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Himeji Gokoku Shrine

Scenic spot
★ 4.6 (9K+ reviews) • 1K+ booked
Discover the serene and historically rich Himeji Gokoku Shrine, a sacred site dedicated to honoring the spirits of those who sacrificed their lives for Japan from the Boshin War of 1868 onwards. Nestled within the serene grounds of Himeji Castle, this shrine offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural tapestry. Just minutes away from the bustling castle, Himeji Gokoku Shrine is a hidden gem that promises a peaceful retreat and a chance to witness traditional Japanese ceremonies. With its open, bright, and relaxed atmosphere, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the iconic Himeji Castle and the surrounding natural beauty. This unique destination is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, peace seekers, and those seeking tranquility and cultural enrichment.
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118 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan

The best of Himeji Gokoku Shrine

Bucket-list experiences

3 Hour Private History and Culture Tour in Himeji Castle

3 Hour Private History and Culture Tour in Himeji Castle

Private tour
English available
Private group
Free cancellation
New Activity
£ 63.19
Himeji Central Park Ticket in Hyogo

Himeji Central Park Ticket in Hyogo

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (26) • 800+ booked
£ 19.25
World Heritage Himeji Castle & Sake Breweries Private Tour

World Heritage Himeji Castle & Sake Breweries Private Tour

Afternoon departure
Private tour
English available
Private group
Free cancellation
£ 78.39
Himeji Castle Town Cycling Tour

Himeji Castle Town Cycling Tour

English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
£ 70.79
Walking Tour in Himeji: Castle, Garden and Aizome (Indigo Dyeing)

Walking Tour in Himeji: Castle, Garden and Aizome (Indigo Dyeing)

English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
£ 119.45
£ 119.85

Make it a getaway

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Richmond Hotel Himeji

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★ 4.6 (907) • 50+ booked
From £ 41.85
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Himeji

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★ 4.5 (1,003)
From £ 47.60
Himeji Castle Grandvrio Hotel

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★ 4.1 (847)
From £ 42.91
Hotel Monterey Himeji

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★ 4.5 (1,003)
From £ 45.34
£ 51.80
Hotel Wing International Himeji

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★ 4.2 (360)
From £ 23.77
Dormy Inn Himeji Natural Hot Spring

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★ 4.4 (1,001)
From £ 66.53
Hotel Alpha-One Himeji-Minamiguchi

Hotel Alpha-One Himeji-Minamiguchi

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From £ 75.81
HOTEL LiVEMAX PREMIUM Himejieki-Minami

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★ 3.9 (166)
From £ 27.10
Hotel Nikko Himeji

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★ 4.1 (929)
From £ 41.52
HOTEL LiVEMAX Himeji Ekimae

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★ 3.7 (364)
From £ 21.74
Toyoko Inn Himeji-eki Shinkansen Kita-guchi

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★ 4.2 (387)
From £ 47.49
Hotel Claire Higasa

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★ 4.3 (15)
From £ 38.15

More to explore

APA Hotel Himeji Ekikita

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★ 3.8 (894)
From £ 41.48
£ 42.84
Hotel Crown Hills Himeji

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★ 3.7 (209)
From £ 35.65
Toyoko Inn Himeji Station Shinkansen Minami

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★ 4.1 (225)
From £ 50.66
£ 51.19
Tabist Capsule Hotel APODS Himeji Station

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From £ 68.31
SETRE Highlandvilla HIMEJI

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From £ 164.89
Comfort Hotel Himeji

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★ 4.1 (285)
From £ 39.56
Shiro Nooshita Guest House

Shiro Nooshita Guest House

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£ 47.64
Himeji Ekimae Universal Hotel minamiguchi

https://res.klook.com/image/upload/v1713240499/UED_new/PromoTag/StayPlus.png Himeji Ekimae Universal Hotel minamiguchi

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From £ 38.76
Hotel Ohirune Racco Himeji-Royal -Adults Only

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★ 4.3 (3)
From £ 42.96
Hotel Aston Plaza Himeji

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★ 3.8 (31)
From £ 47.23
Comfort Inn Himeji Yumesakibashi

https://res.klook.com/image/upload/v1713240499/UED_new/PromoTag/StayPlus.png Comfort Inn Himeji Yumesakibashi

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★ 4.3 (281)
From £ 33.46
JR CLEMENT INN HIMEJI

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Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (129)
From £ 55.67
£ 56.23

