Himeji Castle – “White Heron Castle”

Himeji Castle in the city of Himeji is Japan's most magnificent castle. The castle is one of the 12 “original castles” in Japan with its 83 buildings and impressive walls and gates. Himeji is one of the 12 original castles in Japan and is a national treasure and a UNESCO world heritage.

If you have only time to visit one castle in Japan, Himeji Castle is the one. But all castles in Japan have their history and uniqueness so why not plan a castle tour all over Japan.

Himeji´s white exterior has made the castle known as "White Heron Castle" (Shirasagi-jô) as the architecture is designed in such a way that it creates the feeling of a bird taking off.
1333 began construction of a fort, at the same place as Himeji Castle stands today. by Akamatsu Norimura ( 1277 - 1350),  a Japanese samurai and later governor (shugo).  In 1346,  the fort  was mounted down and rebuilt as Himeyama Castle at the same place.  In 1581 Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 – 1598) , one of the most remarkable men in Japanese history, added a three-story castle keep. From 1601 to 1618 several building were added to the castle grounds. Unlike many other Japanese castles. The castle was in use until 1868.

Himeji Castle has remained intact as it has    never been destroyed in wars (not even at the extensive bombings of Himeji in World War II),  earthquakes or fires and the castle had therefore kept its original form since 1618.

From Himeji Station, the castle can be reached in a 15-20 minute walk or 5 minute by bus or taxi.  You can see the castle from the train station.