# Himeji Castle

- **Country:** Japan
- **Coordinates:** 34.839444, 134.693889
- **Location Text:** Himeji, Hyōgo, World Heritage Site

Himeji Castle is a historic hilltop fortress located in the city of Himeji within Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Often referred to as Hakuro-jō or Shirasagi-jō, meaning White Egret or White Heron Castle, it earns these nicknames from its brilliant white plastered walls and elegant appearance resembling a bird taking flight. While the original fortification on the site dates back to 1333 under Akamatsu Norimura, the castle took its current magnificent form during the early 17th century. Major expansions were undertaken by warlords Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1581 and most significantly by Ikeda Terumasa between 1601 and 1609, with further additions by Honda Tadamasa shortly after.

Architecturally, the complex stands as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle design from the feudal Azuchi-Momoyama period. It comprises a sophisticated network of eighty-three structures built primarily from wood, stone, plaster, and tile, featuring advanced defensive systems designed to protect against invasion. The main keep rises approximately 46 meters high and has remained remarkably intact throughout centuries of turmoil, avoiding destruction during wars and surviving natural disasters. Although it served briefly as a military camp in 1945, the castle was largely unused for military purposes after 1868 and has since been preserved as a cultural monument.

Today, Himeji Castle is in excellent condition following recent extensive restoration work on its roof and walls. Recognized for its outstanding universal value, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 under cultural criteria. The site continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to admire its historical significance and architectural beauty, serving as a premier symbol of Japan's rich feudal history and traditional craftsmanship.

![Photo of Himeji Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/Himeji_castle_in_may_2015.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himeji_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)