Otemae Street

Otemae-dori is an approximately 840-meter street in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, running from JR Sanyo Main Line Himeji Station to the Sakura-mon Gate area of Himeji Castle, the World Heritage site and National Treasure known as the “White Heron Castle.” Selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Roads,” it offers a striking view of the castle straight ahead as soon as you step down from the central ticket gates of JR Himeji Station. The entire street is free of utility poles, and its rows of camphor and ginkgo trees together with the castle create a beautiful cityscape. The area around Himeji Castle is known for its “town planning with sculptures,” featuring many bronze statues that serve as places of relaxation for residents and as venues for city events and festivals. The annual “Oshiro Matsuri” in August is especially famous; numerous stalls line both sides of the street and the festival draws around 200,000 visitors. From JR Himeji Station to Himeji Castle is about a 20-minute walk—either stroll leisurely along Otemae-dori while enjoying the view, or shop at the parallel covered arcades to the east, including Miyuki-dori Shopping Street and Omizo-suji Shopping Street—both popular options for Himeji sightseeing.