Tourist Attractions
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, also known as "White Heron Castle" for its elegant white walls, is widely recognized by that name. The castle tower was designated a National Treasure in 1931, and in 1993 it became one of Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, along with Horyu-ji Temple in Nara Prefecture.
68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture [map]
10 minutes by car from Besso Himeji
Koko-en Garden
The Koko-en Garden is a Japanese strolling garden with ponds, set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed Himeji Castle. The approximately 10,000-tsubo garden (about 33,000 square meters) consists of nine garden clusters, showcasing the atmosphere of the Edo period. It is also a popular location for historical dramas and films.
68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture [map]
10 minutes by car from Besso Himeji
Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Located on a 371-meter-high mountain, this Tendai sect temple is known as the "Mt. Hiei of the West." With features such as a stage structure resembling Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple and the Main Hall built in the Muromachi period, the temple harmonizes with its natural surroundings, making it a popular location for TV shows and films.
2968 Shosha, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture [map]
30 minutes by car from Besso Himeji
Himeji Central Park
This theme park features a safari and amusement park, with pools in summer and ice skating in winter. It is the only park in the Kansai region where you can drive through the safari by car. The park also includes a petting area called Child's Farm, which is popular with families.
1434 Kamiya, Toyotomi-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture [map]
30 minutes by car from Besso Himeji
Taiyo Park
Located at the foot of Mine-aidake Mountain, this theme park features two areas: the Stone Area, which recreates famous stone structures and cultures from around the world, including the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army, and the Castle Area, featuring the park's symbol, the beautiful Swan Castle.
1342-6 Uchikoshi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture [map]
25 minutes by car from Besso Himeji
Takeda Castle Ruins
Rare among mountain castle ruins, the Takeda Castle Ruins have remarkably well-preserved structures. On clear autumn mornings, sea clouds often appear, creating a scenery reminiscent of a castle floating in the sky. It has earned the nickname "Castle in the Sky" and is often compared to Machu Picchu in Japan.
169 Wadayama-cho Takeda Kojoyama, Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture [map]
1 hour 10 minutes by car from Besso Himeji
Tohno Highlands
Spanning approximately 90 hectares, the Tohno Highlands are one of western Japan's most extensive pampas grass fields. It is designated as part of a prefectural natural park, along with Mineyama, Sekihiko, and Ikuno Highlands. While the pampas grass is at its best in autumn, the area offers scenic beauty throughout the year, making it a popular filming location for movies and TV dramas.
Kawakami, Kamikawa Town, Kanzaki County, Hyogo Prefecture [map]
50 minutes by car from Besso Himeji
Ako Misaki
Known for the "Iwatohime Shrine," famous for matchmaking, and the picturesque "Kirakira Slope," a tile-paved staircase leading to the sea, Ako Misaki is a popular tourist spot. The area is home to unique cafes and shops, while the seaside promenade offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
1857-5 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture [map]
1 hour by car from Besso Himeji