Facilities
Facilities & Services Information
As a personal hotel in Himeji Castle Town, we collaborate with many artists closely associated with Himeji and
Claire Higasa to offer warmth and comfort to our guests.
Our hotel is equipped with facilities that ensure a comfortable stay for our guests.
We look forward to welcoming you with heartfelt hospitality.
Gallery
There is a space where you can feel the breath of Himeji's artists.
The creative flower vases and hibachi wind chimes by the 53rd-generation Keizo Myochin and the large table
by
woodworking furniture artist Naoki Mukaiyama create an atmosphere unique to Himeji.
In addition to enjoying dinner or tea time, the space is also available for work.
How about meeting with guests or stepping out of your room to work in an art-filled space for a change of
pace?
Gallery Space / 1F
- Work
- Free Drinks
- Available Hours
-
15:00〜23:00
*Please refrain from using the space if you have a dinner reservation. - Special Features
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Library (Books and magazines related to Himeji)
Aroma (Traditional Japanese incense)
BGM
Flowers - Capacity
- 6-40 people
Claire Higasa and the Artists
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Furniture Craftsman
Naoki Mukaiyama
Mukaiyama has a workshop in Chizu Town. Most of his creations are chairs, with very few tables and no cabinets. His goal is to create stable chairs with intentional fine lines, inspired by the Danish designer Finn Juhl. Currently, only tables are available, but he plans to increase furniture that matches the atmosphere of Higasa.
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Gallery Artist
Munetaka Myochin
From his workshop overlooking Himeji Castle, Myochin, the 52nd head of the Myochin family, continues the tradition of crafting hibashi wind chimes, known for their clear tone. The Myochin family, originally armor makers for the Sakai clan, has a long history in Himeji. Myochin's hibashi wind chimes were introduced at the Osaka Takashimaya store's "Japanese Tradition Exhibition" 30 years ago, and are now widely recognized. At Claire Higasa's gallery cafe, you can find various works by Myochin, including hibashi wind chimes and flower vases.
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Renovation Advisor
Kichiichi Nishimura
Nishimura Yoshikazu, a former Ministry of Education official, has been involved in the major restoration of Himeji Castle since the Showa era. He originally studied architecture in Mie Prefecture and began working in cultural property restoration. At 25, he was asked to assist with repairs at Horyu-ji Temple, which he was excited about. However, just before leaving, his supervisor redirected him to Himeji Castle, a project considered of lesser importance at the time. Over time, Nishimura came to appreciate Himeji Castle’s significance and began to photograph it. After the restoration was completed, he became a Himeji City employee, responsible for castle maintenance, and gradually developed a deep connection with the castle. Now retired, he continues to pass on his knowledge of traditional architecture through a study group for young city employees, emphasizing the need for hands-on experience.
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Painter
Nobuko Itozu
Born in Tokyo, Totsu Nobuko graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts before moving to France. Starting with her first exhibition in Paris in 1977, she has held solo exhibitions in both Paris and Tokyo. She has also written several books, including "Sleepless City," which won the 19th Kodansha Essay Award. Her writing beautifully captures the timeless allure of Paris, weaving together the city’s past and present from both a resident’s and a traveler’s perspective. Her essays are regarded as some of the best depictions of Paris, and she was invited to design for Claire Higasa due to the owner’s fondness for France.
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Ceramic Artist
Yuji Shimomura
Shimomura Hiroshi is the second-generation head of the Banshu Seisei Kiln. His signature glaze, "Shiyouyu," produces vibrant crystal patterns on a pale blue base, each piece unique due to the unpredictable nature of the glaze. Born in Himeji in 1963, he was taught by his father, a tea master and ceramic artist. After graduating from Kyoto Sangyo University in 1986, he began his own journey in ceramics, teaching classes at cultural centers and holding solo exhibitions at major department stores. Shimomura’s work, including handwashing basins, is showcased at Claire Higasa, where he continues to preserve the traditional Japanese craft.
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Painter
Hirohito Onishi
Born on January 17, 1961, in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Oonishi Hirohito formed the comedy duo "Charanparan" in 1979 with his high school classmate Tomiyoshi Makoto. After gaining popularity through appearances on the TV show "Owarai Star Tanjou," he pursued both comedy and art. Oonishi studied art at Kyoto Seika University and made his professional debut as a painter in 1983. Over the years, he has won numerous awards for both comedy and art, including prestigious accolades at the NHK Kamigata Comedy Contest and the ABC Newcomer Contest. In 1992, he opened the Oonishi Hirohito Art School, and his works have been exhibited at various exhibitions, including the Kobe Niki Exhibition. Several of his oil paintings are displayed at Claire Higasa, where he held a solo exhibition in 2008. He continues to update his official blog, "Diary of the Sun."
Banquet Hall
We provide venues and meals for various occasions. Whether it's a year-end or New Year's party, wedding,
celebration, memorial service, or meeting, our facilities are versatile and can accommodate your needs.
Day-use is also available. Reservations are required, so feel free to contact us.
*The gallery area is also available for banquet use. Please contact us for details.
(6–36 people)
Banquet Hall / Conference Room / 2F
- Conference
- Banquet
- Meals
- Available Hours
- 12:00〜22:00
- Capacity
-
6–40 people
*Can be changed to table seating or Japanese tatami seating.
Parking
We have a parking lot that can accommodate 22 vehicles.
- Available Hours
- Parking available 24 hours
- Parking Fee
-
【Per Night】
Small/Regular cars ¥880 (incl. tax)
*During the day (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM), the fee is ¥700 (incl. tax).
Minibuses ¥2,200 (incl. tax)
Large trucks/buses ¥2,750 (incl. tax)
*For vehicles other than the above, please contact us.
*Overnight parking is from 3:00 PM to 10:00 AM the next day.
*Electric vehicle charging facilities available.
*Parking is available for hotel guests only.
*Please indicate your use of the parking lot when making a reservation.
Other Facilities
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Entrance
A bright and open entrance designed as an oasis in Himeji. Please feel free to open the door.
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Front Desk
We provide a heartfelt service that is more than just formal reception, with a refined hospitality.
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Coin Laundry Space
Laundry facilities are available on-site. Washing machines (2 paid), dryers (2 paid). Detergent is automatically dispensed.
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Vending Machine Room
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available. A microwave is also available for use.
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Free Rental Services
Pants press, humidifier, children's yukata, and iron (limited quantity) are available. Please feel free to ask at the front desk or call for immediate delivery.
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Ice Machine (Free)
Located at the 1st-floor cafe gallery and drink counter.
Thoughtful Design
As a hotel in the Himeji Castle town, we have collaborated with many artists associated with Himeji to create a unique setting. Among the works you’ll find are those by the 53rd generation master of the Myochin family of Himeji, painter Oonishi Koji, human national treasure papermaker Abe Eishiro, and internationally active oil painter Totsu. Additionally, we have woodblock prints by local artist Iwata and tables by Naoki Mukaiyama, a recipient of the Grand Prize at the International Furniture Competition. All these artists are deeply connected to Claire Higasa.