The tour of Himeji Castle - Sakuramon-bashi Bridge

After my stroll through Himeji’s lively shopping streets, I made my way to Hotel Nikko to meet my Japanese tour guide. She’s a local from Himeji and, interestingly, used to be an English teacher—so I knew I was in good hands for my castle tour.

Our adventure began at Sakuramon-bashi Bridge, the symbolic gateway to Himeji Castle. Crossing this elegant wooden bridge over the inner moat felt like stepping back in time. The bridge itself is a beautiful reconstruction, designed to match the original from the Edo period. As we walked across, I couldn’t help but pause to take in the stunning view: the castle’s famous white walls rising above the water, framed by lush greenery. I can only imagine how magical this spot must be during cherry blossom season!

On the other side of the bridge, we reached the Otemon (also called Sakuramon) Gate—the main entrance to Himeji Castle. The gate’s thick wooden doors and towering stone walls were impressive, hinting at the castle’s long history and strategic importance. My guide explained that this entrance was once reserved for lords and honored guests, and that the current structure is a faithful reconstruction from the early 20th century.

Passing through the gate, I felt a real sense of anticipation, as if I was about to step into a different era. The blend of water, old stone, and the promise of centuries-old stories ahead made this a truly memorable start to my Himeji Castle visit.