Himeji is a city rich in history, with the iconic Himeji Castle standing as a symbol of its deep cultural heritage. Recently, Himeji has made significant strides in enhancing accessibility, earning the prestigious Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award at the 17th Barrier-Free Promotion Awards in 2024. This recognition highlights the city’s dedication to creating a more inclusive environment for all visitors.
UNESCO World Heritage: Himeji-jo (Himeji Castle)
Where is Himeji Castle Located?
Himeji Castle is located in Hyogo Prefecture, which is right next to Osaka Prefecture. The Shinkansen (bullet train) stops at Himeji Station, making it easy to access the castle.
Travel Time to Himeji Castle
| Route | Transportation | Duration (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo → Himeji | Shinkansen (Nozomi/Hikari/Kodama) | ~3 to 4 hours | Direct route, fastest option. Japan Rail Pass not valid for Nozomi trains but it can be used for Hikari and Kodama. |
| Osaka → Himeji | Shinkansen (Nozomi/Hikari/Kodama/Sakura) | ~30 to 40 minutes | Fastest option. Japan Rail Pass not valid for Nozomi trains. |
| Osaka → Himeji | JR Special Rapid Service | ~70 to 105 minutes | More economical but slower. No reserved seats. |
| Himeji Station → Himeji Castle | Walking | ~20 minutes | Scenic route; enjoy the city’s streetscape. |
| Himeji Station → Himeji Castle | Bus | ~5 to 10 minutes | Convenient for those preferring not to walk. |
Himeji’s Commitment to Accessibility
Himeji City was awarded the MLIT Minister’s Award for Contributions to Accessibility in 2024.
What is MLIT Minister’s Award for Contributions to Accessibility?
The MLIT Minister’s Award for Contributions to Accessibility (awarded by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism) recognizes individuals, organizations, or municipalities that have made significant contributions to advancing barrier-free initiatives. These efforts include improving accessibility in transportation systems, public spaces, and urban areas, ensuring a more inclusive society for people with disabilities, elderly individuals, and others with mobility challenges.
Is it difficult to win this award?
Receiving this award is considered prestigious and challenging due to the rigorous standards for evaluation. The selection process emphasizes:
- Impact: The effectiveness and scale of the initiatives in improving accessibility.
- Innovation: Unique and creative approaches to addressing accessibility challenges.
- Collaboration: Coordination with diverse stakeholders, including local governments, private companies, and community members.
- Sustainability: Long-term viability and positive influence on regional development.
Accessible Spots Near JR Himeji Station
Piole Himeji Mall（ピオレ姫路）
Located directly next to JR Himeji Station, this is a perfect spot to grab lunch before heading to Himeji Castle or to take a break after your Shinkansen ride.
| Location and Access | Piole Himeji is integrated with the JR Himeji Station complex, so you can access it directly from the station without any additional travel. |
| Hours | Stores: 10:00am – 8:00pm Restaurants: 11:00am – 8:00pm |
| Entrance | Most of the doors are automatic, but some are manual. |
| Elevator Access | Available |
| Accessible Restrooms | Available in Piole 1 (B1F, 4F, 6F), Piole 2, Gochisoukan, and Omiyagekan. |
| Wheelchair Rental | Available at Piole 1 (1F) Information Desk and Piole 2’s rear facility Disaster Prevention Center. |
GRAND FESTA（グランフェスタ）
Grand Festa’s underground location offers direct access from the station, making it easy to navigate even on rainy days. It’s an ideal place to grab snacks or souvenirs before heading to the castle or on your way back.
| Location and Access | Grand Festa is a shopping and dining complex directly connected to Himeji Station, located underground of Himeji Station. |
| Hours | Stores: 10:00am – 8:00pm Restaurants: 11:00am – 8:00pm |
| Wide Doorways | The entrances are designed to accommodate wheelchair users, with automatic sliding doors in most locations. |
| Elevator Access | Available |
| Accessible Restrooms | Available in 3rd and 6th avenue |
| Wheelchair Rental | Not available |
Sanyo Department Store（山陽百貨店）
Sanyo Department Store is one of the largest and most popular department stores in Himeji. It offers a fantastic shopping and dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city. One of its highlights is the depachika (department store basement), a uniquely Japanese attraction where you can indulge in a wide variety of gourmet foods, sweets, and delicacies.
| Location and Access | Sanyo Department Store is located right next to JR Himeji Station. Exit through the Central Gate and head towards the South Exit. |
| Hours | 10:00am – 7:30pm |
| Entrance | Most of the doors are automatic, but some are manual. |
| Elevator Access | Available |
| Accessible Restrooms | Available on 2F and 6F |
| Wheelchair Rental | Available at 1F |
Accessible Restrooms Near Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle does not have wheelchair-accessible restrooms inside the main premises of the castle. However, there are accessible restrooms located near the ticket gate and in the surrounding park areas. It’s recommended to use the accessible restroom in the nearby Himeji Castle Park before entering the castle grounds.
Himeji Castle Route for Wheelchair
Himeji Castle’s official website provides a route map for wheelchair.
Scroll down to the middle part and find where it says “Route for wheelchair.”
Download Himeji Castle Flyer from the Official Website
Himeji Castle’s official website provides downloadable flyer. You can find it here:
Go to Himeji Castle Official Website.
Scroll down to the middle part and find where it says “Himeji Castle Flyer PDF.”
Download Himeji Tourist Guide & Map from the Official Website
Before you start your trip to Himeji, I highly recommend downloading this “Himeji Tourist Guide & Map.” It highlights essential locations such as wheelchair-accessible restrooms, train stations, bus stops, and other important facilities. This map is an invaluable resource for navigating Himeji efficiently and comfortably. You can find it here:
Go to Himeji City’s Official Website. (It’s in Japanese with machine translation system that can be translated into English. Click on “Multilingual” to switch it to English.)
Scroll down to the middle part where it says “download “multilingual”, and download the PDF file.
Himeji Castle Live Camera: Check the Crowd?
Himeji City has set up a live camera at Himeji Castle. You can check the crowd levels and plan your visit accordingly.
Himeji: A City of History and Accessibility
From the famous Himeji Castle to many easily accessible attractions, Himeji is a city that welcomes everyone. Make Himeji your next travel destination and enjoy both its rich culture and your time there!
In writing this article, I have referred to the following websites. Please note that some of these sources are available only in Japanese.
| Himeij City’s Official Website | https://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/index.html |
| Himeji Castle’s Official Website | https://www.himejicastle.jp/en/ |
| Himeji Universal Tourism | https://himeji-ut.com/ |
| Welmap Himeji | https://himeji-fukushimap.net/ |
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