Getting There -- A stop on the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train, which runs between Tokyo and Kyushu, Himeji is about 3 1/2 hours from Tokyo, 1 hour from Kyoto, and a half-hour from Okayama. The fare from Tokyo is ¥14,700 ($123) for a non-reserved seat. Note: Not all bullet trains stop in Himeji, so make sure yours does.

Visitor Information -- The Himeji City Tourist Information Center (tel. 0792/85-3792) is located at the central exit of the station's north (castle) side, to the left after you exit from the ticket gate. It's open daily from 9am to 5pm, but foreigners are asked to visit the center between 10am and 3pm when an English-speaking volunteer is on hand to answer questions. Some tourist information is also available online at the City of Himeji website.

If you're stopping in Himeji only for a few hours to see the castle, deposit your luggage in the coin lockers just beside the tourist office or underneath the Shinkansen tracks.

Orientation & Getting Around -- You can walk to Himeji's attractions. The main road in town is Otemae Dori, a wide boulevard that stretches from Himeji Station north to Himeji Castle (you can walk the distance in about 15 min.). To the east (right) of Otemae Dori are two parallel streets, Miyukidori and Omizusuji, both covered shopping arcades. If you want, you can use a bicycle free of charge from 9am to 6pm. Just fill out an application form (before 4pm) at the station's tourist information counter and then exchange the ticket for a bicycle in front of the station or midway to the castle on Otemae Dori. Finally, red-painted tourist buses make runs on weekends and holidays from Himeji Station to the castle and beyond and cost ¥100 (85¢) per ride.