Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture): How to Visit, When to Go and What It Costs
姬路城 · 姫路城 · Himeji Castle · Hakuro Castle · Shirasagi Castle · White Egret Castle · White Heron Castle
Himeji Castle — Hyogo
| Also known as | 姬路城 · 姫路城 · Himeji Castle · Hakuro Castle · Shirasagi Castle · White Egret Castle · White Heron Castle |
| Region | Hyogo Prefecture, Japan |
| Coordinates | 34.839444, 134.693611 |
What it is
Himeji Castle is a hilltop castle complex in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. It comprises a network of 83 structures with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period, including the main keep (tenshu), turrets (yagura), gates, and walls. The castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture.
The castle is frequently known as Hakuro-jō or Shirasagi-jō ("White Egret Castle" or "White Heron Castle") because of its brilliant white exterior. It was registered in 1993 as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan, and five of its structures are designated National Treasures. The area within the middle moat is a designated Special Historic Site.
The castle dates to 1333, when a fort was built on Himeyama hill, and was significantly rebuilt by Ikeda Terumasa from 1601 to 1609. It has remained intact for almost 700 years, withstanding the bombing of Himeji in World War II and the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake. The castle buildings underwent restoration work for several years and reopened to the public on March 27, 2015.
When to go
The castle is open year-round. Allow at least half a day to walk the grounds and the interior of the keep. The restoration work completed in 2015 returned the roofs to their original white colour, so the exterior is in its restored state at any time of year.
Getting there
The source material does not include specific transport details for reaching Himeji Castle. It is located in the city of Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture, north of the current city centre, on Himeyama and Shirasagi hills.
What it costs
The source material does not include admission fee information for Himeji Castle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Himeji Castle an original castle or a reconstruction?
Himeji Castle is one of Japan's 12 remaining original castles (現存12天守). Its main structures, including the tenshu and yagura, were built in the early Edo period and have remained intact for almost 700 years. Restoration work carried out over several years reopened the castle to the public on March 27, 2015.
What is the castle's UNESCO status?
Himeji Castle was registered in December 1993 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (cultural heritage). It was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. The area within the middle moat is also a designated Special Historic Site, and five structures are designated National Treasures.
Why is it called the White Heron Castle?
The castle is frequently known as Hakuro-jō or Shirasagi-jō, meaning "White Egret Castle" or "White Heron Castle," because of its brilliant white exterior and its supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight. Restoration work completed in 2015 removed decades of dirt and grime, restoring the formerly grey roof to its original brilliant white colour.
Has the castle survived wars and natural disasters?
Yes. For almost 700 years, Himeji Castle has remained intact, withstanding incidents such as the bombing of Himeji in World War II and natural disasters, including the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake.
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Reference: Wikidata · Wikipedia (ja) · Wikipedia (zh) · Wikipedia (en)