Himeji Castle was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage in 1993 as well as designated as a National Treasure in 1951. Also known as White Heron castle. Well connected with Shinkansen services. Should do the castle and garden. would take about 2 hours for the complete tour. good visit

We stopped at Himeji on the way from Kyoto to Hiroshima and it was about a 15 min walk from the train station to the castle. The exterior of the castle is quite stunning. If you visit the main keep, while the inside of the castle is reasonably interesting there’s little in the way of displays offering information so not much to look at. The main keep is six stories high and the stairs to the top get progressively steeper and narrower as you go, you need to be fairly mobile and active to go to the top. I’m reasonably active but not a huge fan of narrow steep steps so bailed out at the fourth floor although the husband carried on to the top. You’ll also need to take your shoes off and carry them in a carrier bag that you’re given after about the second floor.

The Himeji castle is definitely worth a trip from Osaka or on the way to Hiroshima! It is much nicer and larger than Osaka castle and easy to get to from the train station. You can either take a bus or just walk - you can see it from the exit of the train station. We bought a combination ticket for the castle and Koko-en, the gardens next door. There are lockers to store your belongings right before you enter the castle grounds, as well as restrooms and vending machines for one last drink of water. There is a steep walk up to the entrance of the castle, and then you will walk up steep flights of stairs to get to the top. It's totally doable and totally worth it for the views. You will need to take off your shoes and put them into a bag, so wear or brings socks. We had very few other people there when we visited, so ew got to see everything without obstruction. There is a small shrine at the top, and there are also information displays in English on each floor to tell you the highlights of the building. Highly recommend if you are in the area!

A very impressive castle and if you visit you'll understand why it is so popular. At the entrance you can take a free "Himeji Castle Concierge Book" which is an excellent guide on your tour through the grounds. The stairs in the keep are not as steep and narrow as in other castles I've been to. You can also enter the bailey which houses enlightening exhibitions. There will be crowds but it is definitely worth your visit. Make sure to set aside enough time for your visit and get a combination ticket which gives you entrance to nearby Koko-en.