Things to do in Himeji

Himeji City Science Museum

Sakuramon-bashi Bridge

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Kansai Region

Kobe Suma Seaworld

Kobe Suma Seaworld is located on the Suma coast. It opened in June 2024 on the original site of the former Kobe Municipal Suma Seaside Aquarium and can be reached by train from Osaka in about 50 minutes. The venue adheres to the concept of edutainment, showcasing over 500 species of marine life. The tour route combines viewing, educational exhibits, and interactive activities, making it suitable for family-friendly travelers and marine life enthusiasts. The venue highlight is the killer whale performance arena. Few venues in Japan house killer whales, but here you can see a mother-daughter pair: Stella, approx. 40 years old, and her daughter Ran, both measuring over 5 m in length. The orcas leap into the air, coordinating with trainers to complete performances against the backdrop of the open Suma Sea, with front-row spectators often getting splashed. The arena's first floor features a killer whale science zone displaying skeletal specimens and educational videos; the same-level cafeteria has giant acrylic viewing windows for observing the orcas while dining. The dolphin show venue is also worth visiting. The first-floor dolphin hall features an underwater viewing window over 10 m wide, where you can watch dolphins swimming underwater. On the second floor, dolphin beach offers close encounters with dolphins. The main exhibition hall "Aquatic life" uses water's journey as its narrative thread: the local life exhibit recreates the Rokko mountain streams and Seto Inland Sea coastal environment, continuing the former facility's endangered fish conservation displays. The tropical life zone introduces natural light paired with real palm trees to replicate a Pacific coral atoll lagoon, with a visually stunning 600-ton water tank. The coral message area introduces living corals and reef conservation status. The jellyfish habitat displays jellyfish in low-light conditions. The rocky life zone houses Magellanic penguins, California sea lions, spotted seals and sea turtles, with opportunities to see penguin chick-rearing in spring. The third floor features a touch pool where you can gently interact with intertidal creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers. The first-floor Suma collection exhibit showcases freshwater species such as arapaima, while preserving historical materials from the former Kobe municipal Suma seaside aquarium. Visiting tips. Check the performance time schedule upon entry, as seats for orca and dolphin shows are limited - arriving early during peak season is recommended. For orca shows, bringing your own raincoat or purchasing one on-site is advised if choosing front-row seats. Penguins, sea lions and seals have fixed feeding times. Experience programs like dolphin interactions and turtle feeding have limited spots and require advance planning.

Azuki Museum

Akane-no-yu Himeji Minami

Egret Himeji

This is a very distinctive four-story building with all-glass walls. It features facilities such as restaurants and cafes, and an observation deck on the roof where visitors can overlook the beautiful city scenery.

Himeji City Museum of Art

Himeji City Museum of Art is located in Himeji City, Japan, just to the east of Himeji Castle. It is a red brick building converted from an old army warehouse. The museum opened in Showa 58, mainly for the purpose of displaying the local culture of Himeji and cultivating local writers.

Sannomaru Square

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History

Himeji Central Park Safari Park