Himeji Castle

In less than an hour from Osaka or Tokyo , you can reach Himeji - the magnificent castle considered by many to be Japan's most beautiful surviving feudal castle.

Himeji Castle , also known as White Crane Castle due to its elegant, white appearance and architecture like a crane spreading its wings is both powerful and powerful against the sky. Himeji castle is considered by many to be Japan's most spectacular castle because of its majestic size and beauty, as well as its elaborate grounds that are well preserved. The castle is both a national treasure and a world heritage site. Unlike many other Japanese castles, it was never destroyed by war, earthquake or fire and stands to this day as one of the country's twelve original castles. The castle recently underwent extensive renovations over several years and was fully reopened to the public in 2015. Himeji Castle is located at a strategic point along the western approach to the ancient capital city of Kyoto. . The first fortifications built on the site were completed in the 1400s, and were gradually expanded over the centuries by the various clans that ruled the area. The castle complex that survives today is over 400 years old and was completed in 1609. It is made up of more than eighty buildings spanning multiple temples, connected by a series of gates and winding path.

Most visitors who visit Himeji Castle enter the castle through the Otemon Gate for free third church access (Sannomaru). Sannomaru has a large lawn lined with cherry trees, and is a popular spot for castle photography and cherry blossom viewing. You can find a ticket booth at the far end of the bailey, where the Hishi Gate marks the entrance to the toll area. The labyrinth-like approach from Hishi Gate to the main gate leads along walled paths and passes through many gates and preservers with the aim of slowing and exposing the attacking force. In the center of the complex is the main house, a six-story wooden structure. It is one of the few preserved castles in Japan to have wing-shaped buildings, adding complexity to its appearance.

Most visitors who visit Himeji Castle enter the castle through the Otemon Gate for free third church access (Sannomaru). Sannomaru has a large lawn lined with cherry trees and is a popular spot for castle photography and cherry blossom viewing. You can find a ticket counter where the Hishi Gate marks the entrance to the toll area. The maze-like approach from Hishi Gate to the main gate leads along walled streets and passes through many gates and preserves for the purpose of castle security as it slows and reveals attacking forces. In the center of the complex is the main house, a six-story wooden structure. It is one of the few preserved castles in Japan to have wing-shaped buildings, adding complexity to its appearance.

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