One of the best places to view cherry blossoms during its peak season has to be Himeji Castle (Himeji-jo 姫路城) in early April. Sakura blooms are aplenty in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re already visiting the Kansai West area of Japan, we would recommend giving Himeji Castle a visit.
Visitors will be rewarded if they arrive early to the castle grounds before crowds descend on this popular destination to spend the day under the pink canopies picnicking, playing, and chatting — all the activities locals do when they go flower-viewing (hanami 花見).
Himeji Castle owes its other name, White Heron Castle (Shirasagi-jo 白鷺城), to its brilliant white exterior and resemblance to a heron taking flight. Completed in 1609, this more than 400 years old castle went through a major renovation and was opened to the public in 2015.
1. Reflection at the Moat
Even before entering the castle grounds, we were standing in awe of the beautiful reflection against the still waters at the moat. On this clear day, the skies were blue, the cherry blossoms a delicate pink, the willows a soft green, and the fortification walls a coarse granite grey — hard and soft, both in textures and colors.
This view is free-of-charge as it was taken outside of the castle. However, it’s totally worth it to pay a small fee of ¥1,000 to enter the castle grounds and view the sakura blooms up close and personal.
2. Castle Inner Grounds
Walk across the Sakuramon-bashi (桜門橋), enter by the Ōtemon (大手門), and be greeted by cherry trees across the castle grounds, both in front of the main keep and in the garden on the left. Stunned by the proliferation of blooms, we stood in awe, turned left and right repeatedly, and wondered which way we should go first.
We decided to head left where a garden of young cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. Senhime Peony Garden (千姫ぼたん園) sits between the Inner Moat (内堀 or uchibori) and the large field in front of the castle called Sannomaru Square (三の丸広場).
Standing under some trees and looking through the dark branches, we saw views of the white castle standing tall in the background framed by sprigs of blooms.
Blessed by good weather and perfect timing, the blooms are in such proliferation that we are in awe of their pink-centered, delicate beauty.
3. Picnic and Hanami
During the cherry blossoms season, Japanese flock to hanami hotspots, lay out their mats and neat stacks of finger food, and enjoy the joy of gathering under these light pink canopies with boisterous games, light conversations, or quiet companionship.
The field right in front of the main keep, Sannomaru Square (三の丸広場), is large. Spots under the cherry blossoms trees lining the periphery were snapped up early, leaving the green field in the middle for kids and adults alike to play catch and games.
If you are not in the mood for a sit-down picnic, take time to walk the paths under these trees towards the main keep.
4. Castle In The Sky
As we walked closer to the Main Keep, we kept our heads up and our eyes peeled to the white castle. We were rewarded with dreamy views of the castle floating above a cloud of pink blossoms from multiple angles.
If you have time and cherry blossoms are in full bloom, be sure to walk to the side before reaching the entrance of the Main Keep and get a peek of the castle as though it’s floating above pink clouds of sakura.
5. Artefacts from the Past
Before heading into the Castle, squint your eyes and spot the rarity among the tiles.
Typically, most Japanese castles have tiles with ocean waves motif to ward off evil spirits and disasters especially fire. Here, we see a rare tile in the center bearing the Cross – a remnant of Christianity’s influence.
Look out for an unassuming piece of stone that is protected with a net mesh.
Referred as the Old Widow’s Stone (ubagaishi 姥ヶ石), it told the tale of a poor old widow who sold rice cakes in town and donated her hand mill stone when she heard that Hashiba Hideyoshi encountered problems collecting enough stones to construct the castle. Her selfless act spurred the donation of stones from others which allowed the magnificent castle to be built speedily. Another tale told of the stone being a protective charm to prevent the castle walls from collapsing.
Inside the Main Keep of the Castle, there are many other artefacts, historical records, and cultural notes that will intrigue the history buffs among us.
Of interest to us were how some defensive structures were used to protect the castle from enemy forces in ancient times and how the lords and the samurais might have walked these very stone steps, wooden floors, and armoury rooms. Every corner, every low sliding door, every inhumanly small wiggle room — seemed to us a place where samurais would lay in ambush to unsuspecting enemies.
