Is Himeji Castle Worth Visiting?

Of course. Himeji Castle (aka Himeji-jō) is one of the five castles to become a Japan National Treasure in 1931. Moreover, among the hundred Japanese castles, it is the first and only one to get a UNESCO World Heritage Site accolade in 1993 to represent Japanese wooden castle architecture. Its rich history dated back as far as 1333. Don’t you want the medieval castle to be part of your travel itinerary in Japan?

Himeji Castle original preservation survived the miraculous ordeal of the destruction despite two air raids which reduced Himeji to ashes during World War II in 1945. It is one of the most sought-after factors to witness its natural wooden beauty. While most visitors appreciated its originality, some remarked that there was nothing much to see inside Himeji Castle except for wood and stairs.

After all, one should feel thankful that a medieval castle was left behind intact, leaving behind a history so we can continue to visualise its past today. Moreover, in the olden days, things were kept relatively simple while serving its military function as a sophisticated defence system in the fortified Himeji Castle. It had also miraculously withstood the disastrous bombing of World War II and the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995.

The nearest train station to reach Himeji Castle is Himeji Station. Whether you are coming from the Himeji train station by foot, from Kansai Airport or other cities in Kansai Region – Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, there are two comprehensive guides on the transport options, estimated fares and time to make sure you get to Himeji Castle as per your travel plan.

 

You can buy the Himeji Castle tickets at the ticket machines outside the entrance or at the ticket office. The entry fee for adults is ¥1,000 and ¥300 for students under 18 years old, whereas pre-school children can enter for free. The admission ticket is only valid on the same day of purchase. You can also book your entrance ticket in advance here with an English speaking tour guide.

Himeji Castle Ticket Machines

» Himeji Castle + Koko-en Garden Ticket Combo

After finishing the tour, I wanted to visit the Koko-en Garden later after doing some research for Himeji attractions near to the castle. I was not discovered that I could get a combined ticket for Himeji Castle + Kokoen Garden for ¥1,040 (children ¥360) earlier at the ticket office. I was not aware of in the first place.

I returned to the ticket window and asked if I could top-up ¥40 just to try my luck. The counter staff said told me that it was not possible after completing the Himeji Castle tour. On a separate note, the combo ticket can only be purchased from the ticket counter and not from the ticket machines.

» Kokoen Garden Admission Ticket

I had to pay the full Koko-en Garden ticket price at ¥300 (children ¥150) and was quite reluctant to pay for the entry fee even though it was my folly. I hope my disappointing experience can make you plan better in advance if you want to go to Kokoen Garden on the same day.

The garden is a 12-min walk, 850 m from Himeji Castle. Especially in autumn, it must be stunning to visit looking at the gorgeous photos. The Koko-en Garden was built in 1992 to commemorate the 100th year history of Himeji City establishment in 1889 at Hyogo Prefecture.

Himeji Castle opening hours are daily from 9 am to 5 pm and till 6 pm during summer. The ticket counter and last entry will stop at 4 pm and 5 pm during the summer. It is closed on 29 and 30 December every year. It is advisable to go as early as possible to avoid the crowd build-up during the late morning and afternoon. In the morning, there are fewer people so that you can have a more relaxed atmosphere, especially in the castle enclosed area.

If the crowd gets too large and unmanageable, the number of visitors will be restricted to 15,000 visitors daily inside the Main Keep (main building). Then, a numbered ticket will be issued to them on a first-come, first-served basis. I had heard the announcement in Main Keep a few times in the afternoon. Surely, you do not want to be the one getting the number, waiting to get inside the Main Keep.

During peak hours, the queue at the ticket counter can be as long as one hour. I went before 10 am, and there was no queue at the ticket counter. Therefore, you want to avoid it to maximise your visit time inside the castle. When I left the place 4 hours later, there were already tour groups outside the Himeji Castle entrance. Do note that once you exit, re-entry to Himeji Castle is not allowed.

Here are 9 tips to know before travelling to Himeji Castle.

Outside the big gate of Himeji Castle is Ote-Mon. There are some men dressed up as the Japanese guards. You can take photographs with them before entering to buy Himeji Castle admission ticket. Many tourists are keen to take pictures with them so there may be a wait. How Long to Spend at Himeji Castle? I spent 4 hours at Himeji Castle. The average time is 2 hours for others. So, what to see in Himeji Castle?

