Himeji-jo

The castle is also known as Shirasagi, the white heron, because of its gracefulness. It was added by the Unesco because of its wooden castle structure of incomparable worth in the world, which as a whole is also very well preserved.

Himeji is the best-preserved example of 16th century Japanese castle architecture. It was built in 1580 by a lord called Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

The castle consists of 83 buildings, and has a highly developed defense system. The (wooden) walls are stuck with fireproof white plaster. They have openings for firing guns and shooting arrows, and also for pouring boiling water or oil on unwelcome visitors (that interesting military custom we also know from medieval Europe ...).

The current building is still the over 400 years old original.

Year	Decision	Comments
1993	Inscribed	Reasons for inscription

Visit May 2000

Although the castle always looks very impressive on pictures, you cannot see it from the Himeji railwaystation. Only when you enter the castle grounds the building unfolds itself in for your eyes. In my opinion, the building can use some (white) paint.

On the inside it is a normal castle, with long and empty halls. You can climb to the 6th floor, but to be honest: there is not much to see.

Reviews

A. O`Riordan (US):
An absolutely gorgeous building, complete with romance and ghost stories! Also a nice place for a picnic...
It was a stormy day when I went, and the sky was dark...providing gorgeous contrast with the white walls and dark evergreens.
I do warn that to actually get around inside the keep itself is well worth it, but may be extremely hard on the frail and impossible for those with handicaps as the `steps`, more like the ladders of a ship`s cabin, are hard to navigate, especially in the slick slippers they give you in lieu of your shoes. I nearly fell a number of times!
The bailey was my preferred section, being that except for occasional tour groups it was usually unihabited thus making it easy to place yourself back in the day of its construction. The model room and statue are a nice touch to help you get into the era.
You can get an English speaking guide for free at the gate, or join a Japanese language tour if you`d like though I preferred wandering alone. They explain a good many interesting tidbits however.

Date posted: July 2005

jaxon nobori (U.S.A.):
I made a special trip out of Kyoto, just to see that one castle. I wasn't impressed when I first saw it from the train (approaching Himeiji City), but that feeling was dispelled when I finally got to explore it and climb to the top of the keep/donjon. I went through every bailey possible, and even went out the back entrance, only to backtrack and experience the impressive rear approach as well. What most people miss is the engineering subtleties of the rock foundations and the interior timber framing (especially for the keep). All in all, it lived up to its' reputation. I recommend it for anyone that visits Japan, and who is interested in castle architecture.

C H Ho (Hong Kong, China):
Himeji-jo must be the most beautiful castle in Japan. You can view the castle from Himeji Train Station, or by the way of Shinkansan near Himeji. It really like a flying crane. Climbing to the top of the castle was an very exciting. I could watch all over the city around.

Rob Wilson (UK):
Fantastic! A glorious reminder of Japan's history. The workmanship that must have gone into this castle is incredible. Himeji-jo is, without question, one of the premier sites in all Japan. This should be a prime destination for someone visiting Japan.

Mandy Browne (Australia):
We visited Himeji-jo on a rainy, windy day when a typhoon was carving its way through the middle of Honshu. It is spectacular, set high on a hill easily seen from the train as you pass through Himeji. A 15 minute walk up the hill brings you to what was the middle moat (the outer moat was where the train station now stands!). It is empty of furniture, but contains samurai armour, ancient guns and weapons, writings and paintings of Daimyo.

Actually, it has a very warm feel to it, because of all the timber - a pleasant change to the cold stone castles of europe.
There are spectacular views from the 6th floor - just use your imagination to see all the people living within it's moats and walls.

Joshua (America):
I loved it...it was the most beautiful thing i've ever seen in my life. I took lots of pictures and i plan to take friends there someday. highly recommended. ^_^

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