Himeji Station
Himeji Station
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Access Himeji Station to see one of the most well-known destinations in the Kansai area, notable for its iconic castle and picturesque Mount Shosa!
The second-most populous city in Hyogo Prefecture is a popular day trip destination from other parts of Kansai, such as Kyoto and Osaka, mostly due to its iconic castle. Himeji Castle is one of only 12 castles in Japan that are largely original, and speaking of the fact that it was originally built in the early 1300s, it’s an impressive structure to witness.
There are a variety of spots to check out in Himeji, and the conveniently named Himeji Station is the main point of access to this Kansai treasure. Himeji Station is a stop on the famous Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Line. The combination of close proximity and high-speed rail means the journey is not particularly long, and to and from Kyoto it takes less than one hour. New discoveries and journeys without a long commute!
Station Overview
Himeji Station is located centrally in the city of the same name. From other parts of Kansai, Himeji Station is naturally a popular departure point, but since it is also a Shinkansen stop, it is also ideal for accessing other parts of the country via the Tokaido-Sanyo Line. Going further west, destinations like Hiroshima and Fukuoka can be reached. Going in the other direction, Odawara and Tokyo are accessible.
Himeji Station is operated by West Japan Railway Company, making it eligible for travel via the National JR Pass and regional passes, such as the Kansai Wide Area Pass. Shinkansens arrive and depart from platforms 11, 12, and 13. In addition to the Sanyo Shinkansen Line, the Shinkansen Main Line (the JR Kobe Line for travel within Hyogo) also operates out of the station on platforms 5 and 6 towards either Sannomiya or Osaka. The Bantan Line that leaves from platform 1 goes towards Teramae and Wadayama, both in Hyogo. There is also the Kishin Line that leaves for the town of Sayo from platforms 3 and 4. Access to Kurayoshi in Tottori Prefecture can be had via the Limited Express Super Hakuto. This train leaves from platforms 7 and 8.
Shinkansen at Himeji Station
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Himeji Station, on average, sees over 50,000 commuters on a daily basis, many of whom are visitors from other parts of the country or abroad coming to visit the area, however, it is also the central hub for the city for going to other larger cities within Kansai.
Bus and Taxi Access
A number of buses go to and from Himeji Station to commute around the area. There are 21 total stops at the station, three of which are unloading stops only. There is a stand with a queue of taxis to service commuters as well.
What to do around Himeji
As previously mentioned, Himeji Castle is the central attraction of the city. This is actually the most visited castle in all of Japan due to its historical significance, protypical Japanese feudal design, close proximity to other major cities in the Kansai area, and status as one of the 12 original castles of Japan. From Himeji Station, the castle is only a 20 minute walk away. Walking out this way takes you down Otemaedori Street. The street is lined with beautiful foliage, especially noteworty during spring and fall. Via bus, the journey takes just a bit over 10 minutes. The grounds around Himeji Castle are as noteworthy as the structure itself. Kokoen Garden is a beautiful traditional-style Japanese garden that was built upon the original samurai grounds. For access to both the castle and garden, there is a combination ticket option.
Himeji Castle, Hyogo
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Kokoen Garden
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Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosa
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Mount Shosha is accessible from the station and city center in only 30 minutes via a combination of bus and ropeway. The mountain itself is home to a venerable temple, Engyoji. With a long history, this is an amazing complimentary attraction to Himeji Castle. The temple itself is located on a mountaintop that goes over dense forest, making the journey up to the temple just as much of a treat as the spiritual site itself.