Himeji Castle Entrance
Left: Sakura-mon Bridge | Right: Ote-mon Gate

Warriors @ Ote-mon Gate

1.Main Keep

Also known as the “White Heron Castle” that resembled a heron taking flight, the 5-storey Main Keep tower has in fact, 6 levels inside for visiting and one basement used as sink. The interior is made entirely of wood and recognised as the most significant wooden building in Japan. Since the visitors cannot wear shoes inside the Main Keep, the wooden floor is well-maintained and looked clean.

Walking towards Main Keep

Main Keep

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Signboard on Every Floor of Main Keep

• 1st Floor: (Six Petals Nail Covers) Decorative covers conceal head nails on Nageshi (beams connected to pillars)
• 2nd Floor: (Gable Rooms) A garret room over the entrance of the building and one of the lattice windows can be opened
• 3rd Floor: (Warrior Concealed Places) Warriors used the four corners of the space as a hiding place to deploy an ambush
• 4th Floor: (Smoke Vents) The high windows allowed the gun smoke to dissipate
• 5th Floor: (West Large Pillar) Extension of large columns of east and west from the basement to the 5th-floor beam. The west pillar had been replaced from 1956 to 1964 while the east pillar retained the original material.

• 6th Floor: You will see that the 6th floor is the most packed with visitors. People are also queuing up or somewhat, move very slowly to descend from the steep steps. Over here, there is a shrine for people to make prayer and donate money for good luck.
  

  6th Floor @ Main Keep

With every floor you go, people are busy taking photographs of the magnificent scenery through the window grill. Visitors were generally obeying the instruction not to take photos inside the building. Through the window, one can see one of the eight family crests beautifying the tip of the ridged tiles. The crest identity is one unique reason that makes Himeji Castle remarkable especially when seen from the high floor window at close range.

 

Shachihoko (aka Sachi) is a legendary animal in Japanese folklore. Some claimed that it was a killer whale, while others said that it had a tiger head and a carp body. Nonetheless, it was a mascot that was placed at the top of the castle to ward off fire.

2.West Bailey and Cosmetic Tower

~ Tale of Princess Sen ~

After visiting the Main Keep, I moved around to explore more of the surrounding. The entire castle was so big that I did not know if there were other buildings which I had missed. Shortly, I went to West Bailey (Nishi-no-Maru) and Cosmetic Tower (Kesho-yagura Tower).

I was especially intrigued and touched by the Himeji Castle History of Princess Sen at the tower that I had to pen it down briefly after reading the stories displayed in the rooms. Princess Sen married Toyotomi Hideyori at the age of 7, and they lived in Osaka Castle. Unfortunately, he committed suicide during the Osaka Summer Battle.

Later, she remarried to the handsome Honda Tadatoki, son of the Himeji Castle’s lord at 20 years old. She immersed in a blissful 10-year marriage with a son and a daughter. The son died of a disease at the age of three. Misfortune struck once again, and Honda Tadatoki also passed away at the age of 31.

Princess Sen returned to Edo and became a nun under the name of Tenjuin. She spent the rest of her life mourning for the death of her husband and son until she passed away at 70. It was described that she had a romantic relationship, but her happiness was so short-lived. It was a tragic ending and heart-wrenching pain of losing her loved ones.

West Bailey (Nishi-no-Maru) was the place she lived, and the Cosmetic Tower (Kesho-yagura Tower) was her grooming room. There was also a doll figure of Princess alone in the room. I pondered for a while and decided not to take photographs of her after some emotional thoughts. I just took a view of the scenery from outside the building.

View from West Bailey

3.Himeji Castle Well (Okiku’s Well)

Here is another fascinating, but a slightly spooky story (for me) of the Himeji Castle Okiku’s Well, which is quite a well-known story among the Japanese. Some people do not like to eerie story at all, so I have hidden this section intentionally.

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Around the year 1500, a regent to the lord of Himeji Aoyama plotted with Danshirō to kill the lord of Himeji, Norimoto to gain control of the castle. Aoyama was a regent to the lord. Norimoto’s loyal servant, Motonobu sent a girl, Okiku to act as a spy to uncover the plot in Aoyama’s house serving as a maid.

After ascertaining the assassins, Okiku told Motonobu. Norimoto escaped to leshima (Himeji City) while Tetsuzuan seized the power of the castle. Danshirō forced Okiku to marry him after knowing what she did. Okiku rejected him as her heart was with Motonobu.

