Japan’s “Himeji Castle Main Keep” Fully Opens with Daily Visitor Cap of 15,000

▲ Himeji Castle’s main keep reopens to the public today!(Photo by reporter Huang Shiyuan)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

After a five-year hiatus, the grand keep of Japan’s most iconic castle, “Himeji Castle,” finally had its scaffolding removed on the 27th, revealing its magnificent and elegant façade once again. On the reopening day, over 1,200 visitors queued overnight just to be among the first to ascend the keep and admire the breathtaking beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The restoration project for the “National Treasure Himeji Castle Main Keep Preservation and Repair Work” began in October 2009 and reopened to the public on the 27th. According to Japanese media reports, many long-awaited visitors traveled from afar and queued overnight just to personally step foot in the pure white, elegantly designed castle. On the first day of reopening, over 12,000 tourists visited the main keep, with many stating, “No matter how many times I come, I’m always awestruck by the beauty of Himeji Castle.”

Due to the high volume of visitors eager to see the Himeji Castle main keep, the management has announced a visitor cap of 15,000 people from now until May 10th. Visitors must draw a numbered ticket to access the main keep. To find out how long the wait might be,visit the Himeji Castle official websitefor details.

Himeji Castle

Location: 68, Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture
Ticket: Adults 1,000 yen, ages 5 to junior high school students 300 yen
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
※ Summer (April 27 – August 31): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM