An Introduction To Himeji, Hyogo

This video, titled "Himeji Film Commission・Himeji City Promotion Video 2018" (姫路フィルムコミッション・姫路市内ＰＲ動画2018), was published by "himejifilmcomission".

This video highlights the charms of Himeji, Hyogo.
A popular tourist destination in Himeji, Hyogo, once called "Harima no Kuni," is Himeji Castle.
The castle, famous as a World Heritage Site, can be seen at 0:58 in the video.
There are many other fascinating destinations in the city that give you a taste of Japanese history and culture, so definitely check them out.

Highlights of Himeji Castle, a major tourist destination in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture

Photo：Himeji Castle after restoration

Himeji Castle, also known as "Shirasagijo" (白鷺城, lit. "White Heron Castle") is characterized by its beautiful, brilliantly white citadel.
Himeji Castle, which attracts attention as the pinnacle of historical castle architecture, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
When you visit the historic Himeji Castle, be sure not to miss the Shachihoko displayed on the roofed passages.

You can also see the Shachihokogawara (Shachihoko made of earthenware) at Shiromidai Park, shown at 3:13 in the video.
The remains of the samurai residences of the Edo Period (A.D. 1603-1868) located on the west side of the castle have been transformed into the Japanese garden, Kokoen.
During cherry blossom season, there are many cherry blossom festivals held and many people come to see the beautiful scenery.
At a tea house, you can experience traditional Japanese tea ceremony and enjoy delicious traditional Japanese sweets.

Highly Recommended Tourist Destinations in Himeji City, Hyogo

Photo：Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji City Museum of Art

Himeji Castle is not the only tourist site in Himeji!
The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History and the Himeji City Museum of Art, which can be viewed at 3:33 of the video, are two spots we highly recommend checking out.
Some other places you don't want to overlook during your trip include Taiyo Park, which is home to replicas of world landmarks, and the Japan Toy Museum which holds a collection of more than 70,000 toys and dolls. It can be seen at 8:15 in the video.

Himeji Central Park, a popular amusement facility for children, is another must-see destination. You can check it out at 7:43 in the video.
Himeji Central Park also has a drive-thru safari, the only one in the Kansai region that you can enter with your own car!

Crossing over to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, you can also enjoy swimming, water sports, and even hot springs. There are also tourist sites, such as fishing spots and you can even hand-fish for sweetfish.
We also recommend going sightseeing during events like the "Parade of Portable Shrines" during the Nada no Kenka Festival, and the Ceremony of Exorcise Evil at Engyoji Temple. These can be seen from 10:28 in the video.

Popular Gourmet Food and Souvenirs in Himeji, Hyogo

Photo：Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji Oden

As mentioned at 11:37 in the video, Himeji, also known as a gourmet town, offers tons of delicious food, such as "Hinepon" (a type of roasted chicken), Himeji Oden, and Ekisoba.
As a seaside town, it also offers fresh seafood, including mackerel and eel, as well as blue crab.

You can also try other delicious gourmet foods, such as Himeji Wagyu beef and Japanese sake.
We recommend "Himeji Hariko" and Myochin Hibashi Wind Chimes (明珍火箸風鈴, Myochin Hibashi Furin) if you're looking for souvenirs.

Summary of Popular Tourist Destinations in Himeji City, Hyogo

Photo：Himeji Castle

What makes Himeji so appealing (besides all of the amazing sightseeing attractions) is that it has the Shinkansen (bullet train), making it easily accessible.
Plan a beautiful trip to Himeji Castle, where you can experience a spectacular view from the heights and other fascinating sites in the area!

【Official Website】Himeji City, Hyogo. Himeji City Office, Official Website
https://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/