Koniciwa 9 ; Himeji Castle

A World Culture Heritage Site and a National Treasure of Japan

Himeji Castle built in the early 17th century, represents the highest achievement in Japanese castle architecture. Designated as a national treasure in 1931, the castle was registered as the World Cultural Heritage in 1993 as the first cultural site in Japan. The registration occurred because the castle has kept its original design at the time of construction, such as turrets, stone walls, gates, and moats, which still survive today. The main castle keep (Dai-ten-Shu) connected with three small keeps (Ko-tenshu) linked by passage turrets (Watari yagura) remains perfectly in their original forms. Because of its elegant appearance totally covered with white plaster, the castle has been compared to a white bird flying off to the sky. Its famous nickname is White Heron castle. Take enough time to tour around the castle. (Himeji Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Transportation : 15 min. walk from the north side of the Hemiji Station.

Admission Fee : Free during our visit there. Otherwise, 400 yen (Adult )and Children 100 yen (Apr. 12, 2010 - end of March 2015). After 2015 March 27, 1,000 yen (Adult) and Children 300 yen.

View from the north side of the Himeji Station

 Path way to Himeji Castle

 Main entrance of Himeji Castle

 Spectacular view of Bonsai Garden around the castle

Take enough time to tour around the castle

 Castle cannot be entered until March 2015 because is under construction.

 Its famous nickname is White Heron Castle

 Appearance totally covered with white plaster, the castle has been compared to  white bird flying off to the sky.

 With Cinta

 The castle's beauty and level of perfection are the greatest of any wooden structure in Japan.

 Many structures such as keeps, towers, walls and moat have been well preserved for over 400 years.

The site is famous for showing the unique defensive methods of Japan's feudal era