Tokyo and Himeji are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about three hours to reach Himeji Station from Tokyo, while direct Hikari trains require roughly 3.5 hours. The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Himeji is around 16,000 yen. The Japan Rail Pass fully covers Hikari trains, but a supplement fee is required on Nozomi trains.
Multiple bus companies, including Willer Express, operate overnight buses between Himeji and Tokyo. The one way fare varies between 6,000 and 12,000 yen depending on the company and travel date. Travel time is about 10 hours. If used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3,000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
The broad Otemae-dori Street leads straight from JR Himeji Station to Himeji Castle. You can walk from the station to the castle's entrance gate in about 15-20 minutes.
Sanyo-Himeji Station, served by Sanyo Railway, is located just a short walk north of JR Himeji Station and provides direct train connections to/from Osaka's Hanshin Umeda Station.
Himeji is also covered by a dense bus network that is operated by Shinki Bus and centered around Himeji Station. Shinki Bus number 8 provides easy access to Mount Shosha. The ten major prepaid IC cards and the local Nicopa card can be used to pay the fare on Shinki buses.
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