Welcome back to our Best Japanese Castles series! As we introduced Best Japanese Castles Series Part 1: Japanese Castle Basics, today we introduce Himeji Castle!

Himeji Castle is a World Heritage site and one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles. You will be surprised when you see the castle because its brilliant white keep and grand architecture are truly breathtaking. Enjoy the stunning scenery from Himeji Castle, a blend of history and nature that makes Himeji Castle an unforgettable destination.

In Part 2, we will explore Himeji Castles, one of the best Japanese castles, and introduce some good resting spots. Let’s dive into the fascinating details of Himeji Castle and discover everything you need to know about this stunning landmark😊

Written by Sakura Mobile Blog Team

Hello readers! Sakura Mobile is a SIM WiFi service provider for international residents and tourists in Japan. Our global editorial team living in Japan will introduce the charms of the country based on what we have actually experienced and felt.

Best Japanese Castles Series Part 2: Himeji Castle

1. Inside Himeji Castle Grounds

Kokoen Japanese Garden (好古園)

Kokoen Garden is located right next to Himeji Castle. This beautiful garden comprises nine separate walled gardens, each designed in a style reflective of Edo-period architecture. The atmosphere that evokes the charm of the Edo period has made it a popular filming location for period dramas and historical TV series. The serene scenery while sipping traditional Japanese green tea makes it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the historical atmosphere!

Japanese Green Tea Shop 双樹庵 (Soju-an tea house)

Located adjacent to Kokoen Garden, Soju-an Tea House offers a delightful experience of enjoying green tea and traditional Japanese sweets for just 500 yen. Designed to be as simple as possible to reflect the tea rooms of samurai residences from the Edo period, this authentic tea room embodies the architectural beauty of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It’s a beautiful place to take a break and indulge in the flavors of Japan amidst a tranquil setting.

Kassui-ken Restaurant (活水軒)

Near Soju-an Tea House, you’ll find Kassui-ken Restaurant. Here, you can savor various delicious Japanese dishes, such as Udon (Japanese noodles) and Sashimi (raw fish), all while enjoying a picturesque view of a Japanese garden. It’s the perfect place to experience authentic Japanese cuisine in a tranquil environment.

Souvenir Shop

As you exit Himeji Castle, don’t miss the souvenir shop. Here, you can pick up local goods such as traditional sweets 玉椿 (tamatsubaki, Japanese sweets) and unique castle-themed items. You can also get many kinds of souvenirs and share your wonderful experiences with your family and friends while giving them souvenirs.

It’s the ideal place to find a souvenir when visiting this historic site.

2. Why Is Himeji Castle So Famous?

Himeji Castle is famous for its registered World Heritage site and the beauty of the architecture.

1. World Heritage

Several Japanese castles are registered as World Heritage sites. Two criteria are mainly considered to determine whether a site is a World Heritage site.

1. 1. Castles are recognized for their intrinsic value.
   2. Castles are component assets of a broader theme, such as historical significance.

Himeji Castle is the only one in the former category (1). It was registered as a World Heritage site for two main reasons.

• • • Its aesthetic perfection represents the highest level of Japanese wooden architecture, which is also recognized globally.
    • It is an outstanding example of early 17th-century castle architecture designed for defense, which has been well-preserved.

In other words, its historical value as a uniquely Japanese site and its artistic value have been highly evaluated and definitely worth a visit!

2. The Beauty of the Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is also known as the 白鷺 “White Heron Castle” since it resembles a white heron spreading its wings. It is one of the 12 remaining original castles in Japan.

Its distinctive white walls are made using a technique called “白漆喰総塗籠造 shiro shikkui tsuri kake-zukuri,” where the walls are covered in white plaster. Additionally, the unique structure of the main keep and smaller keeps connected by corridors is a notable feature. Even after more than 400 years, its beauty remains intact.

Anyone interested in Japanese history and architecture should visit Himeji Castle. Don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning landmark and experience its breathtaking beauty firsthand!

3. History

Himeji Castle was originally built by赤松貞範 (Akamatsu Sadanori ) during the 南北朝 (Nanboku-cho period,1336-1392). It passed through the hands of the 山名・黒田氏 (Yamana and Kuroda clans) before being renovated into a modern castle. It was extensively remodeled by 池田輝政 (Ikeda Terumasa), who covered it with white plaster, giving the white turrets the appearance of a white heron spreading its wings against the blue sky.

3. The Types of 天守 (Tenshu) Keep

A “Tenshu” is the highest watchtower built at the core of a Japanese castle. It is believed that Oda Nobunaga constructed the first full-fledged Tenshu at Azuchi Castle, which was referred to as “Tenshu.” Afterward, Tenshu structures became prevalent within the Oda clan and spread nationwide following Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s unification of Japan.

Himeji Castle is a complex style, so this type of keep is a central keep connected to multiple buildings via covered corridors, forming a circular layout. This is the most intricate and fortified style, characterized by an inner courtyard where enemies could be attacked from all sides. The covered corridors also allowed for movement between buildings regardless of weather conditions during emergencies.

There are 4 types of 天守 (tenshu) keeps, so if you are interested in other keep styles, check the table below to learn each feature and see examples.

* Please click on this table to view a larger version!

4. Conclusion

We hope this article has provided you with a lot of valuable information about Himeji Castle, which will help you plan your visit. Visiting Himeji Castle is a chance to dive into Japan’s past and see magnificent architecture.

I recommend you wander through its stunning white walls, chill out in the peaceful Kokoen Garden, or sip on some traditional tea at Soju-an tea house. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see, so don’t miss out!

Plan your visit, snap some awesome photos, and share your Himeji Castle experience with the world! I hope your travel experience will be fantastic while staying in Japan. We’re posting useful and best Japanese castles through this series, so please stay tuned for our upcoming post😊

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