Hyogo’s second-largest city may not get as much airtime as Kobe, but it has just as much history and culture to be explored.
If you’re interested in samurai history, you’ll be delighted with the historic Himeji Castle, a UNESCO heritage site, and one of Japan’s national treasures.
There is just so much going on in Himeji that you can’t see everything within a day.
Thankfully, there are some great hotels and hostels in Himeji that make a great base for city breaks.
I’ve rounded up the 5 best hotels in Himeji, with great accommodation options at every price point.
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5 Best Hotels in Himeji
Himeji is a popular Japanese city with its beautifully preserved castle attracting more than 1.5 million visitors each year alone.
Many of its temples and shrines have been used for films, including the 2003 blockbuster The Last Samurai.
In addition to all the ancient sites, Himeji is a foodie’s paradise famed for its buckwheat noodles (ekisoba) and premium sake.
Get the most out of your Himeji visit, by staying in a central location that provides access to the major sites and lively restaurants and taverns.
Here are my top picks for a great stay in Himeji.
1. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Himeji
| Location | 670-0927 Hyogo, Himeji, Ekimaecho 353, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Kobe Airport (33 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Himeji City Aquarium (1.1 miles) |
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Himeji is part of the Daiwa Roynet luxury hotel chain and is one of Himeji’s best hotels.
It is a great choice for locations like the Koko-en Gardens, Himeji Central Park, and Mount Shosha.
The spacious rooms and suites at this hotel accommodate up to eight guests, with many rooms offering outstanding views of Himeji Castle, 1.7 km away.
More photos on expedia.com
All rooms are en-suite and air-conditioned with a desk, TV, kettle, towels, and complimentary toiletries. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Other amenities include a fitness center, coin-operated laundry, vending machines, ice machines, and microwaves.
There are multilingual staff on the 24-hour front desk and a delicious buffet breakfast is served daily.
2. Dormy Inn Himeji
| Location | 670-0964 Hyogo, Himeji, Toyozawacho 160-2, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Kobe Airport (33 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Himeji City Aquarium (0.8 miles) |
Dormy Inn Himeji is just a few minutes walk from JR Himeji Station, making it the ideal stop for a cost-effective city break.
Nearby city sights include Himeji Castle and Himeji Central Park. The accommodation is clean and modern with single, double, and twin rooms that are ensuite with a TV, fridge, and kettle.
Another great reason to consider the Dormy Inn Himeji is its great range of amenities.
More photos on expedia.com
The hotel has its own public hot spring bath and sauna and offers massages for weary travelers.
In addition, there is a coin-operated laundry and business center where you can email, fax, and photocopy documents.
Staff man the 24-hour front desk and will store your luggage for you or call you a taxi. A buffet breakfast is served daily.
3. Shironoshita Guesthouse
| Location | 670-0852 Hyogo, Himeji, Koodera-machi 21, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐ |
| Property type | Guesthouse |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Kobe Airport (33 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Bizen Bailey (1 miles) |
Shironoshita Guesthouse is a new-build guesthouse that offers affordable accommodation in the heart of Himeji. It is only a few meters from Himeji Castle.
In fact, the guest house’s name means ‘under the castle’.
Shironoshita Guesthouse has dormitory and private room accommodation, with up to four guests per room.
More photos on expedia.com
The shower room and bathroom are shared and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Guests can relax and meet one another in a shared lounge.
The guesthouse also offers paid services like laundry, nightwear, and the provision of breakfast.
The helpful staff can also create an itinerary for your stay, with meals at local restaurants and bike rides to various Himeji sights.
4. Hotel Kaguya
| Location | 671-2232 Hyogo, Himeji, Aino 936-22, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | No |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Kobe Airport (38 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Himeji Castle (4.5 miles) |
This boutique hotel offers five-star accommodation on the outskirts of Himeji, a mile away from Ōichi Station.
Shh! Hotel Kaguya is a love hotel, but the twin rooms can accommodate non-amorous travelers too.
This stylish hotel has smart twin or double guest rooms that include a shower, bidet, toiletries, satellite TV, and Blu-ray player.
More photos on booking.com
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and a Japanese or Western breakfast is served daily.
Other amenities at the hotel include microwaves, air purifiers, streaming services, and refrigerators.
There are nearby restaurants and convenience stores including a Saizeriya.
5. HOTEL LiVEMAX PREMIUM Himejieki-Minami
| Location | 670-0964 Hyogo, Himeji, Toyozawacho 147, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | Yes |
| Nearest airport | Kobe Airport (33 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Himeji Castle (4.5 miles) |
HOTEL LiVEMAX PREMIUM Himejieki-Minami offers great value business hotel accommodation just over a mile from Himeji Castle.
The location is just 300 meters from Himeji City Visitor Center and the viewing deck at Himeji Station Square.
The air-conditioned ensuite rooms can accommodate up to four guests in rooms that include a TV.
Other amenities at the hotel include a sauna, open-air hot spring baths, luggage storage, and wheelchair-accessible rooms.
Unlike many hotels in Himeji, the LiVEMAX is pet-friendly and does allow dogs to come along too!
More photos on hotels.com
There is free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel and guests can get tea, coffee, and snacks from the vending machines provided.
If you prolong your stay, a coin-operated laundry is available for washing clothes.
HOTEL LiVEMAX PREMIUM Himejieki-Minami has a 24-hour reception that can provide assistance and information about the local area.
Rounding Up
Himeji is a must-visit Japanese city and these five hotels make planning a great weekend away in this great part of Hyogo super simple.
So make your booking, pack your bags, and set off for an adventure in Himeji. Just make sure that your shoes are super comfortable as a lot of exploring awaits!
