Located in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan, Himeji is a beautiful city renowned for its imposing and spectacular Himeji Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site, often referred to as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance, is considered one of the finest surviving examples of prototypical Japanese castle architecture. Visitors also flock to the stunning Koko-en Garden, a collection of nine separate, Edo-period style gardens, situated right next to the castle. In spring, the city's many cherry blossom trees bloom, painting Himeji in stunning shades of pink, while the Himeji Yukata festival in summer and Nada Fighting festival in autumn provide vibrant cultural experiences.