The easiest way around Himeji is on foot, since the major sights and attractions are within walking distance from each other. Though, some sights are located a bit further ahead, where a car or bus might be necessary. If you decide to rent a car, it is advised to do so from the nearest airport in the vicinity. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below. 

Public transportation:

To get from Osaka to Himeji by public transportation, travelers need to take a train. Detailed instructions are as follows:

• Bullet Train: Take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

• Regular Train: Take the JR Special Rapid Service train on the JR Kobe Line from Osaka Station to Himeji Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Valid rail and bus passes:

• Japan Rail Pass

• JR Kansai Area Pass

• JR Kansai Wide Area Pass

• JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass

• JR Sanyo San'in Area Pass

• JR Setouchi Area Pass

• Japan Bus Pass

Nearest airport:
The nearest and / or most convenient airport is Kansai International Airport in Osaka. 

• by car: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 2 hours

Car rentals:

We recommend staying in Himeji for about one day. 
 

Nearest airport:
The nearest and most convenient airport is Kansai International Airport

• by car: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 2 hours

Cherry blossoms: 

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is usually between late March and early April. Although the blooming period can vary slightly from year to year and depending from region to region. 

Scenic rides:

• Mount Shosha ropeway: click here to go to the official website

There are two well-known festival in this area. Please be advised that the following info is based upon previous entries of the festival and that the dates might have changed for the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of the festivals, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

• Himeji Minato Festival Maritime Fireworks Festival

  • Date: June 6th

  • Time: 19:30 - 20:45

• Himeji Yukata Festival

  • Date: June 22nd until 24th

  • Time: 17:30 - 21:00

We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:

• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data only)
• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data + voice)
• Sakura Mobile Unlimited Wifi / Pocket Wifi