Himeji is the second largest city in the Hyogo Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, boasting over half a million residents. Himeji is famous for its Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful castles in all of Japan. The area also offers a healthy provision of cultural interests, festivals, and events.

Himeji Castle is a well-preserved three-layer masterpiece boasting traditional white plaster covered in kawara tiles and the host site of festivals for tourists to enjoy year-round. Other things to see in Himeji include the historical Kōkoen Garden, Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History, and the Himeji City Museum of Art. Unique cultural interests are highlighted by the Engyo-ji Temple, an exquisite local gem.

The city is accessible by rail from Tokyo by JR Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen stopping at the Himeji Station and from Osaka by the JR Sanyo Line. The area is also serviced by the Shinki Bus and Willer Express. The Kansai International Airport is the nearest international aviation hub, located two and a half hours away.

The city of Himeji is most reputed for its traditional landscape and avid utilisation in the film the Last Samurai. Some of the movie’s primary scenes were shot at the Engyo-ji Temple on Mt. Shosha.