Himeji is a small city in Hyōgo Prefecture. As soon as you exit the station, you have a direct view of the imposing and majestic castle. No need to look for directions!
You can reach it on foot in 20 minutes or take a bus.
Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle (Shirasagi-jō), is one of Japan’s most iconic castles. Originally built in the 14th century, it was extensively reconstructed in the early 17th century under the orders of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. This castle has never been attacked, burned, or destroyed, making it the oldest castle in Japan still standing. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 and is considered the most beautiful castle in Japan due to its spectacular architecture and exceptional state of preservation. And I totally agree. It is absolutely fabulous!
The approach to the castle and the great Hishi Gate
The climb towards the castle is a true immersion into the past, each step bringing us closer to the history and grandeur of this place.
Passing through the great Hishi Gate, I personally started to get really excited to be there. This massive gate, made of dark wood and metal, seems to jealously guard the secrets of the castle. Like a Japanese warrior returning home, I felt like I was leaving the modern world behind to enter the realm of samurais and shoguns.
The ingenious architecture of the castle
Himeji Castle is a dazzling example of architectural ingenuity. With its 45-meter height and seven floors, it is one of the largest castles still standing in Japan. Its immaculate white walls, curved roofs, and imposing towers create a silhouette that is both elegant and intimidating.
The loopholes have different shapes: square, rectangle, triangle (I felt like I was holding a video game controller). Jokes aside, the complexity of the defensive devices, the traps, and the various winding paths designed to confuse and trap invaders are impressive.
The ramparts and the stone base form the foundation of the castle, while the walls are mainly made of plaster, wood, and earth. In some places, you can clearly see these three materials in the construction (see photo below).
Of course, the typical Japanese roofs are made with slate tiles. Their edges are rounded, creating wave-like patterns, and the statues of fish, dragons, and birds at the ends are details that testify to the richness of its architecture.
Inside the main keep
Here I am inside. It’s pitch dark; my eyes haven’t yet adjusted to the darkness after coming from the outside.
The spaces are very simple and austere. The wooden floors, white walls, and low ceilings create an atmosphere of calm and contemplation. Each floor (there are seven in total) offers a different view of the city, the ramparts, and the gardens. As you climb the floors, the fresh air circulates better through a clever arrangement of windows, the area decreases a bit more each time, and the view becomes wider.
The climb to the top of the main keep was slightly challenging for me because the steep stairs gave me a bit of vertigo, but it was worth every drop of sweat.
Before leaving, you find models of the castle, historical reconstructions, and immersive exhibits.
And that’s when you really realize the complexity of the construction and the wooden structure of the castle.
As a traveler passionate about history and culture, I was deeply moved by the beauty and richness of this place. Every corner of the castle tells a story; every stone bears the mark of centuries past.
Bon voyage !
