Japan
Himeji Castle (White Egret Castle)
Himeji Castle
Just a short train ride from Kyoto on Japan’s renowned railway system lies the extraordinary Himeji Castle. Originally commissioned by Akamatsu Norimura, a Japanese samurai and clan leader, construction began in 1333 and was completed in 1601. Many castles, temples, and shrines in Japan lay claim to being the largest wooden structure in the world, but Himeji Castle may truly deserve the title—it is truly immense.
Touring the castle is well worth the effort, offering visitors a glimpse into its vast interior. Unlike European castles, which commonly feature stone construction, Japanese castles are primarily built from wood. Despite its age, Himeji Castle remains remarkably well-preserved—a testament to the craftsmanship and resilience of its materials.
Special area to lock up women
Stepping inside Himeji Castle, visitors immediately notice the stark contrast between its imposing exterior and its Spartan interior. Like many ancient Japanese buildings, it is freezing cold inside. Unlike the luxurious quarters of some European castles, Himeji’s design is strictly utilitarian—life within its walls seemed entirely focused on military strategy rather than comfort.
Among the castle’s unique features is a special area historically used to lock up women. Elsewhere, storage spaces house weapons and stones, while defensive openings in the walls were designed for launching attacks on invading forces—hurling rocks, boiling oil, and other deterrents at approaching enemies.
Castle grounds
In 1956, an extensive restoration effort took 250,000 man-days and cost 550 million yen to preserve Himeji Castle’s historical grandeur. Despite being heavily bombed during World War II in 1945, the castle miraculously survived, even as much of the surrounding city burned to the ground. One firebomb landed on the castle’s top floor, yet failed to detonate—an astonishing stroke of luck.
Later, in January 1995, the Great Hanshin earthquake caused significant destruction throughout the city of Himeji, but once again, the castle emerged virtually unscathed—further solidifying its reputation as an indestructible relic of Japan’s past.
Himeji Castle is undoubtedly a must-see destination for anyone visiting Japan.
Join me on the next leg of our journey in the upcoming installment of Land of the Rising Sun: Japan.