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Blog Himeji
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Kōko-en
Kōko-en is a garden that has even been used as a filming location for period dramas. Although it tends to be overshadowed by Himeji Castle—one of Japan’s most iconic World Heritage Sites—it is one of my favourite Japanese gardens. It is a pity that tours tend to spend so much time at Himeji Castle, leaving little opportunity to visit Koko-en. Gardens that make use of ponds and flowing water are known as ‘strolling pond-and-stream gardens’, and they developed as daimyō (feudal lords who are subordinate to the shogun) gardens during the Edo period. The scenery changes as you move through…
- Himeji
- Spot introduction
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Himeji Castle Admission Fee Increase
Himeji Castle is one of the finest cherry blossom viewing spots in western Japan. With as many as 1,000 Somei-Yoshino and weeping cherry trees in full bloom, the avenue of cherry trees at Sannomaru Plaza is particularly popular as a photo spot. Due to soaring maintenance costs, admission fees have been raised from 1,000 yen to 2,500 yen for all visitors except Himeji residents, effective from the 1st of this month. However, entry remains free for all visitors under the age of 18. Whilst opinions are divided, given the immense queues in early spring, the price hike may help limit…
- Himeji
- Spot introduction