The "Egret's Eye View" at Himeji Castle, special visitor facilities for the restoration, provide you with the opportunity to have a close look at the exterior of the highest level (fifth floor) and large roof of the main keep while it is being restored. If you are lucky, you may witness the skilled craftsmen repairing plaster walls and replacing roofing tiles. As you enjoy some of Japan's finest castle architecture, we hope to emphasize the importance of preserving cultural properties in general and passing on the brilliant Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japanese National Treasure, for future generations to appreciate.
* This schedule is subject to change depending on the progress of the restoration.
- ■Hours
- Autumn to spring (September 1 – April 26): 09:15 – 16:30 (Last admission: 16:15)
* Himeji Castle ticket booth hours: 09:00-16:00 (Castle area closed at 17:00) - Summer (April 27 – August 31): 09:15 – 17:30 (Last admission: 17:15)
* Himeji Castle ticket booth hours: 09:00-17:00 (Castle area closed at 18:00) - ■Closed
- December 29 and 30(tentatively)
- ■Address
- 68, Honmachi, Himeji
- ■Inquiries
- "Egret's Eye View" at Himeji Castle, special visitor facilities for the restoration
E-mail TEL: 079-287-2013
FAX: 079-287-2014
(Available from 09:00 – 17:00 on weekdays) - ■Access
- From JR Himeji Station: 5 minutes by bus or 15 minutes on foot
Bus schedule - Parking
Public parking near the castle - ■Admission
"Egret's Eye View" at Himeji Castle, special visitor facilities for the restoration Adults 200Yen Children (ages 5-15) 100Yen Groups No group discount available Admission is free for holders of the certificates on the right. Himeji City Donguri Card Physical disability certificate Himeji City Fukushi Yutai Card for Senior Citizens Free Admission Days
* Also includes free castle entry.January 1 -- New Years Day June -- Himeji Yukata Festival First Saturday in August -- Castle Festival December 11 -- Himeji Castle World Heritage Registration Day - * Persons with disabilities are admitted for free. Please read the instructions below (For Visitors Using Wheelchairs).
- * The walk from the entrance gate to the "Egret's Eye View" facilities is approximately 15 minutes.
- * The use of strollers is prohibited within the castle complex, as no space is available to leave strollers along the way (the visitor route is one-way only), and carrying strollers while viewing the facilities can be dangerous. Please leave your stroller at a designated area before entering the castle.
- * For safety reasons, entry to the Egret's Eye View" facilities may be limited. For smooth entry, we recommend that you make a reservation in advance. Individual reservations
- * Reservations are recommended for groups of 30 people or more. Group reservations
- * Viewing the facilities takes approximately 30 minutes.
There is also a charge for entry to Himeji Castle. (See chart below)
Entry to the Castle Adults 400Yen Children (ages 5-15) 100Yen Groups 30 – 99 people 10% discount 100 – 299 people 20% discount 300+ people 30% discount - ■Entry to the Himeji Castle Main Keep (Important Notice)
- Please note that entry to the Himeji Castle main keep requires visitors to walk through an area that is immediately adjacent to the roofed scaffold structure that has been erected for construction work. Along this route, visitors must walk through narrow passageways that are only 1.2 meters wide, step on unlevel surfaces, and climb stairs. This requires all visitors to exercise maximum care in walking. Because of this, and in the interest of safety, entry is prohibited for children under the age of five and people who require the help of an assistant while walking. We ask for your understanding and cooperation in this regard.
- ■The Himeji City Government would like to take every opportunity to make Himeji Castle more accessible to persons using wheelchairs; however, there is a natural limit to the removal of barriers within the castle, which was designed as a fortress with a complicated passage system that includes many ups and downs. As such, the historic value of this national treasure must be kept intact.
- ■In light of this, we have built temporary walkways wherever possible to reduce the amount of steps during the route from the entrance gate to the Bizenmaru area, where the "Egret's Eye View" facilities have been built. We also post staff along the way to offer assistance to those in need. However, please note that for your safety we ask that you come accompanied by at least three experienced assistants.
- ■Please note that backing up and performing complicated manipulation of your wheelchair will be necessary when passing through several narrow paths and three hills with a maximum angle of 25 degrees.
- ■The "Egret's Eye View" facilities are barrier-free.
- ■Before your visit
- If you present a physical disability certificate, you and up to three assistants may be admitted for free. (Entry to the castle is also free.)
- Be sure to make a reservation in advance and inform us of the number of assistants who will accompany you.
- Those using wheelchairs may take a special route with fewer steps from the entrance gate to the "Egret's Eye View" facilities; however, you will need at least three assistants to pass through the narrow paths and steep hills (approximately 25 degrees).
- Rental wheelchairs are available at the entrance gate (free of charge; on a first come, first served basis)
* Rental wheelchairs cannot be reserved.
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