Danshirō then hid one of the ten plates from Aoyama’s family treasure and framed Okiku for the theft. However, Okiku adamantly stuck to her initial decision not to marry him. Enraged, Danshirō threw her body down a well. It was said that ever since the voice of Okiku was heard counting the nine remaining plates repeatedly from the well.

That was how the term ‘Okiku’s ghost’ came about in the Japanese Ghost Story, Banchō Sarayashiki as a depiction of Okiku wrongful death. Eventually, Motonobu and his accomplices overthrown Tetsuzan and his conspirators. Okiku was also enshrined in Jūnisho Shrine as Okiku Daimyōjin.

Himeji Castle Okiku Well

4.Old Widow’s Stone (Ubagaishi)

Ubaigashi (Old Widow’s Stone) are filling stones loaded on the upper part of the stone wall as chipped hand mill stones. One folktale was that when Hideyoshi erected Himeji Castle, he had problems obtaining sufficient stones. A poor old woman who heard the news about it decided to donate her hand mill stones.

The old woman’s magnanimous act spread to every corner of the province. Others also came forward to contribute the stones, which resulted in rapid construction. The story was not true as the stone wall with Ubaigashi was built by Ikeda Terumasa instead. Another belief was that the placement of the stone acted as a charm to prevent it from collapsing.

 

Besides Himeji Castle, you can visit the places of interest around it such as Kokoen Garden. You can also pop into one of the restaurants to get some food along Otemae St. I tried out a bento set in one of the restaurants. Other suggestions to fully maximise your day after Himeji Castle visit would be shopping at Nikaimachi and Nishi-Nikaimachi. The two Japanese style shopping streets are separated by the road. For more information, check out things to do in Himeji.

How to Get to Himeji Castle from Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe by Train

You can get to Himeji Station from Himeji Castle from Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe with Shinkansen bullet train or JR train. Shinkansen is faster and more expensive. JR trains can save you half the train fare but takes a longer time to reach Himeji. If you have a JR Pass, you can catch both types of train. Why visit Himeji?

Himeji Castle, situated in the city Himeji is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has a long-standing history backdated in 1333. The first large-scale construction of the castle started in 1346 on Himeyama Hill by Akamatsu Sadanori. Its name was Himeyama Castle at that time.

It is considered one of Japan’s three renowned castles along with Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture and Kumamoto Castle in the Kumamoto Prefecture. However, it is the only one that is registered in the UNESCO in 1993.

Also known as the “White Heron Castle” or “White Egret Castle”, Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan. Therefore, if you are overwhelmed by more than 100 castles to visit in Japan, then Himeji Castle should be your priority in your Japan itinerary as it is regarded as a National Treasure.

Translated from Kanji ” National Treasure, Himeji Castle”

Therefore, one should not miss a visit to Himeji Castle on a day trip. The nearest train station to Himeji Castle is Himeji Station which is 18 minutes walk and a distance of 1.3 km. On the way, you will see some souvenir shops and can also try out the inexpensive food at the small-scaled Japanese-style restaurants called【Izakaya】with only a few seats from Himeji Station to Himeji Castle (Show Map).

Bus from Himeji Station to Himeji Castle

If you do not want to walk, you can also take a bus from Himeji North Station Exit bus stop. A bus will cost you ¥100 (US$0.92 / €0.83 / S$1.26) for a 5-minute ride. You can pay cash or with an ICOCA card. Do note that you have to enter from the back door of the bus instead of the typical front door. You may have to take a ticket from the machine after entering the bus. If you pay with an ICOCA card, tap the sensor when you alight at the front door.

If you are coming from Kansai Airport to Himeji Station, here is a comprehensive guide and the various transport options. This route was what I took when I went to Himeji from Kansai Airport.

Himeji Train Station Lockers and Luggage Storage

Coin lockers and luggage storage compartments can be found on almost all train stations with the convenience of travel while leaving your luggage and extra bags behind. You should never leave any valuables inside the lockers for security reason. Himeji Train Station is one of them with plenty of lockers in different sizes.

