Admission Fee to Increase Sharply from 9,500 Won to 24,000 Won at Japan's Himeji Castle

UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji Castle Entrance Fee to Increase
Non-Residents to Pay an Additional 24,000 Won
Entrance Fee for Minors Remains Unchanged
Revenue from Fee Hike to Fund Digital Exhibits

The entrance fee for Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will increase by 150%.

Himeji Castle, Japan. Yonhap News

According to the Asahi Shimbun on the 15th, Himeji City has decided to raise the entrance fee for Himeji Castle from the current 1,000 yen (about 9,500 won) to 2,500 yen (about 24,000 won) for non-residents starting March 1 next year.

However, the entrance fee for Himeji residents will remain at 1,000 yen, and those under 18 years old will be exempt from the entrance fee regardless of residency status. Currently, the entrance fee for elementary, middle, and high school students is 300 yen (about 2,800 won).

Himeji City plans to submit a related ordinance amendment to the city council in the future. The city authorities intend to use the funds secured from the fee increase to introduce digital exhibits and manage the castle.

Previously, Himeji City considered raising the entrance fee only for foreigners, but the plan was scrapped due to opposition from the city council and others.

The entrance fees for other famous castles in Japan, such as Osaka Castle and Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture, will also increase starting April.