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Explore a Five-Hundred-Year-Old Feudal Castle in Japan: Himeji Castle
Published by Camilla Cheung, Writer
Country: Japan 
The Experience
Himeji Castle is the quintessential castle to see in Japan, and the most visited castle in all of Japan. This towering white feudal castle of incredible beauty is authentic 17th century splendour. Poised like a white heron in flight at the top of a hill, Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is sometimes called the "White Heron Castle".
The delicate old-ivory coloured edifice dates back to the 1300s, and was the dwelling place of some of the most prominent feudal lords, or "daimyos," in Japan. Extensively remodelled during its history, one of Himeji Castle's unique features is a tower built for Honda Tadamasa's daughter-in-law, Princess Sen. The temple complex is a warren of narrow stone streets, white-washed walls, whimsical gates and wells, and enchanting views over the surrounding landscape.
Several of Himeji Castle's buildings are open for visitors, such as the Cosmetic Tower, known to have been Princess Sen's private retreat. The dark wood of the Tower had been painstakingly restored and adorned with tatami mats and simple furniture.
Other outlying buildings include storage rooms, quarters for the Princess' ladies-in-waiting, and defensive buildings that were equipped with ingenious holes for shooting arrows and guns at enemies. The maze of streets leading to the keep deliberately confused any would-be attackers.
There are several wells on the castle grounds. One in particular, Okiku's Well, appears in a popular story of Japanese folklore. The beautiful lady-in-waiting, Okiku, uncovered a plot to murder the reigning lord of Himeji Castle. She revealed the plot and was lauded as a heroine. However, the perpetrator of the plot, Chief Retainer Tetsuzan, took revenge by accusing her of stealing one of ten royal plates, destined to be given to the Shogun. As punishment for allegedly stealing the plates, Okiku was killed and her body thrown into the well. This is just one of the interesting facts you will uncover on a visit to Himeji Castle in Japan.
The delicate old-ivory coloured edifice dates back to the 1300s, and was the dwelling place of some of the most prominent feudal lords, or "daimyos," in Japan. Extensively remodelled during its history, one of Himeji Castle's unique features is a tower built for Honda Tadamasa's daughter-in-law, Princess Sen. The temple complex is a warren of narrow stone streets, white-washed walls, whimsical gates and wells, and enchanting views over the surrounding landscape.
Several of Himeji Castle's buildings are open for visitors, such as the Cosmetic Tower, known to have been Princess Sen's private retreat. The dark wood of the Tower had been painstakingly restored and adorned with tatami mats and simple furniture.
Other outlying buildings include storage rooms, quarters for the Princess' ladies-in-waiting, and defensive buildings that were equipped with ingenious holes for shooting arrows and guns at enemies. The maze of streets leading to the keep deliberately confused any would-be attackers.
There are several wells on the castle grounds. One in particular, Okiku's Well, appears in a popular story of Japanese folklore. The beautiful lady-in-waiting, Okiku, uncovered a plot to murder the reigning lord of Himeji Castle. She revealed the plot and was lauded as a heroine. However, the perpetrator of the plot, Chief Retainer Tetsuzan, took revenge by accusing her of stealing one of ten royal plates, destined to be given to the Shogun. As punishment for allegedly stealing the plates, Okiku was killed and her body thrown into the well. This is just one of the interesting facts you will uncover on a visit to Himeji Castle in Japan.
When to Go to Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is open year-round, but the cherry blossom season in the spring is the most popular time to visit as the castle's numerous cherry and plum trees break out into pink and white blossoms. In the fall, leaves in the surrounding countryside change colour and visitors can see vibrant swatches all over the castle grounds, from fiery reds to golds, greens and browns.
Odds n' Ends
From April 2010 through to 2014, the main keep of the Himeji Castle has been closed for renovation. However, it can still be viewed from the outside, and visitors can enter other parts of the temple complex that are just as impressive. The grounds and narrow streets of the Castle are still beautiful, and visitors can go up to a viewing platform that gives a great vantage over the Himeji Castle and surrounding countryside.
Visitors who wish to enter the buildings of Himeji Castle complex will be required to remove their shoes. In the summer, the Castle grounds can get uncomfortably hot. Bring water to stay hydrated, and wear a hat to protect you from the sun. Himeji Castle can easily be reached from Osaka or Kobe on the Japan Rail (JR) railways, and the entrance fee is very reasonable for such a popular site.
Visitors who wish to enter the buildings of Himeji Castle complex will be required to remove their shoes. In the summer, the Castle grounds can get uncomfortably hot. Bring water to stay hydrated, and wear a hat to protect you from the sun. Himeji Castle can easily be reached from Osaka or Kobe on the Japan Rail (JR) railways, and the entrance fee is very reasonable for such a popular site.
Places to Stay Nearby
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Himeji is a rich historical city and retains its heritage. Most of sightseeing points are located centrally, including Himeji Castle, which is one of the ... 1 miles away
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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Start with a bullet train ride to Himeji to visit the Himeji Castle, one of the most famous castles in Japan and designated a World ...
Starting from $163.87 per person.
Starting from $163.87 per person.
Elsewhere on the Web
- Details for Visitors
- Open: Daily year-round, except December 29 through 31.
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