Himeji Castle is often hailed as one of Japan’s most beautiful and historically significant landmarks, and it draws millions of visitors each year. It's also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-see destination for those interested in the country's rich cultural and historical heritage.
If you are planning a visit to this iconic site, 2025 might be the year to do it—the castle will be raising its entrance fees by over 100% early in the new year. At present, the adult admission fee is 1000 JPY, but that is set to increase to 2500 JPY for anyone who isn't a local Himeji resident as of March 2026. There is a small silver lining, however: children who are elementary-aged and above currently pay 300 JPY for admission, but under the proposed changes, anyone aged under 18 will receive free admission irrespective of their residency.
While the price hike does come with some sticker shock, the city expects the extra revenue to help cover the rising costs of maintaining and preserving the castle—an expense which has grown significantly over the past decade. Despite the higher fees, the city anticipates a steady flow of visitors, estimating around 1.2 million people will visit annually, which could bring in an additional 1 billion yen (around $6.58 million) in revenue. This will go toward maintaining the castle’s beauty and ensuring its future preservation, as maintenance costs are projected to rise from 14.5 billion yen (about $95.5 million) to 28 billion yen (around $184 million) in the next 10 years.
If you do happen to be a Himeji local, please note that your My Number card will be required to confirm eligibility for the resident discount when purchasing tickets.