Here are the 3 types of coin lockers available in approximate dimension (height x width x depth):

• Small
  • 35cm x 34cm x 57cm (13in x 13in x 22in)
  • Has the most number of compartments in almost all train stations
  • Cost: ¥300 (US$2.75 / €2.50 / S$3.75)

• Medium
  • 57cm x 34cm x 57cm (22in x 13in x 22in)
  • Available in moderate quantity at major train stations
  • Cost: ¥500 (US$4.60 / €4.15 / S$6.25)

• Large 
  • 117cm x 34cm x 57cm (44in x 13in x 22in)
  • Available in small number at major train stations
  • Cost: ¥700 (US$6.45 / €5.85 / S$8.75)

You need to use ¥100 coin for these lockers, so get them ready. Some coin lockers accept the ICOCA Card as payment. For overnight locker use after midnight (or at 2 am), an additional ¥300 is charged. The maximum number of days you can use a locker is 3 days, after which the station staffs will remove it away.

Himeji Station Train Lines

You can reach Himeji Station by bullet train via Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen line or the following JR Train Lines from other cities:

• Tokaido-Sanyo Line
• Super Hakuto
• Hamakaze
• Bantan Line
• Kishin Line
• San-yo Line

Types of Shinkansen Bullet Trains

For Shinkansen bullet train, the Nozomi and Mizuho trains take the shortest time running on the rail line of Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen to Himeji. They stop at fewer stations than Hikari (second fastest class category) and Sakura. Kodama trains, being the slowest category stop at every station, will take a longer time to arrive at the destinations compared to the others.

Do note that JR Pass does not cover Shinkansen – Nozomi and Mizuho train category. You have to pay the full fare.

TIP: For first-timers to Japan, there will be a train schedule board on every platform stating the Shinkansen arrival time and train category. The Japanese trains are punctual to the dot. If you hold a JR Pass, look at the board and catch the appropriate train category with the correct timing and platform.

As Osaka is the most populated city in the Kansai region and one of the top tourist cities, there are many different train routes to go to Himeji. It is not possible to discuss every option as the train line to take depends on where you stay in Osaka too. Therefore, we are focusing on the main Osaka train stations to go to Himeji Castle, forgoing the smaller connecting points such as metro and bus from the accommodation to get to the main Osaka train terminals.

Trains from Osaka to Himeji Castle

Generally, the main train lines that take you from Osaka to Himeji Station is Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen by bullet train and Tokaido Sanyo Line by JR Train. You can only take a Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station. It is also the fastest way to get from Osaka to Himeji Station in 30 minutes but the most expensive method. JR Trains will give you a longer route, but you can save half the cost compared to taking a Shinkansen if you do not have a JR Pass.

The train fares to Himeji Station from Osaka below are extracted from Google Maps. They are accurate when we compared the actual cost versus the stated price during our trip to Japan. However, you have to know that the cost may differ when you take a different class of Shinkansen trains and at different timing, for instance during peak hours and over the weekend.

Below are some options to help you plan your day trip from Osaka to Himeji by train from the 3 main stations in Osaka. See which one is the most convenient for you to go to Himeji Station. Sometimes, one terminal has many stations with the same names, which can be confusing. Thus, I have also attached a map for you.

The fastest way to Himeji Castle from Kyoto is with a Shinkansen bullet train of 55 minutes. It costs from ¥5,170 onwards with Hikari Train and can go as high as ¥5,690 during peak hours and over the weekend with a 45-min Nozomi train. A cheaper alternative would be the JR Train on Tokaido-Sanyo Line for ¥2,310, but the duration is 1 hr 35 min from Kyoto to Himeji Station.

Among the three cities, Kobe is the nearest to Himeji. Kobe Station and Sannomiya Station are two main terminals in Kobe city which you can take only JR trains from either one of them. For Hanshin Line to Himeji, take a train from Kobe-Sannomiya Station to San-yo-Himeji Station which is slightly nearer to Himeji Castle than Himeji Station.

If you want to take Shinkansen, it will be at Shin-Kobe Station, 1.2 km away and a 17-min walk from Sannomiya Station. Alternatively, you can also take a subway from Seishin-Yamate Line for 1 stop which costs ¥210 (US$1.90 / €1.75 / S$2.60) to reach Shin-Kobe Station if you do not want to walk.

Follow me to the next post to see the beauty of Himeji Castle and what to expect in Japan’s largest castle. Other than visiting Himeji Castle, you can make full use of the day trip to visit more places of interests in the city by foot. They are all near to Himeji Castle, so it is better to start the day as early as possible to maximise the visit. If you have two days in Himeji, I would also recommend you to visit Engyo-Ji Temple on the following day, taking a bus from Himeji Station.

How to Get from Kansai Airport to Himeji by Limousine Bus or Trains

There are many ways to travel from Osaka (KIX) Kansai Airport to Himeji. The easiest and cheapest way is to take a limousine bus directly from Kansai Airport to Himeji Station. You can also take a combination of bus, JR trains, metro and Shinkansen to reach Himeji, but you will have to change trains. Therefore, the second option is not advisable when it comes to convenience and cost.

I stayed with Maya, my Japanese friend near Himeji Castle for a few days at Hyogo. She was the one who proposed taking a direct bus from KIX Airport and not train. As a local, she knows best about airport transfer from Kansai to Himeji Station since she is living there. If you are going to Himeji from Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, refer to the article for a comprehensive guide.

I will be providing you with information along the way as it can be a challenge to look at some websites when the language is only in Japanese. You have to do an on-page translation in your browser. Without the translation extension installed on the browser, it will not be easy to navigate and obtain the information on Japanese sites compared to those from other countries.

1.Direct Kansai Airport Limousine Bus to Himeji

The best way to get from Kansai Airport to Himeji is by Kansai Airport Limousine Bus which is a direct bus with only one stop. There are two websites you can refer to for the bus ticket and schedule from Kansai Airport to Himeji Station – KATE and Shinki Bus. Both companies sell the same type of bus ticket and have the same telephone number (+81) 078-231-4892 for making a reservation.

KATE stands for Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise. From the website, you can see two tabs of bus schedules departing from Kansai Airport Terminal 1 and 2, and also from Kakogawa Station (HM1) and Himeji Station (HM2). The endpoint will be either one of these four stations. The alighting point for Himeji is at bus stop no. 11, located at Himeji Terminal Square, opposite Himeji Station.

The adult and children bus fares in Yen from Kansai Airport to Himeji Station below have been converted to USD, EURO and SGD. The bus fare may differ with dates from 1 October onwards being ¥100 more expensive at ¥3,400.

You can also refer to the Quick Yen Conversion Table by filtering the Yen amount in every ¥500 to give you a quick estimation in USD, EURO or SGD. It can provide you with a more convenient travel trip on your mobile, with or without an internet connection.

The problem is that both KATE and Shinki Bus does not allow you to book online if you are not in Japan. In other words, the payment system is blocked for other countries out of Japan. Maya told me she could see the booking system on her end but not for me.

According to both websites, you have to reserve the ticket to go to Kakogawa or Himeji Station by calling either one company. Without reservation, you can only depend on the seat availability on that day of arrival and buy one ticket on the spot. Don’t you find it risky if there is no more bus ticket from Kansai Airport to Himeji without reserving?

Maya offered to reserve for me by calling the company. The next day, she had my seat reserved and also paid for it. I was lucky to have a friend in Japan who could help me book online. So, what about you? You may not have a friend residing in Japan like Maya who can do the same.

» Enquiry to Shinki Bus

At the same time, I also sent an inquiry to Shinki Bus the day before prior to Maya’s reservation. On the other hand, I could not find an email address or a feedback form on KATE so I only enquired from Shinki Bus.

Below is the reply from Shinki Bus who replied to me promptly the next day:-

» Bus Stop Locations @ Kansai Airport Terminal 1 and 2

Here are the addresses of both Kansai Airport Terminal 1 and 2 to locate the bus stop departing to Kakogawa/Himeji Station. For Kansai Airport transfer between Terminal 1 and 2, click on any of the links below and scroll to the end.

*The Ticket Window Counters are the only places where you can pay with credit cards at the airport.

Kansai Airport Terminal 1 @ Bus Stop 6

The profile image pic is where you will queue up and wait for the Shinki Bus. You can also buy a ticket to Himeji at the window counter, but the limo bus that goes to Himeji is not the same as the online purchase from Shinki Bus. I watched one bus to Himeji leave as my ticket did not allow me to board. You will still go to Bus Stop 6. The bus attendants will guide you where to queue.

KATE: Bus Stops @ Kansai Airport Terminal 1

Kansai Airport Terminal 2 @ Bus Stop 4

KATE: Bus Stops @ Kansai Airport Terminal 2

» Drop-Off Bus Stop Location @ Himeji Eki Mae

The precise drop-off point for buses departing from Kansai Airport and (also for Itami Airport) is at Himeji Eki Mae bus stop (Show Streetview)

which is 120 m away from Himeji Train Station as per the image below. Oh yes, there is a toilet inside the bus for the 2h 20 min journey. The duration taken is exactly the ETA stated on the KATE website.

Shinki Bus Drop-off Bus Stop @ Himeji Eki Mae Bus Stop Beside Himeji Station

2.KIX to Himeji Station by Various Airport Transfers » Limo Bus + JR Trains + Shinkansen

Although Option 1 above is the most preferred and convenient method, one must always have a contingency plan in case the bus ticket for that day is sold out. Then, you will not feel lost or helpless if that happens. So now, here is the second way to go from Kansai Airport to Himeji by train or a combination of a limo bus, JR Trains, subway/metro and Shinkansen.

» Get an ICOCA Transport Card or Japan Rail (JR) Pass

» Limousine Bus + Train Combo from Kansai Airport to Himeji Station

Here is a combination of options (and more) to go from Kansai Airport to Himeji Station. Among all Kansai Airport Transport combo, Method 1 is the fastest and Method 3 is the cheapest and most practical if you do not want to buy a JR Pass. You can get the Kansai Airport Limousine Bus ticket online or at the counter (refer to the images of Airport Terminal 1 and 2 above).

3.Conclusion

You can see the complication of changing a few means of transport to Himeji Station if you are not taking a direct bus. The few methods quoted above are just some of the results with fewer transfers found on Google Maps (Show Map).

There are many more if you click on “More Options” on the map. As the results are dynamic and live, the maps will show different results each time.

Some are not feasible and require changing the trains 5 or 6 times while you manoeuvre around with luggage. Additionally, the duration taken to walk with a suitcase will be longer. It is best to avoid it if possible. Next, follow me to Himeji Castle, Engyoji Temple and the things to do in Himeji city.

Quick Yen Conversion Table from JPY to USD, SGD and EURO

Yen to Dollar conversion is daunting. As Japanese Yen has a large number for its exchange rate like Polish Zloty, it is a challenge to do the calculation mentally unless you are a Math genius. I am facing this problem for my travel trip to Japan. Therefore, I decided to create a quick Yen Conversion Table and share with you the following currencies that can also be used offline.

There are a total of 204 entries up to a search value of JP¥ 100,000.

• JPY to SGD (Singapore Dollar)
• JPY to USD (US Dollar)
• JPY to EURO

This JPY currency conversion guide is not meant to provide a 100% accuracy as the exchange rate is subjected to daily fluctuation. However, the estimated SGD, USD and EURO exchange rate will not differ too far off from the actual value as I update it regularly. The aim is to give you a quick estimation of the currency amount without using a calculator or an online converter which requires internet to work.

Search and Filter Function of Yen Conversion Table

The ‘Seach and Filter’ function requires the mobile data internet to work typically. When you come across a price in JP¥, round it to the nearest ¥500 and input the figure without any punctuation. Eg. Input ‘JP¥ 12,345’ as 12000 or 12500 under the search bar to get an estimated conversion rate in USD, EURO or SGD.

Quick Guide Exchange Rate

• 100 Yen = US$0.92 / €0.83 / S$1.26
• 1,000 Yen = US$9.21 / €8.26 / S$12.55
• 10,000 Yen = US$92.08 / €82.64 / S$125.47
• 100,000 Yen = US$920.81 / €826.45 / S$1,254.71

How to Use JPY Conversion Table Offline for Your Travel?

METHOD 1 | Preload this page fully on your mobile phone before going out when you have WiFi access in your hotel or with your mobile data before switching it off. Consequently, the search function may still work later when you don’t have the data connection anymore as your mobile will cache a copy. That is provided if you do NOT refresh this page on your phone when there is no internet connection.

METHOD 2 | Sign up a free account with Pocket. Download the Pocket app on your mobile. Save this page on the website or the app by clicking the URL. After that, you can read any article offline with Pocket on your mobile. I usually saved a lot of posts into Pocket before travelling to read on the plane.

The disadvantage is that some functions needed to support a webpage or a feature to work correctly may be missing for offline use. Thus, the design, layout and alignment will get a simplified style. In this case, you get the full list of all the entries instead of the pagination. Overall, it is still a great mobile app to use for saving relevant articles while travelling without internet access.

Quick Japanese Yen Conversion to SGD / USD / EURO

Is Your Currency Not Inside?

If you find this Yen Conversion Table beneficial and not available in your currency, please leave a comment below with your travel date and the currency you need. I will add one more column of what you need for your travel. I will be happy to know that my JPY Conversion Table is helping other travellers and bloggers to explore Japan on an environmentally-friendly trip by going paperless. What do you think?