5 Must-Visit Japanese Restaurants in Himeji When Touring Himeji Castle | Hyogo Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Nov 25 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Japanese Cuisine Himeji Hyogo

5 Must-Visit Japanese Restaurants in Himeji When Touring Himeji Castle | Hyogo

Himeji Castle, the first site in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is affectionately known as 'White Heron Castle' due to its appearance and is extremely popular among inbound tourists. Currently, a large number of foreigners are visiting Himeji. This time, we have selected five Japanese restaurants that you would want to visit while touring this popular spot, Himeji Castle.

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Himeji and Hyogo.

1. Kappo Ryokan Shimizu

Enjoy fresh seafood and local sake while taking in the scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea

Located just a 5-minute walk from Miyako Port, Kappo Ryokan Shimizu offers the opportunity to enjoy seasonal island fish from Kojima and local sake from Banshu. In particular, the "Anajyu," which uses an abundance of fresh conger eel, is a superb dish featuring eel grilled without releasing its juices, combined with a sauce that has been used for 30 years, allowing diners to savor the natural flavors of the ingredients. Additionally, the restaurant selects sake not based on brand names but on quality, focusing on deliciousness.

The retro interior is filled with jazz music, and the windows offer a luxurious view of the Seto Inland Sea.The retro interior is filled with jazz music, and the windows offer a luxurious view of the Seto Inland Sea.At this restaurant, one can enjoy fresh seafood dishes while gazing at the sea, making it a perfect spot for dining with family and friends, or celebrating special occasions.At this restaurant, one can enjoy fresh seafood dishes while gazing at the sea, making it a perfect spot for dining with family and friends, or celebrating special occasions.

Kappo Ryokan Shimizu

Open: Normal hours 11:00 - 21:00
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,200 JPY
Access: Five minute walk from Miya Ko.
Address: 85 Ieshima-cho Miya, Himeji-shi, Hyogo
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2. Yakiniku Senzankaku

Enjoy select cuts of premium Wagyu beef, including top loin and tongue, at reasonable prices

Located just a 5-minute walk from Himeji Station on the Sanyo Main Line, at Yakiniku Senzankaku, one can enjoy carefully selected Wagyu beef at reasonable prices. Particularly recommended are the "Jo-Rosu," which uses the finest cuts, and the "Jo-Tan," which is always in high demand and often sold out. Additionally, the "Tsubo Karubi," marinated in a special sauce, and the "Famous Hormone Pot" are also popular menu items.

The restaurant features both sunken kotatsu seating and table seating, allowing families to enjoy their meal without any hesitation. They also offer a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including sake and shochu, making it suitable for parties and gatherings. Why not spend a delightful time enjoying delicious grilled meat?

Yakiniku Senzankaku

Open: [Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Closed: Monday (except for National Holidays on Monday)
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes on foot from the Central Exit of JR Himeji Station
Address: 57 Kubo-cho, Himeji, Hyogo
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3. Himeji Sushi Ichi

A high-end Japanese restaurant where one can enjoy seasonal fish from the Seto Inland Sea and local sake

Located a 13-minute walk southwest from Himeji Castle, the Japanese restaurant [Himeji Sushi Ichi] specializes in dishes that highlight the natural flavors of seasonal fish from the Seto Inland Sea. They use only fresh ingredients purchased on the day, which means that the prices of the dishes are market-based. A recommended menu item is the "Anago Nigiri Sushi," made with rare domestic conger eel. This delicacy is unusual in Himeji and is served steamed, allowing diners to enjoy the exquisite taste of the eel combined with the sushi rice.

Upon opening the quaint entrance of the long-established restaurant, one is greeted by a chic and serene space. The restaurant also boasts four private rooms, making it suitable for business entertainment or family celebrations. It is a recommended spot near Himeji Castle to enjoy fresh ingredients and local sake.

Himeji Sushi-Ichi

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:50 pm) / Dinner 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: Exit JR Himeji Station and head toward Himeji Castle. Turn left at the sixth corner, and you will come across the restaurant on the left just before Prefectural Road 62.
Address: 35 Sakamoto-machi, Himeji, Hyogo
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4. Kiyose Sasama

Enjoy seasonal ingredients and local sake in a space brimming with Japanese ambiance.

Located just a 6-minute walk from Himeji Station, at "Kiyose Sasama", guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine that emphasizes seasonal ingredients with all five senses. The dishes, served under the philosophy of "using seasonal ingredients as much as possible and serving them in their freshest state," are all mouth-watering delights. You can savor seasonally inspired dishes such as the "assorted sashimi" featuring fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, and the "hassun" which offers a variety of textures and aromas. Additionally, the restaurant boasts a fine selection of local sake, primarily from Harima including "Yukihikoyama" and "Ryuryoku", along with carefully selected sake from across the country.

The restaurant features only counter seats on the first floor, making it ideal for solo dining or dates. The second floor offers tatami seating for up to 20 people, accommodating various parties and family gatherings. If you want to enjoy fresh ingredients and carefully selected local sake, [Kiyose Sasama] is highly recommended.

Kiyose Sasama

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from Himeji Station (JR lines). Located west of Shirogane West Intersection.
Address: 82 Junishomae-cho, Himeji, Hyogo
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5. Nishimuraya Hakurokan

A restaurant reminiscent of Himeji Castle, proud of its crab dishes and seasonal kaiseki cuisine

A restaurant reminiscent of Himeji Castle, boasting crab dishes and seasonal kaiseki cuisine

Located just a 15-minute walk from the World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle, is Nishimuraya Hakurokan. This restaurant offers proud crab dishes such as "Kanisuki" using Nishimuraya's traditional Sukidashi, as well as "Sashimi" and "Grilled Crab", and kaiseki cuisine focusing on seasonal ingredients. The dishes feature fish from the Seto Inland Sea and vegetables produced in Hyogo Prefecture.

The trademark of the restaurant is a building reminiscent of Himeji Castle, affectionately known as "Shirasagi-jo" (White Heron Castle), with its white plaster walls. Inside, there is a large room capable of accommodating up to 60 guests, making it recommended for various banquets. The completely private rooms offer a calm atmosphere, suitable for family celebrations.

Nishimuraya Hakurokan

Open: [Sunday,Monday,Thursday - Saturday,Holidays] 11:30 am - 9:30 pm (last order 8:30 pm)
Closed: *Open on public holidays. There are no regular holidays from November to March.
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.