Kyoto and Himeji are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about 45 minutes to reach Himeji Station from Kyoto, while direct Hikari trains require roughly 55 minutes. The regular one way fare from Kyoto to Himeji is around 5000 yen. The Japan Rail Pass fully covers Sakura, Hikari and Kodama trains, but a supplement fee is required on Nozomi trains.
Direct JR special rapid trains (shin-kaisoku) take 90 minutes and cost 2210 yen one way between Kyoto and Himeji. There are departures roughly every 15 minutes. For visiting Himeji in a one day trip from Kyoto using this train, 1-Day JR Kansai Area Pass is a good deal.
From central Kyoto (Kyoto-Kawaramachi or Karasuma stations), take a Hankyu limited express to Hankyu Umeda Station (45 minutes, 410 yen one way), transfer to Hanshin Umeda Station (10 minute walk) and take a limited express train bound for Sanyo-Himeji Station (100 minutes, 1320 yen one way). Sanyo-Himeji Station is located near JR Himeji Station. This route is slower than using JR, but it is cheaper and fully covered by the Kansai Railway Pass.
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 10 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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