Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden – Perfect Half-Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

Explore Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden – Discover Japan’s First UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Stunning Japanese Garden!

Located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s most famous and best-preserved castles. Known as the “White Heron Castle” for its elegant, white exterior, it was the first site in Japan to be designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1993.

Right next to the castle is Kokoen Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden where you can enjoy seasonal scenery and experience traditional Japanese culture.

This guide introduces the highlights of Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden, how to access them, and how much time you should plan for your visit.

■ Highlights of Himeji Castle

Stunning White Plaster Walls
Nicknamed “White Heron Castle” for its pure white appearance that looks like a heron taking flight.
National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties
Explore the main keep, smaller keeps, towers, gates, stone walls, and more.
Ingenious Defensive Features
Experience the complex maze-like pathways, stone-dropping windows, and narrow openings designed for defense.

Himeji Castle is also famous for cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn, offering breathtaking scenery year-round.

■ Highlights of Kokoen Garden

A Traditional Japanese Garden with a Large Pond
Beautifully designed as a stroll-style garden with water features and seasonal flowers.
Nine Different Themed Gardens
Including the “Garden of the Lord’s Residence,” “Tea Garden,” “Bamboo Garden,” and more.
Scenic Views with Himeji Castle in the Background
Matcha Tea Experience
Enjoy a cup of matcha and traditional Japanese sweets in a tea house within the garden.

Kokoen is also a popular filming location for Japanese period dramas.

■ Access Information

◉ By Train

From Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station (Shinkansen bullet train: about 1 hour)
From Osaka Station to Himeji Station (JR Special Rapid Service: about 1 hour)
From Sannomiya Station (Kobe) to Himeji Station (JR Special Rapid Service: about 40 minutes)

◉ From Himeji Station

15–20 minutes on foot along the main street (Otemae-dori)
5 minutes by bus (Take Shinki Bus and get off at “Himeji Castle Otemon-mae”)

■ Recommended Visit Duration

Spot	Time Required
Himeji Castle (Explore the main keep and grounds)	About 2 to 2.5 hours
Kokoen Garden (Walk through and enjoy tea)	About 1 to 1.5 hours
Total	3 to 4 hours

■ Summary

Himeji Castle is a must-see when visiting Japan — a perfect example of traditional Japanese castle architecture combined with ingenious defensive design. Climb to the top of the main keep for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

After the castle, take a relaxing stroll through Kokoen Garden and immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese gardens. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy matcha tea and traditional sweets in the tea house.

The longest suspension bridge in the world in Japan: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Japanese Castle