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One of the easiest day trips from Osaka, Himeji Castle is a sight to behold. The imposing structure is nicknamed the ‘White Heron Castle’, thanks to its brilliant white appearance and elegant silhouette.
The complex as we see it today was completed in 1609, though many of its buildings and structures date back further. In fact, Himeji Castle is one of the few original castles left in Japan, as it was never destroyed by war or natural disasters. As a result, it stands as the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture, a status confirmed by its Unesco World Heritage Site designation in 1993.
Aside from its remarkable architecture and breathtaking beauty, Himeji Castle is also widely cherished as one of the region’s best cherry blossom destinations. Now, if you’re planning to visit, you should be aware that the castle’s admission has been revised to a new dual pricing structure.
Up until recently, entry tickets were priced at ¥1,000 for adults and ¥300 for students and children under 18 years old. Effective March 1, ticket prices have increased sharply to ¥2,500 for non-residents, which include foreign tourists and those not living in Himeji City. This is now officially the highest castle admission in Japan.
On the flip side, entry has been made free for those under 18 years of age. Tickets for local residents, however, remain at ¥1,000. And that’s fair, since their taxes are used to help maintain the property.
According to a Mainichi report, the castle’s maintenance and preservation are expected to cost around ¥28 billion over the next ten years. As such, the municipal government has stated that the ticket price increase is unavoidable. The revenue will be used to cover maintenance costs and fund safety improvements including earthquake-proofing measures.
For more information and to purchase entry tickets, check Himeji Castle’s website.
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