Originally a castle town, Himeji is the second largest city in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture. This attractive historic town is most famous for its spectacular 400-year-old castle, a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features exquisite traditional Edo-style walled gardens. Outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to hiking in the nearby Mount Seppiko area and going on safari in the Himeji Central Park, which contains an impressive variety of animals including cheetahs, lions, tigers, giraffe, zebra, hippos, elephants, rhinos, kangaroos, bears, and monkeys. Other popular attractions include an aquarium, an amusement park, a botanical garden, and a number of interesting local museums.