Making the most of Himeji
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Himeji's leading attractions include its beautiful castle, built in the late 1500s and among the world's largest wooden structures, plus Mount Shoshazan, a temple with more than 1,000 years of history.
Kōkoen Garden is a magnificent group of 9 walled gardens in Edo-period style, created in 1992 on the former site of samurai houses.
Getting around
Shoshazan Ropeway: operating hours vary by season. It carries passengers to Mount Shosha's summit, where Engyo-ji Temple stands; the journey has picturesque views and offers a convenient alternative to hiking to the temple.
Himeji City Museum of Art: typically open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and closed on Mondays; admission is required. Its impressive Japanese and Western collection includes paintings, sculptures and ceramics, providing a serene place to explore and appreciate art.
Money
Japan uses the yen: notes come in ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 denominations, while coins are ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1.