Why people love Himeji Gokoku Shrine

4.6 /5
9K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Wu **
5 days ago
The most anticipated is the lion feeding section! However, a reminder, if you go early thinking about taking the safari bus to feed the lions and tigers, remember to buy the nearest you enter the shift, for example, if you arrive at 10, buy 10:30! Because the playground and the zoo are some distance apart, you must take a car! The day we did not know, thought there could be a 2nd way to the zoo, 10 o'clock to go but bought the 1 o'clock bus, all morning a few hours in the ride area do not know what to do, the shops are not open, And couldn't go up to the zoo, wasted hours! However, the last section to have to feed the lions and see many animals up close, is happy
2+
JUAN *******
29 Dec 2024
It's a great zoo. The children had fun feeding the giraffes and lions. You can drive to the zoo as many times as you like. Unfortunately, the cable car was not available for repairs that day.
Nattanan *********
14 Dec 2024
Very convenient, show the voucher to the staff and you can enter immediately. There are fun activities such as riding a safari car to feed the tigers and riding the car to see various animals for almost an hour (additional charge 3300 yen, tiger food 500 yen)
1+
클룩 회원
30 Sep 2024
It was really great to be able to see it directly while driving! I was worried that it might be dangerous because of the lions and tigers, but they weren't interested in cars^^; I didn't have any regrets because I was able to pass by them multiple times~ㅎㅎ The rhinoceros was also really cool!
1+
클룩 회원
30 Sep 2024
White lions and white tigers were also really amazing.. I even got to feed the white lionsㅋ And the red pandas! They ate apples well^^ The giraffes came really close~! I really liked the feeding experience. I didn't regret spending money on itㅎㅎㅎ
2+
Wong ********
29 Jul 2024
Super worth going! You can drive into the safari by yourself and get so close to the animals. Children can feed the animals (charge 200-300 Yen each time). Be sure to visit the capybara center, it is so cute and you can feed watermelon.
Wong **************
26 Jul 2024
This zoo playground is two-in-one, but the location is more complicated. After taking the land, you can change to the bus. Upon entering, if children want to play games, they need to buy tickets for each tour. After a round, we paid extra for a bus ride to see the animals up close. Although there is an iron cage between it, it can be seen more clearly than usual through the glass. Children can also feed camels. He has two other more expensive buses, no seats, but there will be some meat put on the top of the bus, which can attract lions to eat, because it rains, we did not choose this one.
1+
HUANG *******
16 Dec 2024
Although it is right in front of Himeji Station, the location is not very obvious and it takes a while to find it. However, after walking through it once, I felt that it was not bad. There is a supermarket nearby which is very convenient.

Nearby places to go

Rokkosan Ski Area
 48K+ visitors
Kansai International Airport
 5M+ visitors
Kitano Ijinkan-Gai
 70K+ visitors
Himeji Castle
 4K+ visitors
Mount Shosha Ropeway
 100+ visitors
Maya Cable Sta.
 77K+ visitors
Tsutenkaku
 428K+ visitors

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Himeji Gokoku Shrine

Nestled within the majestic grounds of Himeji Castle, the Himeji Gokoku Shrine offers a serene escape into Japan's rich history and culture. Established in 1893 and dedicated in 1938, this sacred site honors the memory of 56,998 souls from the southwest of Hyogo Prefecture. As you wander through the tranquil grounds, you may even be lucky enough to witness a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, adding a touch of cultural magic to your visit.

Scenic Views

Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking scenic views at Himeji Gokoku Shrine. With large windows on three walls, the shrine provides a panoramic vista of the iconic Himeji Castle, framed by the vibrant colors of the changing seasons. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a nature lover, this picturesque setting offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm, inviting you to pause and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Himeji Gokoku Shrine is a profound symbol of Japan's spiritual and historical journey. As part of the Gokoku Jinja network, it honors the spirits of Japan's war dead, reflecting a deep connection to the nation's past conflicts and its path to peace. The shrine's history, marked by its renaming in 1939 and subsequent return to its original name post-WWII, offers a poignant narrative of resilience and remembrance.

Annual Festival

The annual festival at Himeji Gokoku Shrine is a vibrant celebration that honors the divine and the spirits enshrined within. This cultural highlight invites visitors to experience traditional Japanese practices and the warm community spirit that defines the event. It's a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the lively festivities.

Cultural Significance

Himeji Gokoku Shrine stands as a beacon of Japan's spiritual heritage, offering a window into Shinto practices and the cultural significance of shrines in Japanese society. It is cherished by locals as a site of cultural and historical importance, providing visitors with a rich understanding of the region's traditions and heritage. For history enthusiasts, it is an essential stop that encapsulates the essence of Japan's cultural identity.

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