There are many easy ways to reach Himeji castle, it depends on you which one you follow. Built-in 1609, Himeji Castle is one of the most acclaimed castles in Japan, partly due to its huge size and the fact that it has endured natural disasters and wars over the centuries. Also known as the “White Heron Castle” for its distinctive façade, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is located near the town of the same name, and Shinkansen is also easily accessible from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka via the JR Pass. So if you are planning to see this iconic place in Japan here is a complete route guide to reach Himeji Castle:
Best Route Guide to Reach Himeji Castle
Route Guide to Reach Himeji Castle From Tokyo
Route Guide to Reach Himeji Castle From Tokyo
- By Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Tokyo and Himeji are connected by JR Tokaido / Sanyo Shinkansen. Nozomi trains take about three hours to reach Himeji Station from Tokyo, while direct Hikari trains take about 3.5 hours. The regular one-way fare from Tokyo to Himeji is about 16,000 yen. Not on Nozomi trains, the Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari trains.
- By Local Trains
With local trains, the one-way trip between Tokyo and Himeji takes about ten hours and usually involves at least four train transfers. The standard fare is relatively expensive at 10,010 yen, however, a Seishun 18 Kippu can make the trip for 2,410 yen.
- By Bus
Between Himeji (Himeji Station) and Tokyo (Shibuya Mark City, Shinjuku Bus Terminal)Shinki Bus and Keio Bus operate night buses. The one-way fare is around 10,000 yen. Travel time is approximately 10 hours. Fares from discounted bus operators such as the Willer Express start at around 6,000 yen. When used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost of bus travel to about 3,000 yen. Online booking is possible through Willer.
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Route Guide to Reach Himeji Castle From Kyoto
Route Guide to Reach Himeji Castle From Kyoto
- By Shinkansen
Kyoto and Himeji are connected by JR Tokaido / Sanyo Shinkansen. Nozomi trains take about 45 minutes to reach Himeji Station from Kyoto, while direct Hikari trains take about 55 minutes. From Kyoto to Himeji, the regular one-way fare is around 5,000 yen. Except on Nozomi Trains, the Japan Rail Pass is valid only on Sakura, Hikari, and Kodama trains.
- By Local JR Trains
Direct JR special express trains (shin-kaiseki) take 90 minutes and cost 2,310 yen for a one-way trip between Kyoto and Himeji. There are departures about every 15 minutes. If you are visiting Himeji for a day trip from Kyoto by this train, the 1-day JR Kansai Area Pass is a good option.
- By Non-JR Trains
From central Kyoto (Shijo Street) by Hankyu Limited Express to Hankyu Umeda Train Station (45 minutes, 400 yen). Transfer to Hanshin Umeda Station (10 minutes walk) and a limited express train take 100 minutes, 1300 yen reach Sanyo-Himeji Station. Sanyo-Himeji Station is located near JR Himeji Station. This route is slower than using the JR but is cheaper and the Kansai Thru Pass fully travels.
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Route Guide to Reach Himeji Castle From Osaka
Route Guide to Reach Himeji Castle From Osaka
- By Shinkansen
Osaka and Himeji are connected by JR Sanyo Shinkansen. Trains to Nozomi, Sakura, and Hikari take about 30 minutes to reach Himeji Station from Shin-Osaka Station. Between Shin-Osaka and Himeji, the one-way schedule is around 3,500 yen. While the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass and several other regional rail passes are valid on JR West-valid trains but the Japan Rail Pass is valid on Sakura, Hikari, and Kodama trains, but not on Nozomi trains.
- By Local JR Trains
For a one-way trip between Osaka (Osaka station) and HimejiDirect JR special express trains (shin-kaisoku) take one hour and cost 1520 yen. There are departures about every 15 minutes. The 1-day JR Kansai Area Pass is a good choice for a day trip from Oakaka to Himeji with this train.
- By Non-JR Trains
Between Hanshin Umeda Station and Sanyo-Himeji Station, direct, limited-speed trains take 100 minutes and a one-way trip of 1,300 yen. Sanyo-Himeji Station is located near JR Himeji Station. Although this route is slower than using JR, it is cheaper and fully covered by the Kansai Thru Pass.
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Route Guide to Reach Himeji Castle From Hiroshima
Route Guide to Reach Himeji Castle From Hiroshima
- By Shinkansen
Hiroshima and Himeji are connected by JR Sanyo Shinkansen. To reach Himeji from Hiroshima, the Nozomi and Sakura trains take about an hour. The one-way fare from Hiroshima to Himeji is about 8,000 yen. While the JR Sanyo Sanin Area Pass and JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass are valid on all trains but the Japan Rail Pass is valid on Sakura and Kodama trains, except on Nozomi trains.
- By Local Trains
With local trains, the one-way trip from Hiroshima to Himeji takes about 5 hours and usually involves about two train transfers. The standard fare is 4,510 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you can make the trip for up to 2,410 yen.
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Ruote Guide to Reach Himeji Castle Using Public Transport
Ruote Guide to Reach Himeji Castle Using Public Transport
The wide Otemae-Dori Street leads straight from JR Himeji Station to Himeji Castle. From the station to the entrance gate of the castle you can walk in about 15-20 minutes.Operated by Sanyo RailwaysSanyo-Himeji Train Station is just a short walk north of JR Himeji Station and provides a direct train connection between Osaka and Hansaka Umeda Stations.Himeji is also covered by a dense bus network operated by Shinki Bus. Its main bus station is in front of JR Himeji Station. Shinki Bus 8 provides easy access to Shosha Mountain. The ten main prepaid IC cards and the local Nicopa card can be used to pay fares for shinki buses.
Note: Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.
Hope you received a brief and easy idea about the various routes to reach the Himeji Castle in Japan and the added duration and cost information that might have helped you, to manage your schedules and budget according to your trips. There are more engaging and helpful blogs that can help you out with a lot of on-ground basic problems so visit our website or download our Adequate Travel app to win exciting offers over various trips and tour packages that will make your journey more efficient and pocket friendly.
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