From Shinsaibashi to Himeji, we will have to take the Midosuji subway line to Umeda which cost 230yen per person 1 way, and transfer to the JR Osaka station. Then change to the JR line using the JR west pass. The journey itself from JR Osaka station to Himeji will take around 1 1/4 hours. Do remember to take the special rapid train instead of local ( which will clearly be displayed on the board ). Local trains will stop at all stations while special rapid will skip the smaller stations hence will get you to your destination faster.
Trying to keep awake ( after a red eye flight ) prove to be difficult. However, we were exited as it was sakura season and in full bloom and we could see it all along the way.
Pic 1: At Himeji station
To get to Himeji castle, exit the Himeji station. There is no subway that link you directly to the castle and the rest of the journey will be on foot. Look out for central exit which is clearly displayed as you follow the exit sign after coming off the train.
Pic 2: Central Exit
Pic 3: Walking along the main street to Himeji castle.
Pic 3: Himeji castle
Finally, after 15-20minutes stroll we caught glimps of the Himeji castle. What amaze us was the crowd that was going to the castle so we had to shovel our way through the crowd into the castle.
Pic 4: Sakura's full bloom around the compound.
Pic 5: Sakura's at full bloom.
Pic 6: Photo of us at Himeji castle entrance
Pic 7: Crowd at Himeji castle
At the castle compound, you could see a lot of people picnic below the sakura tree. We on the other hand tried to go enter the castle. We did not make it to the top as the wait going up the castle was like 2 hours so we spend sometime enjoying the view of sakura in full bloom ( hanami ) and took photos around the compound.
Pic 8: Sakura's full bloom at Himeji Castle
Pic 9: Close up of Sakura's
Pic 10: Close up of Sakura's with himeji castle background
Pic 11: Close up of Sakura's with himeji castle background
Pic 12: More sakura's
Pic 13: Himeji castle wall structure
Pic 14: Himeji castle wall structure explained
Pic 15: Himeji castle roof structure.
Pic 16: Himeji castle map
Pic 18: S under Sakura full bloom tree
We decided to leave the castle around 6pm to have an early rest. Along the way back. there was a food fair organize to raise the fund for the castle's restoration. We bought a yakitori and okonomiyaki and had dinner there before proceeding back to our hotel.
Pic 19: Yakitori
Pic 20: Okonomiyaki
It was a tiring day but luckily Hotel Villa Fontaine Shinsaibashi healing room comes with a foot massage chair which really came in handy after so much walk.
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