Things to do in  Himeji

If you only have time for one day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, make it Himeji Castle (Himeji-Jo), renowned as Japan’s most beautiful historic citadel. Also known as White Heron Castle, the UNESCO-listed hilltop structure was built in 1580 and features a five-story central tower with surrounding moats, walls, and pagodas.

Situated on the grounds of Himeji Castle, this garden was constructed in 1992 to commemorate the centenary of Himeji City becoming a municipality. It's spread out over 3.5 hectares (8.5 acres) and features nine different gardens designed to match the historic aesthetic of the castle that towers over them.

At Taiyo Park in Himeji, visitors can tour of some of the world’s most famous monuments without leaving Japan. The park contains smaller replicas of such iconic attractions as the Giza pyramids, the Statue of Liberty, and China’s Terracotta Warriors. Don’t miss the 3D trick-art gallery inside the replica of Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle.