The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about the planned admission fee hike for Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture.

Question: By how much will the admission fee for Himeji Castle be raised?

Answer: Currently, the fee for those aged 18 and over is 1,000 yen (about $6). The Himeji Municipal Government announced in December 2024 that it plans to increase this to around 2,000 to 3,000 yen (roughly $13 to $19). The city seeks to implement this change around the spring of 2026 after revising an ordinance.

Q: Does that mean the admission will be two to three times more expensive?

A: Yes, that's correct. This would make it the highest fee in Japan for entering a castle keep. However, Himeji residents will have their fee maintained at around 1,000 yen, and entrance will be free for those under 18. The current fee of 300 yen (approx. $2) for elementary school students and those under 18 will be waived. This is because the city wants children to have the opportunity "to connect with Himeji Castle".

Q: Why will the fee be raised?

A: It costs money to preserve Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site praised as a "masterpiece of construction in wood," for future generations. Eight buildings including the main keep are designated national treasures, and 74 structures including the "yagura" towers are registered as important cultural properties. The castle grounds are very large, and the area measuring some 108 hectares is a national special historic site. According to the city government, the maintenance costs for the castle and its surroundings over the 10 years from fiscal 2015 to fiscal 2024 totaled 14.5 billion yen (roughly $92 million). Considering inflation, preservation costs are expected to rise further in the next 10 years.

Q: Maintenance and management are tough, aren't they?

A: Yes. The city has been considering various ideas. In June 2024, Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto made headlines by suggesting, with overseas tourist facilities in mind, that "foreign tourists could be charged around $30, and local residents around $5." However, this proposal was shelved due to many practical issues such as ways to verify a visitor's place of residence and distinguish inbound foreigners from those living in Japan. On the other hand, along with the fee increase, the city has begun exploring premium plans that include accommodation and dining packages. Whether the castle site can achieve the same high praise for its tourism measures while preserving its historical heritage is gaining interest.

(Japanese original by Nobuya Muramoto, Himeji Bureau)