Visitors are asked to walk barefoot on the stone stairs and wooden floors, just like samurais and lords in ancients. Plastic bags are provided to keep your shoes and carry them with you. Remember to wear socks as these floors and stairs can be quite cold!
6. View from the Top of the Castle
At the top of Himeji Castle, we enjoyed sprawling views of castle grounds, tree-lined avenues leading towards the neighbourhood, Himeji cityscape, and of course, cherry blossoms trees interspersed in between green tops.
7. Up Close with Sakura
As you exit the castle, you enter the Garden of the Main Keep or 天守の庭. Branches of sakura hung low on these younger cherry blossom tree as we walked and snapped a few selfies with the pink-centered blooms close to our faces. Being of modest height, I can easily reach up and touch a delicate swell of sakura blooms, their soft petals caressing against my fingers and palms.
What caught our eyes next were the varied shapes looking out from the peripheral castle wall — triangle, circle, square, and rectangle — tapered to narrower shapes outward, like small peepholes or arrow slits often found in medieval castle walls to allow archers to shoot at enemies while remaining protected behind castle. Now, these shapes only remind me of Squid Game (oops!).
Take a peek through these arrow slits at the soft abundance of sakura blossoms. They are like framed snapshots.
8. Dances Under Pink Canopies
As we exited the Main Castle and the Garden, and with luck on our side, the wind picked up, the sakura branches swayed, and soft pink petals were sent aflutter. And like a rom-com, it was raining cherry blossom petals all over. The cherry blossom trees outside were older, bigger, and taller with blooms stretching out in wider canopies.
What was fascinating were some sprigs of pink blooms sprouting in the middle of moss-covered trunks, away from the branches’ ends.
9. Eel Lunch at Kassui-ken Restaurant 活水軒
With all that walking and climbing up the steep castle stairs, we had lunch at a popular restaurant called Kassui-ken (活水軒) located within Koko-en (好古園). Known for their conger eel (anago 穴子) bowls, it was just the thing to replenish our expended energy since early morning.
When we reached, there was a long queue. We decided to put down our names and come back before 14:30. You can opt to wait at the waiting area or explore the surrounding Garden of Lord’s Residence (Oyashiki no Niwa 御屋敷の庭), which we will cover in #10 (next up).
We opted to explore the surrounding garden instead of waiting in the crowded area for a chance at the limited quantity sets. A simpler meal and nature instead!
Returning around 13:00, there were noticeably lesser customers and we had a quiet meal at window seats looking out to the large pond, listening to the scenic waterfall, and admiring the vibrant greens of the garden.
I had the grilled conger eel rice bowl set at ¥1,680. Completed with sides, soup, and tempura, it was value for money. Lying on a bed of sweet tamago, the eel was sliced up and on the sweeter side. I have a more savoury palate so this was a tad sweet for me.
Prices range from ¥1,480 for their standard sets to ¥4,000 for the limited quantity sets.
Kassui-ken is located within Koko-en Garden (#10 in this list). Meals are served from 11:00 to 15:00, and so do be seated by 14:30 latest. To get there, look for the Yashiki Gate (屋敷門), walk down the left alley and you’ll reach your destination. Alternatively, go towards the Garden of the Lord’s Residence.
10. Koko-en and The Garden of the Lord’s Residence
Koko-en (好古園) is located next to Himeji Castle, a short 5-min walk from the Castle’s exit. Sakura Gate Bridge (Sakura Mon Bashi 桜門橋), turn right and walk for about 300m. You will need separate tickets for Koko-en (Kassui-Ken Restaurant is located within) which can be purchased together with tickets to Himeji Castle.
It’s not 1 garden but 9 different gardens — all within vicinity of one another — separated by walls, and designed to showcase the beauty of Japan’s 4 seasons. Depending on the season you’re visiting, you can see Japanese maple, pine, bamboo, camellia, lily of the valley, plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and moss-covered stone paths among others.
Luck had it that we encountered a heron wandering in the little pond near the stone lantern. It quickly became the model for many Japanese photography enthusiasts. Wonder if it was a resident heron or one that flew here during its migration route?
The Garden of the Lord’s Residence (Oyashiki no Niwa 御屋敷の庭) consists of a large koi pond, waterfall, and a stone bridge. It used to be the west residence of a feudal lord.
The garden was designed for taking walks and this meant burning more calories before lunch!
