Himeji Castle

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Himeji Castle
Photo: Anagoria / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0

Himeji Castle is a Japanese castle (hirayama / flat hilltop style) castle in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, and a filming location for You Only Live Twice (1967), Kagemusha (1980) and Shōgun (1980) among other productions. Built in 1333, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Location: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan

Verified facts

  • Appeared in You Only Live Twice (movie, 1967)
    confidence 80/100 · 7 independent sources · SRC-5393, SRC-5394, SRC-7917, SRC-7918, SRC-8339, SRC-8340, SRC-8999
  • Appeared in Kagemusha (movie, 1980)
    confidence 75/100 · 4 independent sources · SRC-5393, SRC-5395, SRC-7919, SRC-7920
  • Appeared in Shōgun (tv, 1980)
    confidence 75/100 · 4 independent sources · SRC-5393, SRC-5396, SRC-7921, SRC-7922, SRC-9000
  • Located in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture
    confidence 90/100 · 4 independent sources · SRC-5393, SRC-5397, SRC-5398, SRC-5400
  • Built in 1333
    confidence 70/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-5393, SRC-5397, SRC-7923
  • Owned by Akamatsu Norimura (original builder)
    confidence 90/100 · 8 independent sources · SRC-5393, SRC-5397, SRC-7924, SRC-7925, SRC-12512, SRC-12892, SRC-13191, SRC-13635
  • Historic designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site (1993); National Treasure of Japan
    confidence 90/100 · 4 independent sources · SRC-5393, SRC-5398, SRC-5397, SRC-5400
  • Appeared in Ran (movie, 1985)
    confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-10616, SRC-10617
  • Architectural style: Japanese castle architecture (hirayama / flat hilltop style)
    confidence 75/100 · 4 independent sources · SRC-5393, SRC-13059, SRC-7923, SRC-14385

Evidence & sources

How we verify

Every fact above is independently corroborated by at least two reputable sources and
confidence-scored before publication. Claims that cannot clear that bar are withheld. We show the
street address only for non-residential public landmarks (museums, commercial and civic buildings,
publicly documented filming-location sites); the exact addresses of private residences and any
personal information are structurally barred from publication. Last reviewed June 2026.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Open 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00). Walk-in entry available; timed digital tickets bookable up to 90 days ahead.

Admission: From March 2026, adult (non-Himeji-resident) admission ¥2,500; under-18 free regardless of residency.

Book tickets ›Official site ›

🗺️ View on map

Frequently asked questions

Where was Kagemusha filmed?

Himeji Castle, in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, is a real-world filming location used for Kagemusha. This property has also appeared on screen in Ran, Shōgun, You Only Live Twice.

Where was Ran filmed?

Himeji Castle, in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, is a real-world filming location used for Ran. This property has also appeared on screen in Kagemusha, Shōgun, You Only Live Twice.

Where was Shōgun filmed?

Himeji Castle, in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, is a real-world filming location used for Shōgun. This property has also appeared on screen in Kagemusha, Ran, You Only Live Twice.

Where was You Only Live Twice filmed?

Himeji Castle, in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, is a real-world filming location used for You Only Live Twice. This property has also appeared on screen in Kagemusha, Ran, Shōgun.

Can you visit Himeji Castle?

Yes — Himeji Castle is open to the public. Hours: Open 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00). Walk-in entry available; timed digital tickets bookable up to 90 days ahead.. Admission: From March 2026, adult (non-Himeji-resident) admission ¥2,500; under-18 free regardless of residency..

Where is Himeji Castle located?

Himeji Castle is located in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture.

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