himeji-jo Castle is known for its white exterior, often said to resemble a white heron spreading its wings. Despite being mainly constructed of wood, the castle has survived any number of fires, earthquakes, and wars throughout the years.
The castle is also one of Kansai’s most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in spring; it boasts around 1,000 cherry trees in its grounds, and the view seen from the castle tower has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Photograph provided by Himeji City.

Spot NameHimeji-jo Castle
Postal Code〒670-0012
Address68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo
Telephone Number079-285-1146
Official URLhttps://www.himejicastle.jp/en/
KeywordsArt & Architecture, Beautiful Scenery, Culture Experience, History, Unesco World Heritage

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Frequently asked questions

What is Himeji-jo Castle?
White as a heron, standing since 1333 — wood that outlived war.
Where is Himeji-jo Castle?
Himeji-jo Castle is located at 68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo.
Can I visit Himeji-jo Castle with a local guide?
Yes. WOW U lists activities around Himeji-jo Castle hosted by Locals, the local guides who live in the area.
What is WOW U?
WOW U is a booking platform that connects travellers directly with local guides in Japan, called Locals. You book, message your Locals host and pay on WOW U, and every experience can be reviewed afterwards. More than 6,100 Locals are registered on WOW U. Reviews left by travellers average 4.7 out of 5.