Type and hit ENTER
  • HOME
  • CATEGORY
    • Japanese Apartment Life
    • Moving Tips
    • Interior Design
    • Local Area Guides
  • COMPANY
  • PRIVACY POLICY
GET CONNECTED
Facebook
Instagram
  • HOME
  • Japanese Apartment Life
  • Moving Tips
  • Interior Design
  • Local Area Guides
  • Village House

ENG

  • 日本語
  • ENG
  • PT
  • VI
Local Area Guides

Local Area Guide: Himeji 

2024-02-21

The second largest city in Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji, is a wonderful place to visit or live. It is located along the coast, so is very well linked up by the train system. It can take less than an hour to get there from Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe! The city is a popular spot to stopover on journeys between Hiroshima and Tokyo since it is on the Shinkansen lines. The city is most famous for its iconic castle – which looks a lot like the castle you see on emojis.  

768x300 EN

Himeji Castle 

image4 13

There is a good reason why Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, not only it is a strikingly brilliant castle, but it also has a fascinating history. 

The castle was first constructed in 1333 when Akamatsu Norimura built a fort on top of the hill. It was rebuilt and remodeled over the centuries, and in the 1600s it was completely rebuilt by Ikeda Terumasa. The castle has remained intact, with its original 400-year-old structure, even through the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and the bombing of Himeji in World War II. 

It is also known as ‘The White Heron Castle’, or ‘White Egret Castle’ because of its resemblance to an egret taking flight, and its beautiful white exterior. The castle is on top of Himeyama Hill, as is the first thing visitors see when arriving at JR Himeji Station. It is a welcome sight for those who call this city their home. Himeji Castle is surrounded by a moat. The grounds are filled with cherry blossom trees, so it is a popular place to stroll around during hanami. You can find plenty of market stalls selling tasty snacks and omiyage. 

Just next to Himeji Castle, you can find Koko-en Garden, where you can continue your experience of Himeji’s hotspots. 

Mount Shosha 

image7 9

Himeji Castle may be what the city is best known for, but Mount Shosha frequently summons people back to the city. Mount Shosha, a sacred site, beckons adventurers and spiritual seekers alike with its serene beauty and historical significance. The mountain is home to Engyoji Temple, a sprawling complex of Buddhist buildings nestled amidst lush forests. 

Hiking enthusiasts will find Mount Shosha to be a paradise, offering various trails that lead to the temple complex and panoramic viewpoints. The most popular hiking route starts from the foot of the mountain, winding through towering cedar trees and tranquil streams, culminating in a rewarding ascent to Engyoji Temple. 

Along the way, hikers can pause to admire the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and encounter hidden treasures such as stone Buddhist statues and secluded shrines. At the summit, Engyoji Temple awaits, inviting visitors to explore its ancient halls, pagodas, and serene gardens. 

Kokoen Garden 

image6 9

Koko-en Garden, nestled beside the majestic Himeji Castle, is a spot of serenity in the city. This meticulously crafted garden consists of nine distinct sections, each offering its own unique charm. 

Visitors can wander along winding pathways of Kokoen Garden, flanked by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and tranquil ponds, immersing themselves in the beauty of traditional Japanese landscaping. The garden also features teahouses where guests can experience the art of the tea ceremony in an authentic setting. 

Koko-en Garden provides a peaceful retreat for locals seeking relaxation and contemplation amid nature’s beauty. Whether you’re admiring the cherry blossoms in spring or the fiery foliage in autumn, Kokoen Garden invites you to unwind and appreciate the timeless elegance of Japanese gardens against the backdrop of the stunning Himeji Castle. 

768x300 EN

Ieshima Island 

image2 17

Located in the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Ieshima Island offers a serene escape from the bustling city life of Himeji. Just a short 40-minute ferry ride away, this picturesque island beckons with its pristine beaches, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage. The ferry fare is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥600 for children (round trip). Keep in mind that schedules may vary depending on the season, so it’s wise to check ahead of time. 

For the residents of Himeji seeking a peaceful retreat, Ieshima provides an ideal weekend getaway. Nature enthusiasts can explore the island’s hiking trails, which wind through verdant forests and offer breathtaking views of the sea. Those craving relaxation can lounge on the sun-kissed sands of Ieshima’s beaches. 

History buffs will delight in Ieshima’s cultural sites, such as the historic Ieshima Shrine and the well-preserved traditional fishing village. Wander through the narrow lanes lined with traditional houses and immerse yourself in the island’s timeless charm. 

For tourists, Ieshima offers a glimpse into a slower pace of life and a chance to experience authentic Japanese island culture. Indulge in freshly caught seafood at local eateries or take part in traditional activities like fishing or pottery-making. 

Himeji Food 

image1 5

Himeji is not only renowned for its majestic castle but also for its cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds of both locals and tourists alike. 

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring piping hot bowls of savory miso soup, fluffy rice, and grilled fish fresh from the Seto Inland Sea. For lunch, savor the local specialty, “Himeji Oden,” a hearty stew brimming with fish cakes, vegetables, and tofu simmered in a flavorful broth. 

