Declan Murphy wrote:

> Out of the way places to go would be be good. I know the main sites in
> Himeji & then Shoshazan, but everything else down that way is still
> "here be dragons".

I think a lot depends on the person (or people), and what you're
looking to do, but a short list of infrequently visited places
includes:

Otokoyama and Senhime Shrine. The shrine isn't much, but I really like
this hill. It's just West of the castle and the views are spectacular.
Some of the best photos of Himeji come from here.

The parks around the castle. Most people go to the castle and maybe the
gardens next door (Kokoen). Few people circumnavigate the castle.
There's a nice park behind (good for anyone with kids, but nice in
general), and the walk along the moat is pretty nice.

Himeji Zoo, next to the castle. Possibly the worst zoo in the world.
But if you want to see a lion really, really close up this is the place
to do it, and it's relatively cheap. Also good for kids; lots of rides
and games.

Hiromine; it's a smallish shrine, but I really, really like the area
behind the shrine. Actually, I can suggest a good hike from the closest
rail station (Nozato) that passes through an oldish residential
neighborhood with one of those good, classic 'neighborhood' temples.

There's also a temple to the East of Hiromine; Mt. Masui, I believe
it's called, with Zuiganji. I've never been there, but it looks neat. I
believe it's possible to hike from Hiromine to Masui. That's the plan
for my next trip, maybe even hiking from Masui to Engyoji. If you go,
let me know if it's worthwhile.

This site has a list of some stuff to see and do in Himeji.
http://sansenya.com/other_areas.html
http://www.city.himeji.hyogo.jp/kyo-bunka/bunkazai/itiran/zuiganji.html

John W.