Himeji Station North Bustling Exchange Square

The Himeji Station North Bustle & Exchange Plaza is a public square on the north side of JR Himeji Station, completed in March 2015 (Heisei 27) under the theme: “A welcoming plaza where you can view the castle, feel the passage of time, and connect with people.” Part of the plaza can also be used for events. Access is about a 1-minute walk from JR Sanyo Main Line Himeji Station. Designed as a “Castle Garden,” it features an open underground plaza and garden with abundant water and greenery, inspired by Himeji Castle’s stone walls, moat, and white plaster walls. In summer, many children enjoy playing in the water. Event information is shared via the plaza’s official Twitter account, and checking updates before visiting can be a good idea. At night, the wall of the adjacent commercial facility “Piole Himeji” is illuminated with LED indirect lighting, projecting fantastical images such as rainbow-colored geometric patterns, rippling water motifs, and white egrets in flight. It’s a popular spot you’ll want to stop by after sightseeing in Himeji.