It was a therapeutic walk among greenery and accompanied by the gentle murmur of water slipping over stone and the soft hush of the waterfall in the distance.
11. Moat Boat Rides
Operating from March to December, one could take a 30-minute ride, Himeji Han-Wasen (姫路藩和船) around the moat of Himeji Castle in a traditional Japanese-style boat, a wasen 和船.
Aren’t these kids simply adorable donning the traditional conical straw hats, sugegasa (菅笠) and turning their heads here and there whilst in the boat?
Check the Himeji Castle website for exact dates of operation as they usually operate daily during the peak seasons of spring and autumn, and only weekends during off-peak seasons.
Buy the tickets (¥1,500) on-site at the Himeji Castle Boat Landing located near the Sakuramon Bridge (Sakuramon-bashi 桜門橋) between 09:30 (1st ride) to 16:50 (last ride).
If a boat ride is not your thing, take a walk or cycle around the moat instead and catch sights of sakura-laden branches spewing over the high castle walls. The ethereal pink blooms softened the severity of the weathered grey stone walls, creating a striking harmony between fragility and endurance, softness and strength, with water reflections reminiscent of a Monet painting.
For families with children in tow, a visit to the Himeji City Zoo with its fun rides and about 100 animals may be in the cards. You can reach the Zoo on the Himeji Castle Loop Bus. Entry fees are ¥200 (adults) and ¥30 (child). It operates from 09:00 to 17:00 (last admission 16:30).
pling thinks…Himeji Castle is a definite stop to make if you are in Kansai West and visiting Kyoto or Osaka during spring where the cherry blossoms are blooming. The abundance of sakura set against the backdrop of a white ancient castle and mossy castle walls offers a breathtaking panorama suspended between history and a dream that transforms the experience into something unforgettable and draws visitors into the heart of spring’s most magical spectacle.
How to get to Himeji Castle
〒670-0012 兵庫県姫路市本町68
68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
Entry Fees:
Himeji Castle + Koko-en Garden: ¥2,600
Himeji Castle Only: ¥2,500
Koko-en Garden Only: ¥400
Free entry for those below 18 years old.
To avoid queues at the ticketing booth, you can buy Himeji Castle tickets online.
Open Daily (except 29 & 30 December): 09:00 – 17:00
(Last admission 16:00 for Himeji-jo and 16:30 for Koko-en)
Check the website for sakura night viewing (yozakura 夜桜) dates and times. These usually take place in late March to early April, from 18:30 – 21:00. Tickets for cherry blossoms night viewing are purchased separately, usually priced at ¥600.
From Kyoto:
• Cheapest: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line and alight at the Himeji Station. Exit via the North Exit.
• Fastest (but almost twice the price): From Kyoto Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen for 4 stops and alight at Himeji Station. Exit via the North Exit.
From Osaka:
• From Osaka Station, take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line and alight at Himeji Station. Exit via the North Exit.
• From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen for 3 stops (more expensive) or the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line, and alight at Himeji Station. Exit via the North Exit.
Upon reaching JR or Sanyo Himeji Station, there are 3 ways to get to Himeji Castle from the bus terminal in front of the station:
1. Take the Himeji Castle Loop Bus (see picture on right) at Platform 6 for 1 stop and alight at Himeji-jo Ōtemon-mae (姫路城大手門前) stop.
This bus operates every 30 mins during the peak travel season so check the timetable for more updated timings.
This bus also brings you to Koko-en Garden (and other attractions) from the Castle entrance/Himeji Station if you prefer not to walk.
Look out for the deep maroon colored bus stop sign.
Single trip ticket costs ¥100 while the 1-day pass cost ¥300. The 1-Day Pass provides a 20% discount on entry fees to Himeji Castle. You can purchase this pass at the Shinki Bus Himeji Station Information Center.
2. Take the Shinki Bus at Platform 9 for 2 stops and alight at Himeji-jo Ōtemon-mae (姫路城大手門前) stop.
3. Walk straight along Ōtemon-mae dori (大手門前通り) towards the Castle in the distance for about 20 mins.
The Sakuramon-bashi (桜門橋) and Ōtemon (大手門) is located on the left when you alight from the bus, a 5-8 mins’ walk.