This building, designed by the renowned Tadao Ando, blends manmade ingenuity with nature, in the lay-out the respects the undulating terrain, and in the incorporation of water. One may reach this site on foot from Himeji Castle & Park, passing by residential houses until one is almost surprised when the edifice (of the CIty Museum) springs to view. Tip: Climb up the picturesque steps and visit the well-preserved traditional (Japanese) house adjacent to the museum. Once it functioned as the residence of a noble family, this architecture now serves as a venue for special events. From this vantage point, one is rewarded a panoramic view of the city-centre and verdant environs. Highly recommended.

1995 Pritzker Prize winning architect Tadao Ando was already at the height of his considerable powers when he designed and built this elegant complex (1988-1991). It consists of two of his signature concrete buildings and a traditional one with an associated Japanese garden. All the buildings are open to the public. It is seldom overwhelmed with visitors. The gently sloping site is completely and elegantly integrated by means of terracing, landscaping and the man-made waterfall/staircase and reflecting ponds. A view of the nearby Himeji Caste (Himeji-jo) is quite deliberately included in the design. A bus from JR Himeji station can put you within a short walk of this neighborhood site. Taxis are readily available. OR .. you can include this architectural gem when you visit Himeji Castle. From the front gate of that site, it is about a 15 minute walk to the Museum site. The top floor of the right hand building has a small elegant cafe. The cafe staff and building attendants are engaging and helpful but do not speak fluent English. Point and smile work very well.