Himeji day trip Itinerary: Visit Himeji Castle from Osaka Japan

While there are many things to do in Osaka, a visit to Himeji Castle from Osaka is a must for travellers. As one of the top three most beautiful original castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Himeji’s biggest attraction.

While visiting Himeji Castle is the highlight of a Himeji day trip, there are many other things to do in Himeji like Koko-en Garden, Shoshazan Engyō-ji Temple and a couple of art museums in the city.

With half a million inhabitants, Himeji City is one of the friendliest cities in Japan. I met friendly people who will go out of their way to make me feel welcome even though we do not speak the same language. Without a doubt, Himeji has a special place in my heart and has made my solo trip to Japan quite memorable. This is why I put together a one-day Himeji itinerary so you can experience the joy as well.

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What you need to know before you visit Himeji Castle from Osaka

Before starting your Himeji itinerary, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan. I included a lot of tips on how to get around Japan and other travel tips.

Are are additional travel tips that you may find useful for your day trip to Himeji:

• Walking is the best way to see the castle and most Himeji attractions
• ICOCA is the prepaid IC card for Kansai Region. It is a rechargeable smartcard where you can take public transportation including bus, train and etc. You can use your IC card for the local train from Osaka to Himeji and when you take the bus to see Engyō-ji Temple in Mount Shosha.
• If you don’t have a SIM card or pocket wifi, Himeji has free wifi all over town.
• Lots of English signs around tourist attractions. And many people speak English.
• Himeji is a safe city for solo travellers.

How to travel from Osaka to Himeji

Himeji is a small city in Hyogo Prefecture, only 100km west of Osaka. There are two options for travelling from Osaka to Himeji: Shinkansen (bullet train) or a local (rapid) train. If possible, try to arrive in Himeji before 9:00 am so you can explore Himeji Castle when it opens.

For all the train options below, you can check Hyperdia for schedule and cost.

Osaka to Himeji train

• Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen: from Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station
  • Time: 28 minutes
  • Cost: about ¥3,810 (covered by JR Pass except for Nozomi and Mizuho trains)
• Tokaido-Sanyo Rapid Line: from Osaka Station to Himeji Station
  • Time: 62 minutes
  • Cost: ¥1,520 (covered by JR Pass)

Map: Himeji day trip itinerary

A visit to Himeji Castle is a must for any traveller’s checklist. But there are many things to do in Himeji besides seeing the beautiful white castle.

I put together a comprehensive one-day Himeji itinerary for anyone who wants to visit the charming town and see all the top Himeji attractions in one day. My self-guided Himeji tour includes all the top things to do in Himeji, including food recommendations.

I included all the top things to do in Himeji on the interactive map. You can click on each pin to get more info.

Himeji Itinerary: Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka

1. Himeji Castle

When you visit Himeji Castle as a day trip from Osaka, you will visit one of the top three most beautiful original castles in Japan. Known as the White Heron Castle, the main keep is a six-level castle with pristine white-plastered exterior walls that resembles a white heron in flight.

The castle was damaged during World War II and natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes in recent history. It went through many restorations including the most recent restoration between 2009 and 2015 where part of the repair include the main keep’s roof, re-plastering the exterior walls, and reinforcement to some of the structural pillars.

Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the biggest attraction in Himeji. You can learn about the history of the castle at the museum and take in the panoramic view of Himeji City from the top floor of the main keep. Furthermore, the beautiful garden surrounding the garden is one of the best places for viewing cherry blossom during spring.

Himeji tourism is doing a great job of promoting the city and Himeji attractions. For Himeji Castle, there is an app you can download where you can listen to the audio guide on your smartphone for free. Just scan the code on site and listen to the informative guide.

Himeji Castle is easy to find. Just walk up Otemae-dori (the main street) from the Himeji Station.

Purchase a combination entrance ticket for ¥1,050 and you can visit both Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden. Otherwise, pay ¥1,000 for visiting the castle only.

Hours of operation: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (April 27 – August 31) & 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sept 1 – April 26)

2. Koko-en Garden

Located right next to Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden is composed of nine traditional Japanese gardens connected, along with a small beautiful pond and an onsite restaurant. The atmosphere is peaceful (especially if you just visited Himeji Castle on a busy day!). Follow the path at the entrance and let it take you on a journey through one of the best gardens in Hyogo Prefecture.

The combination ticket includes the entry for Koko-en Garden.

Hours of operation: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (April 27 – August 31) & 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sept 1 – April 26)

3. Himeji City Museum of Art

After a quick lunch, indulge in art or learn about the history of Hyogo Prefecture. Choose one of the three museums in Himeji for an afternoon of cultural fun.

Himeji City Museum of Art has over 3700 pieces of artwork in the forms of painting, sculptures and other arts and crafts. The majority of the exhibit is composed of French artists like Monet and Matisse. And the museum has artwork by Japanese artists, of course. You really can’t go wrong with paying just ¥200 for such a large exhibit.

Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed Monday)

4. Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History is an one-of-a-kind museum where it has exhibits displaying history and culture of Hyogo Prefecture and Himeji Castle. Not only do you learn more about the Hyogo Prefecture, but you can also experience the museum itself which was designed by Kenzō Tange, a Japanese architect and a winner of the Pritzker Prize for architecture. Kenzō Tange designed a lot of modern architecture post World War II and won the competition for the design for Hiroshima Peace Centre and Memorial Park. So even if you do not go into the museum, you can still admire the building from afar.

Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed Monday)

5. Himeji City Museum of Literature

Himeji City Museum of Literature has different visuals to display works of literature to make the exhibit interesting for visitors.

Aside from the exhibits, the building itself is a masterpiece. Designed by Tadao Ando, a Japanese architect who also won a Pritzker Prize award, the building embodies Ando’s design trademark where simplicity in design and spatial relationships are both emphasized.

