How I Learned to Love Castles Again

Posted on 04/12/2022 Last updated on 04/12/2022

Being from the UK, I have been subjected to many-a-trip to a creaky old castle. And let me tell you, every trip was as boring and grey as the buildings I was forced to visit. Sometimes we had to go to these “partial” or ruined castles that had nothing in them. They were just some stones in the ground and a few walls. Not exactly a thrill seeker’s paradise.

Many of my childhood trips were spent wandering around places like the one to the left. My dad excitedly going around looking at the historic artifacts. The tour guides telling stories of kings and queens. Me dragging my feet, wondering why I couldn’t be at home playing on my PlayStation 2. School trips too! Even the excitement of being out of school for a day was ruined when the realization hit. We were just being dragged around a castle for history class.

I know, first world problems! There’s a lot worse to experience in life than a boring trip to an old building. But, long ramble short, I just never had an interest or engagement with castles or their histories. It bored me.

That feeling would change when I experienced not just a Japanese castle, but THE Japanese castle.

The Road to Himeji Castle

To make this trip extra special, I had my first experience on the Shinkansen (新幹線). It was fascinating to me that you could so easily get tickets from a machine, especially for such long journey. A ticket to Himeji from Tokyo Station is around 22,000円 for a weekday ticket.

The process was simple and easy, and the machines offered a variety of language options. Staff were available for support, but buying the tickets and jumping onto the next train was as simple as could be.

Pro tip! If you want a faster journey, take the Nozomi (のぞみ) train. On the way to Himeji, sit on the right side so you can see Mt. Fuji pass by. (Unlike me, who sat on the left side of train, so sorry no pictures!)

And, like that, three and a half hours later; I was at Himeji station with this on the horizon:

The Castle

After a relaxing evening at an izakaya and a much-needed rest at the hotel, the next day was castle time!

8-year-old me would be disgusted with older me! 20 years later and I’m here gawping at a castle. Even from a distance, it leaves such a striking image. The size of the grounds is immense. Attached to the grounds is a zoo for animal lovers. I didn’t get a chance to go to the zoo, but I was assured it was a good visit.

Tickets to the main keep are 1,800円. For 400円 extra, you can get access to the gardens about 5 minutes down the street from the main entrance. Highly recommend the gardens! But, that will come later.

The castle is 6 floors, and each level offers some amazing sights of Himeji and the surrounding countryside.

The architecture is beautiful and the grandeur of the castle is always there. It’s rather breath-taking. One warning though, the doorways and stair ways get a little steep and low. Tall people beware! You’re in for a limbo session.

There are some ancient artifacts too, and some interesting historical facts that I’ll leave you to discover on your own trip! Everything has a translation for every language, so wherever your from, you’re welcome to explore.

The Gardens

For me, the majesty of the castle was already mind-blowing. The rich history of the castle and Himeji are laid bare within its walls. But, on such a sunny and clear winter’s day, the place to go was the gardens.

The pictures speak for themselves. The expansive water features, beautiful architecture, and peace and quiet. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of the city life I’m used to in Tokyo! It’s worth going beyond the big city though!

The gardens have it all: Bamboo groves, lantern lightings in the spring and autumn, and some beautiful greenery. There’s also flower gardens and sakura or cherry blossoms. The castle gardens are a must for any and every season.

The best way to experience a country is through its history. As someone who was very opposed to history and thought looking through old buildings was a boring chore, Himeji castle broke my expectations. It ended up being a fun adventure and a deep historic look at Japan.

Take the Trip Today!

If you’re interested in Japan and its culture, Himeji Castle is a must. As a cultural World Heritage site, and a major part of Japan’s history, I leave you to discover the wonder and majesty of the grounds and beauty of the architecture.

Plus, being in the Kansai region, the food is to die for, with Octopus balls (たこ焼き), Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) being some major regional dishes to discover on your journeys.

And, it’s a great way to enjoy the modern convenience of Japan with the Shinkansen! 3 and half hours in a relatively inexpensive and relaxed way. It’s a great experience all round and a fantastic way to spend a weekend!

Image Credits:

Cover Image: 七彩さん on PhotoAC

1 (European castle photo) 終末旅行者さん on PhotoAC