The city of Himeji, home to the iconic Himeji Castle, is considering increasing admission fees for visitors who are not local residents, officials announced Wednesday. The new pricing would double or even triple ticket costs, marking a shift from earlier proposals that only targeted foreign tourists.
In addition to higher admission fees, the local government in Hyogo Prefecture is exploring a premium ticket package designed specifically for foreign visitors. This plan would offer additional services such as luggage storage and restaurant discounts, alongside entry to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Himeji Castle New Fee Hike Sparks Debate
The potential fee hike has been a topic of discussion since June, when Himeji Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto suggested at an international symposium that the entry fee for foreigners could be increased fourfold. The proposal would raise the adult ticket price from 1,000 yen ($6.80) to help cover the growing costs of maintaining the historical site.
Mayor Kiyomoto initially expressed his desire to keep admission fees steady for Himeji residents, aiming to maintain the castle as a “place of rest” for locals. However, this idea faced criticism from municipal assembly members, who voiced concerns that singling out foreigners with higher prices could damage the castle’s image internationally.
New System Expected by 2026
Himeji is now working on finalizing its new pricing structure, which is expected to take effect in spring 2026. The city plans to collaborate with the municipal assembly and the Agency for Cultural Affairs to ensure a fair and balanced approach. Residents of Himeji will still enjoy unchanged entry fees, according to officials.
One city official emphasized the importance of admission fees for the upkeep of the castle, noting that Himeji Castle has more buildings designated as national treasures or important cultural properties than any other castle in Japan. These funds are critical for preserving the site for future generations.
Visitor Statistics
In fiscal 2023, approximately 1.48 million people visited Himeji Castle, including 452,300 foreign tourists. The number of foreign visitors surpassed 400,000 for the first time since the city began tracking the data in 1992.
