Koko-en looks worth more than a quick lap

The bamboo corner at Koko-en catches my eye: little stone steps between the stems, with a roofed pavilion to one side. Koko-en is a group of nine gardens beside Himeji Castle, including a pond garden. For adults who don't live in Himeji, the standard castle ticket is ¥2,500; castle plus Koko-en is ¥2,600. Only ¥100 extra, though the garden still needs a place in the day's plans. I'd leave a gap before the return train.