Himeji Castle is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the last entry is 4:00 p.m. This one-hour buffer matters more than it sounds, because once you step inside you’ll want time for the main keep, the slopes and stairs, and the viewpoints along the route. If your schedule is tight, aim for an earlier arrival so you can enjoy the castle at a calm pace instead of watching the clock toward the end of the afternoon.
https://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/
Closing time
Himeji Castle closes at 5:00 p.m. (17:00) on standard days, and last entry is 4:00 p.m. (16:00). If you’re fitting it into a tight itinerary, don’t aim for a late-afternoon arrival—Himeji Castle takes longer than most people expect once you factor in the walk, the steep stairs inside the main keep, and the crowd flow near the best viewpoints, so entering earlier makes the visit feel far less rushed.
Closed days
Himeji Castle is not closed on a weekly schedule, but it does have scheduled year-end closed days. In a normal year, the official information lists the castle as closed on December 29 and 30.
Sometimes, extra closures happen for maintenance or special work, so it’s smart to check the latest notice if you’re visiting around late December—for example, an official travel update announced a temporary closure from December 27 to 30, 2025 due to electrical work.
https://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/
Lastentry
Himeji Castle’s last entry is 4:00 p.m. (16:00), even though the castle itself stays open until 5:00 p.m.
That one-hour gap is important, because the paid area takes time—between the long walk, the steep stairs inside the main keep, and the slow crowd flow near the best viewpoints, a late arrival can feel rushed.
Admissiondays
Himeji Castle is open to visitors on almost every day of the year, so you can normally buy admission and enter any day you visit. The only scheduled closure is at year-end, when the castle is listed as closed on December 29 and 30.
In some years, maintenance can extend that break, and the official site has announced temporary closures such as December 27–30, 2025, with regular operations resuming from December 31.
Himeji castle packing
When you visit Himeji Castle, pack for a lot of walking and more stair climbing than most people expect. Comfortable shoes are the single best choice, because the approach is long and the route inside the keep includes steep, narrow wooden stairs that can feel slippery, especially on rainy days. If you dislike rushing, a light day bag is ideal, since moving through crowded corridors is easier without bulky luggage.
A small towel or handkerchief is surprisingly useful, because the climb inside the main keep can get warm even in cooler seasons. In summer, bring water and something simple for sun protection, because parts of the castle grounds are open and bright. In winter, a warm inner layer helps, since the castle interior isn’t heated and the wooden spaces can feel cold once you stop moving.
If rain is possible, pack a compact umbrella or rain jacket. The grounds are still beautiful in wet weather, but the stone paths and steps can be slick, and staying dry makes the visit far more comfortable. Finally, a portable charger is handy if you plan to take a lot of photos, because Himeji Castle is full of viewpoints where you’ll want your battery to last.
Himeji castle entrance fee
Himeji Castle’s entrance fee is 1,000 yen for adults (18 and over) and 300 yen for students from elementary to senior high school, with preschool children admitted free. If you also want to see the nearby Koko-en Garden, the combined ticket is a good value at 1,050 yen for adults and 360 yen for students.
Because Himeji Castle has officially announced a major price revision from March 1, 2026, it’s worth noting that the adult fee will be 2,500 yen for visitors who are not Himeji residents, while residents remain at 1,000 yen, and under-18 visitors are set to become free under the new system.
Himeji castle admission fee
https://himejicastle.ntaticketing.com/
Himeji Castle’s standard admission fee is 1,000 yen for adults (18 and over) and 300 yen for students from elementary through high school, while preschool children are free. If you also want to visit the beautiful Kōko-en Garden next door, the discounted combined ticket is 1,050 yen for adults and 360 yen for students, which is an easy upgrade if you have even a little extra time.
One important note for future planning: Himeji City has officially announced a major fee revision from March 1, 2026. Under the new system, the adult fee becomes 1,000 yen for Himeji residents and 2,500 yen for non-residents, and visitors under 18 are set to be free.
Himeji castle entrance fee increase nonresidents
Himeji Castle has officially confirmed that its entrance fee will increase for nonresidents from March 1, 2026. From that date, adults aged 18 and over who are not registered residents of Himeji City will pay 2,500 yen, while Himeji residents will continue to pay 1,000 yen. At the same time, admission will become free for everyone under 18, regardless of where they live, which is a big change from the current student pricing. The city explains that the revised pricing is intended to secure stable funding for preservation, repairs, and long-term maintenance of this Special Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage landmark.