Things to do in Hyōgo-ken - Gaijin Go Japan

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the most famous castles of Japan along Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto castle recently damaged by the Kyushu earthquake. It is by far the largest castle and attracts a remarkable amount of tourists every year. The castle has undergone recent and extensive restorative work that necessitated five years to complete.

The Himeji Castle is situated on a small hill. It comprises six floors and is surrounded by an intricate defense system. The many defensive walls are pierced by loopholes of different shapes that could be used to fire rifle shots at the enemy. Those defensive walls were designed in such a way to force the enemy to take many detours before reaching the main keep, giving the defenders more time and chances to locate and shoot the enemy. Nowadays, tourists wander across this complex and confusing walkway to reach Himeji Castle. As most Japanese castles are, it is surrounded by a moat: a water channel that encircles the fortress further deterring attacks.

Stairs To Himeji Castle

Inside Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle At Night

View Of Himeji From Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle Seen From Otemae Dori Street

Himeji Castle

Map Of Himeji Castle

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Address

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Country: Japan
Area : Kinki area
Prefecture : Hyōgo-ken
City : Himeji-shi
District : Honmachi

Getting around

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Japan > Kinki area > Hyōgo-ken > Himeji-shi > Honmachi

Kokoen Garden of Himeji

The Kokoen garden is a Japanese style garden established at the former residence of the lord of Himeji. Kokoen actually features many small gardens of different themes, each enclosed by the original fortified walls that divided the residence in many sections. The central landmark of the garden is the lord’s residence which features a magnificent pond surrounded by a classic Japanese garden.

Wooden Gates At Kokoen Garden

Kokoen Himeji Garden

Entrance Of Kokoen Garden

Lotus Flower

Japanese Roofing At Kokoen Garden

Vegetation And Buildings At Kokoen Garden

Art Exhibition In Kokoen Garden

Dead Tree In Japanese Garden

Alleys Of Himeji Garden

Pavillion In Himeji Garden

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Address

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Country: Japan
Area : Kinki area
Prefecture : Hyōgo-ken
City : Himeji-shi
District : Honmachi

Getting around

Directions to "Kokoen Garden of Himeji" in Google Map

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Japan > Kinki area > Hyōgo-ken > Himeji-shi > Honmachi

Kobe port

In 1995, the great Hanshin Earthquake devastated the coastal city of Kobe, killing 6400 people and causing hundreds of billions dollar in damage. After the Japanese government provided trillions of Japanese Yen for the recovery of Kobe, the reconstruction began. The Japanese have learned from their mistakes, today the port area of Kobe is built to resist the most violent earthquakes on earth. Only a small part of the damaged docks was left as a memorial to the earthquake. Because most of Kobe was reconstructed less than 15 years ago, the city looks overall very modern. Here’s some photos of the Kobe Harbor area taken during day and night.

Japan Coast Guard

Earthquake memorial museum of Kobe

Kobe Tower

Kobe Tower seen at night

Ferry in Kobe

Kobe Harborland

Kobe waterfront at night

Meriken park at night

Tug Boat in Kobe

Kobe Ferris Wheel

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Address

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Country: Japan
Area : Kinki area
Prefecture : Hyōgo-ken
City : Kōbe-shi
District : Hatobachō

Getting around

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Japan > Kinki area > Hyōgo-ken > Kōbe-shi > Hatobachō

Kobe Herb Garden

One of the most beautiful vista of the city of Kobe is seen from the Kobe Herb Garden. A ropeway ride links the Kobe shinkansen station to the herb garden. After a short cable car ride to the summit, an all-you-can-eat restaurant using fresh herbs, a foot onsen and of course the herb garden itself are open to visitors. A must-see on any fair-weather day!