Himeji Castle is the largest and most famous castle in Japan.

While it is popular to visit year-round, one of the most beautiful times to visit is during the Sakura season when over 1,000 cherry blossom trees bloom to create a sea of delicate pink flowers on the castle grounds.

I visited the castle during the Sakura season in 2023 and can firmly say, it’s as picturesque as it looks.

Watching flower petals float through the wind and paint the sidewalk pink while being surrounded by the laughter and joy of others enjoying hanami (traditional custom of “flower viewing”), and relishing the view of an iconic historic castle within reach – it’s an experience to behold.

If you’re looking to enjoy a perfect mix of historic culture and cherry blossom flowers, Himeji Castle is one of the best destinations to explore.

Himeji Castle History

Himeji Castle is a medieval Japanese castle located in Himeji, Japan. This iconic six-story castle is perched on a hilltop with the city built around the castle. The castle dates back to the 13th century where it started off as a fort against local shoguns, but was later vastly expanded and remodeled a couple centuries later.

It is often referred to as the “White Heron Castle” due to its white exterior resembling a bird taking flight.

How to Get to Himeji Castle

1. Take the train to Himeji Station. Himeji Station is connected to most major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, and Hiroshima via local railway, JR line, or Shinkansen train. Once you arrive, take the north exit.
2. From Himeji Station, walk about one kilometer (less than one mile) down Otemae Street. This takes approx. 20 minutes. The castle is at the end of the street, and you can actually see the castle from the moment you exit the station. If you don’t feel like putting your legs to use, you can also take a 5-minute bus ride or taxi from the station to the castle.

What to Do and See

1) 1,000 Cherry Blossom Trees

Upon walking onto the castle grounds, you’re immediately greeted with rows and rows of Sakura trees. Seriously, they’re everywhere. Billowy pink and white blossoms dominate the entrance walkways, and all throughout the castle grounds.

Cherry blossoms typically bloom from late-March until mid-April. The exact time varies annually depending on weather conditions.

2) Explore the Grounds

If you’re into photography like me, make sure to explore the grounds. Apart from cherry blossoms, the castle grounds features moats, stone walls, fortified gates, and a maze-like layout. There are some wonderful photograph opportunities all around the castle!

3) Take a tour inside the castle

After several years of restoration work, Himeji Castle opened to the public in 2015. To get a full experience, you can pay a small admission fee to access the inside of the castle.

To get a view of the city, head to the Main Keep, the largest structure of the castle. Climb up the 6 stories of the Main Keep and enjoy expansive views of the city.

Crowds: If you’re visiting during Sakura season, be ready for long queues and crowds. To avoid large crowds, I would suggest arriving in the morning. Afternoons tends to be the busiest. Conveniently, you can keep track of Live wait times and see the congestion traffic on their website.

It will take about 1.5 – 2 hours to tour the inside of the castle. During the crowded season, it may take longer and there may be a wait time.

4) Have a picnic (hanami)

Grab a picnic mat or tarp from a convenience store (100 yen shop or Daiso also have them for cheap), bento box and snacks to-go, and have a picnic under the cherry blossom trees!

This is one of the most popular things to do during the Sakura season, and something you will 99.9% likely see locals and tourists do to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the Spring season.

5) Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival

The Himeji Castle Event Committee hosts a festival on a special day during the Sakura season. The festival encompasses Japanese drum performances and traditional music as well as food and beverages. This year (in 2024), the festival includes tea ceremonies, local sake, and confectionary.

Check the Himeji Castle Event Committee’s website for event overviews and details.

6) Night Illuminations

Not only can you view cherry blossoms during the day, you can view them at night! Take a stroll and enjoy this romantic view of illuminated flowers.

I’ve experienced cherry blossom night illuminations before, and can confirm it’s such a special and unique way to enjoy the blossoms. The trees are well lit and it tends to be less crowded. Take note that you must enter by a certain time (in 2024, you must enter by 7:30 pm).

7) Explore the Koko-en Garden

Just a short walk from the castle’s main gate, is a traditional Japanese Garden. This vast 8.5 acre garden has 9 different gardens all varying in their own unique themes and sizes. It offers a chance to learn about Japanese garden design and history, all while enjoying the stunning scenery of Himeji Castle.

Tips for Your Visit

• Plan Ahead of Time: Book your accommodation and transportation in advance, as hotels and trails tend to fill up quickly during cherry blossom season. 
• Crowds: While it is arguably the best to visit during sakura season, it is also when it is most crowded. If you’re not a fan of huge crowds, arrive in the morning when it is least crowded.
• Bring Essentials: Pack a picnic blanket and snacks if you plan on enjoying hanami.
• Check the Weather: As Spring is a transitional season, the weather conditions can vary from sunny, cloudy to rainy. Be prepared and check the weather conditions before visiting.
• Etiquette: Be respectful to others, keep noise levels down, and do not litter.