As evening falls, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Himeji’s izakayas, where you can sample an array of small plates paired with local sake. Don’t miss out on Himeji’s famous “nama-harumaki,” a type of spring roll filled with succulent shrimp and crispy vegetables. 

Himeji is a city full of cultural, historical, and natural delights. Marvel at iconic Himeji Castle, a backdrop in “The Last Samurai” and James Bond’s “You Only Live Twice.” Unwind amidst tranquility at Mount Shosha, where trails lead to Engyoji Temple. Indulge in local delicacies like Himeji Oden. Explore Kokoen Garden’s serenity and venture to the pristine shores of Ieshima Island. From cinematic history to culinary delights, Himeji offers a tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. 

Please check out our available rental apartments in Himeji on the Village House website. 

2024-02-21
Email
PREVIOUS POST
What to Do in Case of a Natural Disaster? Actions You Need to Take and Where to Get Information 
NEXT POST
Living Alone As A Woman – Top 5 Things To Pay Attention To When Choosing An Apartment 
Image Not Found On Media Library

RANKING
  • thumbnail 3
    Guide to the Apartment Lease Signing Process
    2024-01-16

    Paperwork is an inevitability in Japan, more so when you’re …

  • Picture1 2
    The 10 Safest Cities to Live in Japan
    2023-01-08

    Japan is an amazing place, and with 772 cities in the countr…

  • Old apartment
    Home and Apartment Renovation in Japan
    2022-05-19

    If you are in Japan, renovation information is plenty but DI…

  • Cleaning tools
    What Do You Need to Clean Before Moving Out?
    2022-04-02

    With most rental apartments in Japan, you are usually charge…

  • trash in japan
    Recycling in Japan: Do’s and Don’ts
    2021-09-28

    Separating trash in Japan will vary from how you separate th…

SEARCH
CATEGORY
  • Japanese Apartment Life

    Japanese Apartment Life

  • Moving Tips

    Moving Tips

  • Interior Design

    Interior Design

  • Local Area Guides

    Local Area Guides

Image Not Found On Media Library

INSTAGRAM
ビレッジハウス / Village House

villagehousejp

🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣びれじろーくんのメモより📒 ビレッジハウス美濃加茂🔍岐阜県美濃加茂市✏️ 2DKのお部屋 ✏️ フルリノベーションされたお部屋 ✏️南向きのお部屋👉 詳しくはプロフィールのリンクから!🇬🇧 Ville-Jiro-kun Notes📒 Village House Minokamo 🔍 Minokamo-shi, Gifu Prefecture ✏️ 2DK ✏️ Renovated apartments ✏️South-facing balcony 👉 Tap the link in our profile to learn more!🇧🇷 Notas de Ville-Jiro-kun 📒 Village House Minokamo 🔍 Minokamo-shi, província de Gifu ✏️ Apartamentos de 2DK ✏️ Apartamentos reformados ✏️Sacada voltada para o sul 👉 Clique no link em nosso perfil para saber mais!
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣びれじろー君のぬいぐるみを抽選で5名様にプレゼントします! 🎉 タップで動画を一時停止し、びれじろー君が引っ越しする場所を決めよう!✅ 応募方法1️⃣ @villagehousejp をフォロー2️⃣ この投稿に「いいね」して3️⃣ びれじろー君に引っ越してほしい都道府県をコメントしてください!🗓 応募締め切り2024/3/5 23:59📣 当選者の発表当選者には、 @villagehousejp からDMでご連絡致します。メッセージリクエストは必ずご確認するようお願い致します!日本国内にお住まいの方のみが当選の対象となります。🇬🇧 We’re giving away a Ville-Jiro-kun plushie to 5 random winners! 🎉 Tap to pause the video and help Ville-Jiro-kun decide where to move!✅ How to enter1️⃣ Follow @villagehousejp2️⃣ Like this post3️⃣ Comment which prefecture you’d like Ville-Jiro-kun to move to!🗓 Application deadline2024/3/5 23:59📣 Winners announcedWinners will be contacted via DM from @villagehousejp . Please be sure to check your message requests! You must live in Japan to qualify to win.🇧🇷 Estamos dando uma pelúcia do Ville-Jiro-kun para 5 vencedores aleatórios! 🎉 Toque para pausar o vídeo e ajudar o Ville-Jiro-kun a decidir para onde ir!✅ Como participar1️⃣ Siga @villagehousejp2️⃣ Curtir esta postagem3️⃣ Comente para qual província você gostaria que Ville-Jiro-kun se mudasse!🗓 Prazo de inscrição: 05/03/2024 23:59📣 Anúncio dos vencedoresOs vencedores serão contatados por mensagem pelo @villagehousejp . Verifique suas solicitações de mensagens! Para estar qualificado para ganhar, você deve morar no Japão.
