Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is a castle located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Due to its white walls, it is also known as the White Heron Castle. It is one of Japan's three most famous castles, alongside Kumamoto Castle and Matsumoto Castle, and one of Japan's three most famous hilltop castles, alongside Matsuyama Castle and Wakayama Castle. Due to its high level of preservation, it is known as "Japan's most famous castle." Located in the center of Himeji, it is the city's main symbol. Many period dramas and movies have been filmed here, or have used Himeji Castle as a symbol of the now-destroyed Edo Castle. Himeji Castle is built on top of Himeyama, which is 45.6 meters above sea level, and the main keep is 31 meters high. The castle resembles an elegant white heron, which is why it is also known as the White Heron Castle. It is the largest and most elegant of Japan's surviving ancient castles. Himeji Castle was a daimyo castle during the shogunate period, and the highest example of castle-building technology during the Edo period. Himeji Castle is tightly structured and impregnable, with three layers of spiral-shaped strategic defenses, including outer, middle, and inner moats. The defenses are cleverly constructed, starting with three concentric moats, which surround the tall, winding stone walls, with several gates and watchtowers between the walls. The walls and watchtowers have small holes for shooting arrows and guns; the roads in the inner courtyard of the castle are winding and labyrinthine, but can be clearly seen from the top floor. The roof is decorated with large, ornate animal-shaped shachihoko, which protrude from the eaves and are talismans against fire. The largest castle tower is 92 meters above sea level. The three smaller castle towers are cleverly connected by a unique series of defensive walls. The undulating gables and white plaster walls achieve a beautiful balance, giving people a sense of tranquility and elegance.