Sightseeing in Harima

From HyogoAJET

Contents 1 How Big Is Harima? 2 Himeji Castle (姫路城) 3 Akashi Castle (明石城) 4 Shoshazan (書写山) 5 Himeji Central Park (姫路セントラルパーク)

How Big Is Harima?

The Harima Region (not to be confused with the town Harima-cho) contains more municipalities than any other part of Hyogo. It used to be a separate province of Japan, with Himeji as its capital, and bordered Tajima, Tamba, Settsu (now Hanshin and northern Osaka), Bizen (now southeastern Okayama), and Mimasaka (now northeastern Okayama). To see all of the cities in Harima, check out the Map Of Hyogo.

Himeji Castle (姫路城)

There is a good reason why Himeji castle has been made both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Japanese National Cultural Treasure. One of the oldest structures that date back to medieval Japan, this castle gets more tourists than any other castle in Japan. It is also surrounded by a beautiful park, and come spring, is a very popular spot for hanamis.
Train Stations: JR Himeji, Sanyo-Himeji

Akashi Castle (明石城)

Another beautiful castle, Akashi Castle is also surrounded by a park that is teeming with families playing badminton and kicking soccer balls. The park also includes a pond with paddle boats, and is visited by the occasional flea-market.
Train Stations: JR Akashi, Sanyo-Akashi

Shoshazan (書写山)

Shoshazan is the highest mountain in the Himeji area, and the home of Engyoji temple. There is a ropeway up to the top of the mountain, but it is easily climbable in an hour or two as well. From the top of the mountain there are some interesting views of Himeji city (when it's not too foggy or smoggy). The temple and the mountain are, as most temples in Japan, particularly impressive in the spring when the cherry trees are blooming. The cherry trees bloom later than the rest of Himeji, so if you missed hanami at Himeji Castle, you can still catch up here. Shoshazan is also notable as the filming location for The Last Samurai.

Himeji Central Park (姫路セントラルパーク)

Tucked in the middle of the mountains near Himeji is Himeji Central Park. It has all the trappings of a normal theme park (roller coasters, swimming pool, rides, cotton candy), but is also home to a wildlife park featuring animals of the African savannah. You can drive through the park in your car, or take a ride through on a bus for the less driving inclined.

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