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The Best Spots to View Himeji Castle

  • A plaque at Sannomaru Square showing the “10 best spots” for viewing Himeji Castle. Visitors can walk the route or rent a bicycle to save time and energy.

    A plaque at Sannomaru Square showing the “10 best spots” for viewing Himeji Castle. Visitors can walk the route or rent a bicycle to save time and energy.

  • The daitenshu, the main donjon of Himeji Castle, as seen from Himeji Station.

    The daitenshu, the main donjon of Himeji Castle, as seen from Himeji Station.

  • The Castle View observation deck.

    The Castle View observation deck.

  • Himeji Castle from the Castle View observation deck outside the station. The nishi-kotenshu can be seen to the left of the main donjon, with the top of the inui-kotenshu visible further behind.

    Himeji Castle from the Castle View observation deck outside the station. The nishi-kotenshu can be seen to the left of the main donjon, with the top of the inui-kotenshu visible further behind.

  • The observation deck is open at all hours and is an especially popular place to photograph the castle at night.

    The observation deck is open at all hours and is an especially popular place to photograph the castle at night.

  • The west side of Sannomaru Square offers a clear view of the castle’s main features, including its watariyagura, roofed passages that link its secondary keeps.

    The west side of Sannomaru Square offers a clear view of the castle’s main features, including its watariyagura, roofed passages that link its secondary keeps.

  • The castle is lit up each night from sundown to midnight, with special seasonal and commemorative displays bathing the keep in varying color schemes.

    The castle is lit up each night from sundown to midnight, with special seasonal and commemorative displays bathing the keep in varying color schemes.

  • Opened in 2001, Egret Himeji has a distinct, all-glass exterior.

    Opened in 2001, Egret Himeji has a distinct, all-glass exterior.

  • Ōtemae Park and Himeji Castle beyond.

    Ōtemae Park and Himeji Castle beyond.

  • The rooftop area of Egret Himeji places viewers at nearly the same level as Himeji Castle, making for a stunning sight.

    The rooftop area of Egret Himeji places viewers at nearly the same level as Himeji Castle, making for a stunning sight.

  • The observation point at Shiromidai Park.

    The observation point at Shiromidai Park.

  • The Himeji City Museum of Art is designated a tangible cultural property.

    The Himeji City Museum of Art is designated a tangible cultural property.

  • The museum building’s Japanese-style ceramic roof tiles seen against the main donjon and higashi-kotenshu.

    The museum building’s Japanese-style ceramic roof tiles seen against the main donjon and higashi-kotenshu.

  • The view of Himeji Castle from Shirotopia Memorial Park.

    The view of Himeji Castle from Shirotopia Memorial Park.

  • Most visitor approach the castle from the south, but the north side of the castle, here seen from Shirotopia Memorial Park, has its own distinct appeal.

    Most visitor approach the castle from the south, but the north side of the castle, here seen from Shirotopia Memorial Park, has its own distinct appeal.

  • Seen from Otokoyama Haisuiike Park, Himeji Castle seems to float on a carpet of green.

    Seen from Otokoyama Haisuiike Park, Himeji Castle seems to float on a carpet of green.

  • Viewed from the northwest, the main donjon and three kotenshu stand out clearly.

    Viewed from the northwest, the main donjon and three kotenshu stand out clearly.

  • The inui-kotenshu to the left of the main donjon is noticeably larger than the nishi-kotenshu in the foreground to the right.

    The inui-kotenshu to the left of the main donjon is noticeably larger than the nishi-kotenshu in the foreground to the right.

  • Himeji Castle framed in the lush foliage of Keifukuji Park.

    Himeji Castle framed in the lush foliage of Keifukuji Park.

  • The viewing platform at Tegarayama Central Park offers a distinct perspective of Himeji Castle set amid the surrounding cityscape.

    The viewing platform at Tegarayama Central Park offers a distinct perspective of Himeji Castle set amid the surrounding cityscape.

  • Water cascades next to the covered passage winding through Kōkoen’s Garden of the Lord’s Residence.

    Water cascades next to the covered passage winding through Kōkoen’s Garden of the Lord’s Residence.

  • The top of the main donjon and the towers of the west bailey peek above the foliage of Kōkoen’s Flatly Landscaped Garden.

    The top of the main donjon and the towers of the west bailey peek above the foliage of Kōkoen’s Flatly Landscaped Garden.

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