Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle (Himeji-jo) is the largest, most perfectly designed original castle that remains in Japan. It was also called the Egret Castle as the shape of the castle's layout centered on the five-tiered donjon resembled an egret about to take flight. It is known as the castle that the world recognizes as the symbol of Japan. Its predecessor was a castle built in the 14th century, but it reached its final (present) form in the beginning of the 17th century under the daimyo Ikeda Terumasa. His construction took eight years and required the labor of over 24,300,000 men. The donjon is about 31.5 m in height, over 46 m including the stone wall, and is designated a National Treasure along with other buildings. The interior of the donjon is of a practical construction and there are holes set in the walls for defenders to fire guns and arrows. Furthermore, 74 buildings such as turrets that held drums for announcing time have been designated Important Cultural Properties.

Himeji Castle Nishi Oyashikiato Garden Kouko-en

Kouko-en Garden is a Japanese traditional round-the-pond style garden, borrowing the scenery of a world cultural heritage and national treasure, Himeji Castle. It was constructed and opened in 1992 to commemorate the centenary of Himeji city. The massive 3.5 hectare land contains a group of nine different types of garden including the Garden of Feudal Lord's Residence, the Tea Garden, which contains a tea ceremony room of Sukiya style(Architectural style originally used for teahouses) called Soju-an, the Garden of Stream, which has splendid views of Himeji Castle, the Summer Tree Garden, and the Garden of Artificial Hill and Pond. They all beautifully harmonize the Tsuiji wall(Mud wall with a tiled roof), Yashiki-mon Gate, Nagaya-mon Gate, as well as houses called Kassuiken and Cho'onsai connected by a corridor, redolent of the Edo Period.

The Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum

The Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum is in Takarazuka, where the world famous manga creator lived for 20 years from the age of 5. Based on concept that Tezuka Osamu advocated throughout his entire lifetime, love for nature and respect for the preciousness and sanctity of life, the Museum was inaugurated in 1994. Its permanent collection on his life and works includes 336 articles which are displayed under two categories; "Takarazuka & Tezuka Osamu" and "Tezuka Osamu, Writer." Three thematic exhibitions are held annually in the special exhibition hall. There is also a hall where his original animated films are shown and a library where visitors can read his books.

Hyogo Kenritsu Kindai Bijutsukan (Museum of Modern Art)

Hyogo Kenritsu Kindai Bijutsukan opened its doors at the base of the mountain Rokko-san in October 1970, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Hyogo Prefecture. The collection at this museum is made up of modern sculpture, modern prints, modern art and the work of artists who have a close connection with Hyogo Prefecture. Visitors to the sculpture room can trace one hundred years of sculpture history, starting with Rodin. The works of artists who are closely associated with Hyogo Prefecture are exhibited in the East Wing of the museum. Included here are a room that commemorates Heizo Kanayama, the Kobe-born Western-style painter who had a genius for landscape painting, and another room commemorating Ryohei Koiso. On display in the modern art room of the West Wing is an exhibit of works of modern Japanese art addressing a variety of different themes.

Ikaruga-ji Temple

Prince Shotoku, a regent who was active from the 6th century to the first part of the 7th century, was a staunch Buddhist. He built temples in various places, including the temples of Horyu-ji and Shitenno-ji. Prince Shotoku was granted the present site of Ikaruga-ji, by Emperor Suiko, as his aristocratic estate. It is said that Prince Shotoku named this place Ikaruga-no-Sho, designated it as the site of Horyu-ji, and later built Ikaruga-ji here.The three-storied pagoda, which was rebuilt in 1565 after being destroyed by fire, is designated by the national government as an Important Cultural Property. Among the buildings located here is the Shotoku-den, a structure containing an image of Prince Shotoku which is said to be the work of the prince himself. Stored in the treasury is a terrestrial globe made of stone, which measures 11 cm. in diameter and is said to be the oldest terrestrial globe in Japan.

Nishinomiya-jinja Shrine (Nishinomiya Ebisu-san)

Nishinomiya-jinja, located in the city of Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, is known affectionately by many as Ebisu-jinja. It enshrines the deities Nishinomiya-okami, Amaterasu-o-mikami, Okuninushi-no-mikoto, and Susanoo-no-mikoto. An oneri-bei (large plaster wall), and omote-daimon (front gate) known as the "Aka-mon" ("red gate") have been designated Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese government. The shrine is venerated by many as the home of the god of commerce under the name of Nishinomiya-no-Ebisu-san. The Toka Ebisu Festival, which takes place for three days around 10 January, is always a lively event with many visitors.