Even if you don’t have time to visit the museum, you should see the building. The building itself is a piece of art. Tado Ando’s work can be seen in other parts of Japan including a few notable buildings like the Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima Island.

Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed Monday)

6. Shoshazan Engyō-ji Temple

Himeji Castle is definitely the highlight of Himeji. But the temple complex called Engyō-ji Temple hidden away in Mount Shosha is pretty impressive as well.

The group of temples were founded about 1,000 years ago by a holy Buddhist priest who was guided by Monju, the God of Wisdom and Intellect. Legend has it that anyone who climbs this mountain will be purified spiritually. To this day, many people still make the pilgrimage to Mount Shosha and Engyō-ji Temple.

Furthermore, Engyō-ji Temple is the 27th temple on the Saigon Kannon pilgrimage and one of the most famous temples to visit in Western Japan.

Hours of operation: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Aside from the history, the forest surrounding Engyō-ji Temple has a peaceful atmosphere and zen-like feel. It is an excellent spot for cherry blossom in spring and also fall foliage in autumn.

The best way to get to Mount Shosha is by bus. Take bus #8 at bus stop #10 just outside of Himeji Station. It journey is about 20 minutes and costs ¥270 each way. You can use your IC card or pay cash.

At the base of Mount Shosha, buy a return ticket for the ropeway for ¥1,000, unless you want to hike up and back down.

Alternatively, you can buy a “Shoshazan Ropeway” combination ticket for ¥1,400 at the bus station close to bus stop #10. The combination ticket includes a roundtrip bus ride and the roundtrip ropeway ride.

7. Himeji Castle in late afternoon or at night

If you cannot get enough of Himeji Castle, drop by the castle again after visiting Mount Shosha, or before dinner. The castle is particularly beautiful after the sun is down and when the lights shine on the building itself. Even though the castle is closed, you can still take many fantastic photos from afar.

And after a full day of exploring Himeji Castle and all the attractions in the city, it is time to return to Osaka. The last train to Osaka from Himeji is at 11:17 pm.

Where to stay in Himeji as a solo traveller

Most people will take a day trip to Himeji and return to Osaka. But I really like the small-town feel of Himeji City and would recommend staying a night or two if you want to take your time travelling through Japan.

As a solo female traveller, the Himeji accommodations are pretty good and inexpensive. The majority of hostels and hotels are near Himeji Station. Booking ahead is encouraged but not necessary.

• ONE Hostel Himeji ($) – they have cheap and cheerful mixed and all-female dorms available. Close to Himeji Station. The best part about the hostel is the friendly hosts.
  • Check prices & reviews: Agoda
• Richmond Hotel Himeji ($$) – simple and modern single room including your own private bathroom. The hotel is located just south of Himeji Station.
  • Check prices & reviews: Agoda
• Via Inn Himeji ($$) – The single room is clean and compact and has everything you need for a short stay. The price comes with breakfast. Located just south of Himeji Station.
  • Check prices & reviews: Agoda

Where to eat in Himeji

Eating in Himeji is very affordable. Most food options are in walking distances and centrally located between Himeji Station and Himeji Castle. Try some of the local specialities including try conger eel or oden (Japanese one-pot dish made with eggs, daikon radish, fishcakes, etc.).

• Tamagoya ($) – people queue up for this delicious Himeji specialty, conger eel and egg with rice. You crack the egg in your rice, so the rice cooks the egg. But don’t worry, even if the egg is not cooked thoroughly, you can still eat it. Eating raw egg in Japan is safe. This is a good lunch option.
• Nadagiku Kappa ($) – the oden restaurant has been around since 1910. Give this restaurant a try because of its delicious oden and retro interior.  I had tofu, daikon radish, fish paste and beef tendon. Have dinner here and enjoy the Himeji specialty along with a glass of sake!
• Menme ($) – a popular udon restaurant; try the Menme udon (udon with raw egg, dried bonito, sesame seeds), Kamaage udon (hot udon noodles) or Kitsune udon (udon with sliced and deep-fried tofu)
• Kassuiken ($$) – located in Koko-en Garden, you can get a set lunch in pretty bento boxes while enjoying the peaceful scenery of the garden.

Are you going to take a day trip from Osaka and see Himeji Castle?

It is super easy to visit Himeji Castle from Osaka as a day trip. The efficient train system can take you from Osaka to Himeji in less than half an hour. Plus, you can follow my Himeji itinerary to see all the best attractions along with the beautiful castle all on the same day.

I hope you find my Himeji travel guide useful. If you have any other questions, leave a comment below.

Thank you for reading my Himeji day trip itinerary post

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:

Introduction to Japan

• Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
• Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
• 11 Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
• Japanese Food Culture: 11 must-try food
• One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Kanto region

• 5-day Tokyo itinerary for first-time visitors
• Where to stay in Tokyo for solo travellers

Kansai region

• Kyoto 2-day itinerary
• Uji day trip from Kyoto
• Nara day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
• 2-day Osaka itinerary
• Osaka to Kobe day trip: 1-day itinerary

Chugoku region

• Naoshima Art Island: 1-day itinerary
• How to spend one day on Teshima Island
• 17 Best things to do in Kurashiki Japan
• 13 Top things to do in Onomichi Japan
• Shimanami Kaido: how to spend one day cycling Japan’s best bike route
• Hiroshima 2-day itinerary
• Day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima

Kyushu region

• 10-day Kyushu Island itinerary
• 25 Best things to do in Fukuoka Japan
• Day trip to Dazaifu from Fukuoka
• Kumamoto City in one day
• Day trip to Mount Aso from Kumamoto
• 11 Top things to do in Kagoshima Japan

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