G Photography Tips

Himeji-Jo, the Grandest of Japan's 15 remaining feudal castles.



There are many way to go to Himeji, but I would recommend Shinkansen. From the station, there is a information desk that will give you English Map and other information if needed. So, from the station just walk straight on the main road (Otemae Street) for 10-15 minutes till the end of the road. Very easy even for the one who get lost easily like me. :)

I reached Himeji around lunch time, so, a little lunch break wouldn't hurt. After all the Army march by stomachs. I asked the information desk about where's to eat the Ramen (yeah I'm a Ramen Whore) and she wrote the direction on the map and looks very easy to follow and then off I went. From the station, walk on Oemae Street past 2 small lanes and turn right. Keep going straight for 100 metre. It'll take less than 3 minutes from the station.



The shop looks like an average ramen shop. I got in and again, had to order from the machine. But this time it's better with pictures for each Ramen. I picked the most obvious one heheeh. After picking the what and pay at the machine, less than 5 minutes the Ramen was served. The stock was think and tasteful and sophisticating, Noodle was just right and very nice and tender pork. The owner was very friendly and at one stage came to sit down with me. He told me that his Ramen shop is in "lonely planet" recommended place to eat in Himeji. :)








It's time to finally go to the castle. Instead of getting back to Otemae Street, I was stopped by this endless shops mall on Miyuki Street (parallel to Otemae Street). From the Station til the castle, this mall was filled with shops, all kinds of shops. It's also in shades, so, any one who likes to walk little cooler and, this street is a must.



Then I've arrived at the entrance of the castle, tickets can be bought from the vending machines or at the counter. It'll take at least another 10-15 minutes walk to reach inside the main tower from the gate, map and suggested route will be provided whey you buy the ticket.

The reason why this is the only Castle in my trip that I want to get in is simple, it's been unharmed. Somehow this castle can dodge all the wars or natural disaster and maintain its greatness until today. It's also got the nick name of the White Egret Castle (Shirasagi-Jo).



There are a lot of section within the castle wall for you to explore before the main tower. It will take at least 30 minutes out from you. Walking around to see and imagine what these will be like back then is very fun.







The main tower of the castle really stand out with it's white plaster like colour outside. Going inside is almost the opposite. It's quite dark inside even with all windows opened. Almost all the timber floor are original from when it first built, creates very authentic looks and feel. On each floor, there are the show cupboard showing some items such as original armour, weapons or painting from the old time.





The main tower has six floors and a basement, climbing up from floor to floor is very challenging as the stair is very steep.



I made my way slowly floor by floor til I reach the top. But before that, there're a lot of "Am I there yet"



At the top, they opened all the windows on every side for people to enjoy the 360 degree view and scenery. There are chairs for people to sit down resting and recover from those steep stairs.



After absorbing all the experiences in this castle, it's time to head to the station for Kyoto. But before that... those steep stairs were even more scary going down....