Himeji Castle

Angela here!

This time, I'll talk about a place I really want to visit: Himeji Castle. It's situated in Himeji (duh), Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It is known as "White Egret Castle" because its beautiful white walls look like a soaring white egret. It is widely recognised as Japan's most spectacular castle.  Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires and survives in its original form. It is both a national treasure and a UNESCO world heritage site.

The castle property, situated on a hill summit, covers 107 hectares and comprises eighty-two buildings. It is centred on the Tenshu-gun, a complex made up of the donjon (somewhat of a tower), keeps and connecting structures that are part of a highly developed system of defence and ingenious protection devices dating from the beginning of the Shogun period. The castle functioned continuously as the centre of a feudal domain for almost three centuries, until 1868 when the Shogun fell and a new national government was created.The grounds of the castle are also ideal for bird-watching, since swans, seagulls, and other species inhabit the area. 

Himeji Castle Donjon

Himeji Castle Walls

Corridors

Gallery displays inside the Himeji Castle

Sadly there are no ninjas at Himeji. I would've like to see one, unless I allow my imagination to take over and pretend that I was scurrying up the ladders in the castle fending off attack from the enemy…Other people will probably think I'm weird

Anyway that's all about the Himeji Castle!

Until next time!

Angela out!