I am interessted in the relative accessability of Himeji vs Matsumoto. After dealing with some health issues, mobility can be a challenge for me. I'm fine walking, but something requiring balance, like steps, can present a problem. During my last stay in Japan I visited Matsumoto Castle with its very steep, very smooth, wooden steps, that you have to climb in your socks because of the historic wood. I managed to make my way up without making a spectacle of myself. However, then I had to realize the the actuall problem was the way down; narrow, slippery steps - more than 60cm high After somhow making it down, I really never need something like that ever again. So, I would like to know, from people who visited both castles; how do they compare in that regard?

Hi. Four of us will arrive by cruise ship at Himeji Port at 10 am in early March. What would be the best way to visit the Himeji Castle independently? I have read that we can catch a bus from the port.

I know this has been asked and answered several times before, but I feel like it needs to be updated given that Japan just opened up recently from Covid closures. Are there luggage storage lockers as we are planning to stop on our way from Kyoto to Hiroshima? How much are they?

Hello. I would like to visit Himeji Castle around 6 pm. How close can I get to the castle at that time? Can I get to Bizenmaru for nice pictures or the gates are closed to some point? Thank you