Himeji Castle 姫路城

Description

One of Japan’s most iconic and beautiful castle complexes, Himeji Castle remains as impressive as it was when it was first built over 400 years ago. Affectionately known as the White Heron Castle because its elegant shape and color are said to resemble such a bird spreading its wings, this hilltop castle overlooking Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1993. Although notable for its distinctive white exterior and aesthetic design, this architectural marvel was first and foremost a military structure. The complex as it stands today was constructed over nine years from 1601 by master castle builder Ikeda Terumasa. Himeji Castle’s main tower has six floors above ground (although only five are visible from the outside) and one below, and is connected to three smaller towers by roofed passageways. The ingenious layout ? including a maze of winding paths and gates that slow down, expose, and confuse would-be invaders ? combined with earthen walls featuring small openings through which defenders could fire guns and shoot arrows to create a highly advanced and imposing military fortress. Despite being built with defense in mind, Himeji Castle has never seen battle. The signature white plaster covering the walls and even the joints between the roof tiles also bolstered its ability to withstand fire and snowstorms, so the main tower, passages, gates, walls and other major structures have survived virtually unscathed since the castle was constructed. A five-year restoration project completed in 2015 has ensured Himeji Castle’s splendor will remain for many generations to come. The castle can be viewed year-round but is widely considered to be at its most spectacular in spring when more than 1,000 cherry trees on its grounds come into bloom.