How Early to Get To Himeji Castle?

We are planning to go from Osaka to Himeji Castle on April 3.

The website indicates it is expected to be crowded this day. It also indicates tickets are limited.

We would like to start as close to the opening time of 9 AM as possible. What time do you think we should arrive to be certain we are able to get tickets, and are able to start early?

Thanks,

Sue

It will take much time to buy entrance ticket.
If you want to see the Japanese garden next to it called Koko-en,
I suppose you could buy the w-ticket include the Castle ticket there,
though I do not know you can buy it now.

https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g298191-d550724-Reviews-K...

When we went in November we arrived 15 min before opening. It was not that crowdy day so we did not need tickets but the line formed quickly. In the end, the castle was full of people even though initially it did not seem so bad. So I think you might need to come at least 45 min before as the sakura season is the peak season. But personally if I really wanted to make sure for early access I would start to line up at 7:45 as you never know when some tourist bus come.