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣これで二度と、パプリカの種取りに手間をかけずに済みますね!😁🇬🇧 Never waste time cleaning up paprika seeds ever again! 😁🇧🇷 Nunca mais despedice tempo removendo as sementes do pimentão! 😁
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣静かで穏やかな雰囲気が漂う城崎温泉(兵庫県豊岡市)に降る雪を見ると、なんとも癒されます❄️✨🇬🇧 Watching the snowflakes fall at the quiet and peaceful Kinosaki Onsen town is so soothing ❄️✨🇧🇷 Apreciar os flocos de neve caindo no tranquilo e pacífico vilarejo de onsen de Kinosaki é tranquilizante ❄️✨🎥 @kyoto__diaries
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ビレッジハウス(福島県いわき市)✅ 2DK、1LDK、3DKのお部屋 ✅ フルリノベーションされたお部屋 ✅ 駐車場有素敵なお部屋を見つけたよ!ホウホウ!👉 詳しくはプロフィールのリンクから!🇬🇧 Village House Kurosuno in Iwaki-shi, Fukushima Prefecture ✅ 2DK, 1LDK, 3DK ✅ Renovated apartments ✅ Parking lot. I love finding great apartment deals! Hoot hoot! 👉 Tap the link in our profile to learn more!🇧🇷 Village House Kurosuno em Iwaki-shi, Província de Fukushima ✅ Apartamentos de 2DK, 1LDK e 3DK ✅ Apartamentos reformados ✅ Estacionamento. Eu adoro encontrar ótimas ofertas de apartamentos! Queente! Queente! 👉 Clique no link em nosso perfil para saber mais!
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣【びれじろー君プレゼントキャンペーン!】🎁 引っ越しシーズンを記念して、限定のびれじろー君ぬいぐるみを抽選で5名様にプレゼント!✅ 応募方法1️⃣ @villagehousejp をフォロー2️⃣ この投稿に「いいね」して応募完了🗓 応募締め切り2024/2/27 23:59 JST📣 当選者の発表当選者には、 @villagehousejp からDMでご連絡致します。メッセージリクエストは必ずご確認するようお願い致します!日本国内にお住まいの方のみが当選の対象となります。🇬🇧 Ville-Jiro-kun plushie giveaway!🎁 To celebrate moving season, we're giving 5 random winners a limited-edition Ville-Jiro-kun plushie!✅ How to enter1️⃣ Follow @villagehousejp2️⃣ Like this post🗓 Application deadline2024/2/27 23:59 JST📣 Winners announcedWinners will be contacted via DM from @villagehousejp . Please be sure to check your message requests! You must live in Japan to qualify to win.🇧🇷 [Campanha de Presente do Ville-Jiro-kun!]🎁 Para comemorar a temporada de mudanças, vamos dar a 5 vencedores aleatórios um Ville-Jiro-kun de pelúcia de edição limitada!✅ Como participar1️⃣ Siga @villagehousejp2️⃣ Curta esta postagem🗓 Prazo de inscrição: 27/02/2024 23:59📣 Anúncio dos vencedoresOs vencedores serão contatados por mensagem pelo @villagehousejp . Verifique suas solicitações de mensagens! Para estar qualificado para ganhar, você deve morar no Japão.
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣通称「パノラマロード江花」(北海道上富良野町)は、その名にふさわしい風光明媚な道路です。ビレッジハウス赤平から、日本有数の素晴らしい景色を眺めてみませんか!👉 詳しくはプロフィールのリンクから!🇬🇧 The so-called Panorama Road Ehana in Kamifurano, Hokkaido truly lives up to its name! Enjoy one of Japan’s most scenic landscapes from Village House Akabira! 👉 Tap the link in our profile to learn more!🇧🇷 Conhecida com a Estrada Panorâmica, em Kamifurano, Hokkaido, realmente faz jus ao seu nome. Desfrute de uma das paisagens mais lindas do Japão saindo do Village House Akabira! 👉 Clique no link em nosso perfil para saber mais!@trunks10969さんより素敵な写真をお借りしました。どうも有難うございます📸
🇬🇧EN 🇧🇷PT Below ⬇️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣寒い日に温泉に浸かるのが嫌いな人なんていませんよね🐒地獄谷野猿公苑(長野県下高井郡)では、なんと温泉に浸かる日本猿を見ることができますよ。機会があれば、ぜひ訪れてみて下さいね!🇬🇧 Who doesn’t love a hot bath to warm up in the cold weather? 🐒 Watch the Japanese Macaques relaxing at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture!🇧🇷 Quem não gosta de um banho quente para se aquecer nesse clima frio? 🐒 Veja os macacos japoneses relaxando no Parque dos Macacos da Neve de Jigokudani, na província de Nagano!
Follow on Instagram
GET CONNECTED
Facebook
Instagram

Sign up for the latest blog updates below! 新しいブログが投稿されたらお知らせします! Ser notificado quando novos blogs forem postados! Được thông báo khi blog mới được đăng!

  • COMPANY
  • PRIVACY POLICY

©VILLAGE HOUSE. All rights reserved

Local Area Guide: Himeji  - Village Blog