Himeji

Osaka | Himeji | Kyoto | Nara

Himeji remains one of the great Japanese castles largely unspoilt by restoration or reconstruction. It also benefits from being incredibly accessible by train; you just walk out of the Shinkansen station and there it is facing you up a long, broad boulevard. I am told that spring is the best time to visit Himeji, with masses of cherry blossoms framing the castle in chocolate box perfection. Unfortunately I was there at the wrong time of year on a very overcast day...providing me with the perfect excuse to go back and have another look next year.