Overview:
Himeji-jo is a hilltop castle,as opposed to a flatland or mountain complex,and comprises of 83 wooden buildings that are recognised as ... more »either "National Treasures" or "Important Cultural Properties".It is also listed as a "UNESCO World Heritage Site". The castle is occasionally known as "Hakurojo" (White Egret Castle) or "Shirasagijo" (White Heron Castle)because of it's brilliant white exterior and it's supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight.
Himejo-jo dates back to 1333, when Akamatsu Norimura (a Samurai and Clan leader)built a fort atop of Himeyama (Mt Hime), but, in 1346, the fort was dismantled and rebuilt as Himeyama-jo. Then, two-centuries later, the castle was remodelled and renamed Himeji-jo. In 1581, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (a Daimyo or territorial Lord) significantly remodelled the castle and added a 3-story castle keep. From 1601 to 1603 the castle was completely rebuilt, expanding it into a large castle complex,then,from 1617 to 1618, several more buildings were added to the complex. For more than 400-years, Himeji-jo has remained intact, even throughout the extensive bombings of Himeji, during World War II, Natural Disasters,such as the 1995 "Great Hanshin Earthquake", and various typhoons. Today Himeji-jo still survives in it's original form.
I will commence and finish the trail at the J.R. Himeji Station,and take you along the main-street, directly in front of you as you exit the station, to the main entrance of Himeji-jo.Once inside the complex I will leave your itinerary up to you. Take your time wandering-around the grounds (the castle can been seen from many angles, and, whatever angle you look as it from,it is an imposing sight),then, once you enter the castle itself,again,don't be in a hurry.
I have an exercise that may help you in the appreciation of the complex. When you enter the complex itself,close your eyes for a minute.Then imagine you are in the era when the castle was in use (for the purpose of this exercise, lets say it is 1620), now open them. As you wander about the castle try an imagine what it must have been like back then. I do this exercise, when I visit a complex, and it helps me appreciate the era and imagine what it was like to live back then. less «
Himeji Castle
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Himeji Castle
Overview: Himeji-jo is a hilltop castle,as opposed to a flatland or mountain complex,and comprises of 83 wooden buildings that are recognised as ... more »
Tips: From April 2010 through to March 2014, Himeji-jo will be going through some major renovation work on the castle keep's roof and walls. ... more »
Take this guide with you!
- 1. Download the EveryTrail app from the App Store
- 2. Search for the Himeji Castle guide
- 3. Enjoy your self-guided tour
Points of Interest
No matter whereabouts in Japan you are coming-from, you can get to Himeji-eki (station). The station is on the J.R. Main Line and is accessible from all major cities. The J.R. Shinkansen (Bullet Train) also stops here.There are plenty of shops to purchase food & drink for your picnic at Himeji-jo koen (park). Upon exiting the station there are elev... More
This will be your first full view of the castle, before entering the main entrance. Also at this spot, there are likely to be many vendors selling local and national food.
After your 5-minute walk from the main entrance, you have arrived at the Hishi Gate, the main entrance to Himeji-jo. You have paid your admittance fee and are now about to embark on your experience.Enjoy the experience.
The ceiling, of the Ni Gate, is filled with murder holes for defenders to attack enemies trying the breach the castle.
There are some conflicting theories about when,why and how this wall was built but it is still an anomaly.The "Tsuijibei" type walls are very strong, time-consuming and labour intensive to build.So it doesn't make sense why this wall was build in this location of the castle.
This is the "Karametemon" Gate, or rear-gate of the castle.
These "Yagura" (tower or turrent)were the living-quarters for the maidservants of Princess Sen, the granddaughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
You can also see the "Mizukuni Moat" and "Hishi Gate" from this vantage point.
Any time of year is a good time to visit Himeji-jo, but, if you want my recommendation, Spring, especially the Sakura are in full bloom.
Then there is Autumn, with all the many colours that add to the beauty of this time of year.
If you are fortunate to be here, when the conditions are favourable, this will be the result.
Winter, Spring, Autumn, at sunset, at night. Whatever the time-of-year, you have to agree, it is a very-beautiful sight.
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