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Castle · Hyogo · Kansai

Himeji Castle

姫路城

Iconic castle with brilliant white exterior, designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure, fully restored to its original appearance in 2015.

Updated 2026/07/20
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle © Niko Kitsakis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Opening hours
Every dayAlways open
Admission
EveryoneFree
Links
Official websiteEnglish · Japanese
Access
Hommachi, Himeji-Shi, Hyogo 〒 670-0012Himeji Station 姫路 (Bantan Line, JR Kobe Line, Kishin Line, San’yō Main Line)Walk 20 minutes
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Himeji Castle is a historic Japanese castle located in the city of Himeji in the Hyōgo Prefecture. It is considered the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture and is known for its brilliant white exterior, earning it the nickname "White Egret Castle" or "White Heron Castle." The castle dates back to 1333 and has been rebuilt and remodeled several times over the centuries. It has remained intact for almost 700 years and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Special Historic Site, and National Treasure. It is considered one of Japan's three premier castles, along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle. The castle underwent restoration work and reopened to the public in 2015, restoring the roof's original brilliant white color.

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Part of100 Fine Castles of JapanCastlesNational TreasuresSpecial Historic SiteUNESCO World Heritage Sites
Tags100 Fine Castles of JapanCastlesSpecial National Historic SiteUNESCO World Heritage Sites
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