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This article presents a one-day itinerary covering Okayama, Himeji, and Kobe.
Since visiting three cities in a single day can be quite packed, we focus on carefully selected spots.
Based on actual travel experience, the timeline includes estimated travel times to help you better plan your journey.
Here’s the overview of the sightseeing course and the detailed timetable.
| Time | Spot | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Okayama Korakuen Garden | 60 min | One of Japan's three most famous gardens. A serene morning stroll is highly recommended. |
| 9:20 am | Travel from Okayama Station to Himeji Station | 20 min | Take the Shinkansen. Only 20 minutes. |
| 10:00 am | Arrive at JR Himeji Station | 25 min | Welcome to Himeji! It's a 4 - minute bus ride to Himeji Castle. |
| 10:25 am | Himeji Castle | 120 min | A UNESCO World Heritage Site and national treasure, nicknamed "White Heron Castle." |
| 12:40 am | JR Himeji Station | 20 min | Enjoy Himeji's specialty, "Maneki no Eki Soba." |
| 1:20 pm | Travel from Himeji Station to Sannomiya Station | 40 min | A 40 - minute ride on the JR Kobe Line Rapid Service. |
| 2:10 pm | Arrive at JR Sannomiya Station | 20 min | Welcome to Kobe! Walk through the shopping streets toward Nankinmachi Chinatown. |
| 2:30 pm | Nankinmachi Chinatown | 90 min | One of Japan's three major Chinatowns. Enjoy the lively street food scene. |
| 4:00 pm | Hotel Check - in and Rest | 120 min | Relax and refresh before the evening adventure. |
| 6:00 pm | Mt. Maya Kikuseidai | 120 min | A stunning panoramic night view known as the "Million Dollar Night View," one of Japan's top three night views. |
🕛 8:00 am
The journey begins in Okayama Prefecture. Start with a visit to “Okayama Korakuen Garden,” one of Japan’s three great gardens. Early mornings here offer a peaceful atmosphere perfect for enjoying the vast and elegant Japanese garden.
Read more about Okayama Korakuen Garden
🕛 9:20 am
Next, travel from Okayama Station to Himeji Station.
By Shinkansen, it only takes about 20 minutes. The fare is 3,280 yen.
🕛 10:00 am
Arrived at Himeji Station in Hyogo Prefecture!
Before heading to Himeji Castle, take a moment to visit the observation deck on the second floor. You’ll get a fantastic view of Himeji Castle from there.
The area around Himeji Station is beautifully developed.
Take a bus from the station to Himeji Castle. There’s a bus terminal right outside the station.
Exit to the left, cross the street, and you’ll find it next to the police box—very easy to spot.
Frequent buses mean you don’t need to worry about timetables to reach Himeji Castle conveniently.
Now, let’s hop on the bus to the castle!
🕛 10:25 am
Only a 4-minute bus ride later, and we’re right in front of Himeji Castle!
And there it is—the majestic Himeji Castle.
Among all the castles across Japan, Himeji Castle stands out for its sheer beauty. If you’re visiting Hyogo Prefecture, it’s a must-see.
Read more about Himeji Castle
🕛 12:40 am
Returned to Himeji Station.
While in Himeji, make sure to try “Maneki no Eki Soba,” a local specialty.
Its gentle, comforting flavor makes it highly recommended.
Read more about Maneki no Eki Soba
🕛 1:20 pm
Next stop: Kobe!
Take the JR Kobe Line Rapid Service directly from Himeji to Kobe without transfers, a smooth 40-minute ride.
Enjoy peaceful countryside scenery through the windows during the ride.
🕛 2:10 pm
Arrived at JR Sannomiya Station in Kobe.
Sannomiya is the vibrant center of Kobe—a bustling city!
🕛 2:32 pm
After a pleasant walk through the streets, we reach Nankinmachi. It’s one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, alongside Yokohama and Nagasaki.
The area is full of authentic Chinese restaurants and plenty of street food stalls to enjoy.
Read more about Nankinmachi
🕛 5:00 pm
Heading to Kikuseidai on Mt. Maya, a place famous for its night views, counted among Japan’s top three night views.
Take a combination of trains and ropeways from JR Motomachi Station to reach Kikuseidai.
Getting there requires a few transfers—train, bus, and ropeway—but the breathtaking nightscape makes the trip well worth it.
For more detailed directions and information about Kikuseidai, check out this guide.
Read more about Kikuseidai
🕛 8:00 pm
After soaking in the night view from Kikuseidai, we return to Sannomiya.
Now it’s time to enjoy a relaxed dinner and some drinks.
Nankinmachi also gets beautifully illuminated at night, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
This one-day sightseeing course through Okayama, Himeji, and Kobe is based on real travel experience and offers a realistic and practical schedule. You’ll efficiently visit top highlights: Okayama Korakuen Garden, Himeji Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Nankinmachi Chinatown, and the stunning night view from Kikuseidai.
A major charm of this itinerary is its efficiency—thanks to the Shinkansen and rapid train connections, you can travel from Okayama to Himeji in just 20 minutes and from Himeji to Kobe in just 40 minutes.
Experience the grace of Okayama’s gardens, the grandeur of Himeji’s White Heron Castle, the culinary delights of vibrant Nankinmachi, and the breathtaking nightscape of Kobe.
This course lets you explore three iconic cities in one day—making your trip a little more luxurious and dynamic.
