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Otemae Street: A Royal Approach to Himeji Castle

A direct path to Himeji Castle, Otemae Street offers stunning views, shopping, and dining in the heart of Himeji, Hyogo.

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Otemae Street is the grand avenue that connects Himeji Station to the iconic Himeji Castle, offering a direct and visually stunning approach to the historic landmark. Lined with shops, restaurants, and bronze sculptures, the street provides a pleasant 15-20 minute walk with an ever-present view of the majestic "White Heron Castle".

A brief summary to Otemae street

  • 7 Honmachi, Himeji, Honmachi, Hyogo, 670-0012, JP
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Walk Otemae Street during the day for the best views of Himeji Castle, or in the evening to enjoy the illuminations during the colder months.
  • Consider starting at Himeji Station and walking towards the castle to fully appreciate the gradually unfolding view.
  • Explore the shops and restaurants along Otemae Street for local souvenirs and cuisine.
  • Visit the Himeji City Tourist Information Center at Himeji Station for maps and brochures.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Himeji Station (JR or Sanyo), exit the north side and follow the broad Otemae-dori Street directly towards Himeji Castle. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. The castle is clearly visible at the end of the street, making navigation straightforward.

  • Public Transport

    From Himeji Station, take the Himeji Castle Loop Bus from platform No. 6. Get off at the 'Himeji-jo Otemon-mae' stop, which is right in front of the castle's Otemon Gate. The bus ride is about 5 minutes. The fare is ¥210 for adults and ¥110 for children per ride. A one-day pass for the loop bus costs ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Himeji Station. A taxi ride to Himeji Castle takes approximately 5 minutes and costs around ¥700-¥900.

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Discover more about Otemae street

Otemae Street serves as the formal approach to Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's most stunning feudal landmarks. Completed in 1955, the broad avenue stretches approximately one kilometer from Himeji Station directly to the castle's main gate. This deliberate design allows visitors a continuous, unobstructed view of the castle, enhancing the sense of arrival and anticipation. The street is more than just a pathway; it's a vibrant part of the city. Lined with camphor and ginkgo trees, Otemae Street offers a pleasant pedestrian experience, especially during the Himeji Otemae Street Illumination when the trees are decorated with thousands of colorful LEDs. Bronze sculptures dot the sidewalks, adding artistic interest to the walk. Visitors will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes along the way, catering to both tourists and locals. Otemae Street wasn't always the grand avenue it is today. The area east and south of the castle was heavily bombed in 1945, necessitating significant post-war reconstruction. The creation of Otemae Street was part of this revitalization effort, transforming a war-torn area into a symbol of Himeji's resilience and forward-looking spirit. Today, Otemae Street is not only a convenient route to Himeji Castle but also a place for relaxation, recreation, and community events.

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