Himeji Travel and Tourism Guide

This is another example of how my trip was influenced by a travbuddy blog! I saw it and wanted to visit the castle, I didn't even know they had castles in Japan before... Since Himeji is on the way from Hiroshima to Kyoto, we had mapped it out and to make a stop in Himeji for the day before continuing to Kyoto, instead of going to Kyoto first, then make a day trip back to Himeji.In Japan, it seemed all the train stations have lockers of various sizes so it was convenient to put our luggege in...

Last school year I was looking through a Japanese/English dictionary that my students were using and I saw a picture of an amazing castle. I asked Nagaosa Sensei where the castle was and she said it was in Himeji which was by Kyoto. Of course once Andrea and I started planning this trip I (in my spoiled brat way) said that we were going to Himeji to see the castle and she had no say in the matter. Luckily Andrea can deal with me in that mood and said “fine”.

Here are some pictures of my trip to Japan from 15 August - 21 August 2007. I visited Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Himeji.

Himeji is one of my favorite towns to visit in Japan because it has one of the best castles in Japan. Himeji-jo (jo means castle) is a stunning example of Japanese architecture. Visitors are allowed to walk through the castle but it is important to remember that the stairs are narrow and steep. I couldn't make it all the way up to the castle look out (I have a problem with heights) but my Aunt went up and she said there was a decent view of the city.   Himeji-jo is beautiful no matter ...