A Detailed Explanation of the History and Overview of Himeji Castle

 

　Contents

1. Overview of Himeji Castle
2. History of Himeji Castle
3. Highlights of Himeji Castle
   

 Introduction 

Himeji Castle, with its magnificent structure and beautiful white walls, continues to captivate visitors and is one of Japan's most iconic castles. It is considered the pinnacle of Japanese castle architecture and is counted among Japan's three most famous castles, alongside Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle.

Located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. This article provides a detailed overview of Himeji Castle, its history, and its highlights. Enjoy exploring the many charms of Himeji Castle.

1. Overview of Himeji Castle 

Himeji Castle, located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan's most renowned castles. Its beauty and excellent preservation have earned it the nickname "White Heron Castle" (Shirasagijo), as its white plastered walls resemble a white heron spreading its wings. In 1993, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also designated as a National Special Historic Site and a National Treasure. Its exceptional state of preservation makes it the pinnacle of Japanese castle architecture, and it is counted among Japan's three most famous castles, along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle.​

The history of Himeji Castle dates back to 1333 when the first fort was constructed on Himeyama by Norimura Akamatsu. In 1346, his son, Sadamura, rebuilt it as Himeyama Castle. In 1581, Toyotomi Hideyoshi significantly renovated the castle, adding a three-story keep. After the Battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu granted the castle to Ikeda Terumasa, who carried out major reconstruction from 1601 to 1609, laying the foundations for the current Himeji Castle.

The castle complex, with its intricate structure of 83 rooms, is centered around the main keep (tenshukaku). During peacetime, the keep was used as a storage facility, and during wartime, it served as a defensive tower. The castle features numerous defensive measures, including maze-like corridors and loopholes in the walls for firing guns to delay and thwart intruders.

The main keep is six stories high, offering a panoramic view of Himeji City from the top floor. Visitors can see decorative elements such as the fish-shaped "shachigawara" roof tiles. The Nishinomaru (West Bailey) served as the residential quarters for women during the Edo period, most notably for Princess Sen (Senhime). Exhibits in this area offer glimpses into the lives of the castle's inhabitants. The main entrance to the castle, the Otemon Gate, leads to the Sannomaru Square, where cherry blossoms bloom in spring, providing a picturesque setting.

2. History of Himeji Castle 

The history of Himeji Castle is a testament to centuries of renovations and preservation efforts that have resulted in its current form. Its magnificent structure and beautiful white walls continue to captivate visitors. Here is a detailed explanation.

　 1. Initial Construction (1333 - 1346) 

The history of Himeji Castle began in 1333 when Norimura Akamatsu constructed the first fort on top of Himeyama. This fort was built by Norimura, then the local lord, in response to the fall of the Kamakura shogunate. In 1346, his son Sadamura Akamatsu dismantled the fort and rebuilt it as Himeyama Castle. This early version of the castle laid the foundation for what would later become Himeji Castle.

　 2. Renovation by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1581) 

Image is for illustration purposes. 

In 1581, Toyotomi Hideyoshi carried out extensive renovations on Himeji Castle, adding a three-story keep. These enhancements transformed the castle into a more formidable fortress, strengthening its military functions. During this period, there is a famous legend of the "Obagishi" stone, where an old woman donated her hand millstone to help with the construction, inspiring others to contribute stones as well.

　 3. Reconstruction by Ikeda Terumasa (1601 - 1609) 

Image is for illustration purposes. 

After the Battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu awarded Himeji Castle to Ikeda Terumasa in 1600. Terumasa conducted a major reconstruction from 1601 to 1609, creating the foundations of the current Himeji Castle. This extensive project involved approximately 2.5 million man-days of labor, significantly expanding the castle’s structure. The massive main keep, built during this time, has become an iconic symbol of the castle. Many of the structures built in this period are still preserved in their original form.​

　 4. Edo Period Development (1617 - 1868) 

Image is for illustration purposes. 

In 1617, Honda Tadamasa inherited Himeji Castle from the Ikeda clan and added several buildings, strengthening defensive features like the Nishinomaru (West Bailey) and watchtowers. Thick white plaster walls were also installed to protect against fire. After the death of Tadamasa's son Tadatoki, his wife, Princess Sen (Senhime), also lived at the castle. During this period, Himeji Castle flourished as a castle town and enjoyed a peaceful era without being dismantled.

　 5. Preservation in the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) 

After the Meiji Restoration, many castles were dismantled, but Himeji Castle was saved when it was purchased by local residents at an auction in 1871. It was later designated a National Treasure in 1931, and it was protected from damage during air raids and natural disasters such as earthquakes. Notably, a bomb was dropped on the castle during World War II, but it failed to explode, sparing the castle from significant damage.。

　 6. UNESCO World Heritage Registration and Modern Restoration (1993 - Present) 

In 1993, Himeji Castle was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, gaining international recognition as one of Japan's premier historical structures. In 2015, a major restoration was completed, restoring the castle to its former glory. This restoration effort included removing years of grime and degradation, allowing the castle's white walls to shine once again. Today, Himeji Castle remains a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

3. Highlights of Himeji Castle 

Himeji Castle is a beloved spot for many tourists due to its magnificent structure and beautiful scenery. Here are some of the main highlights.

　■ Main Keep (Tenshukaku) 

The central feature of Himeji Castle is its majestic six-story main keep, which serves as the core of the castle’s defense. The keep consists of six above-ground floors and one basement level, featuring an incredibly complex wooden framework. A particularly notable feature is the massive 24.5-meter central pillar, which plays a crucial role in stabilizing the keep. This pillar, with a diameter of approximately one meter, extends from the basement to the sixth floor and is constructed from skillfully joined pieces of timber.

Each floor of the keep is designed to become progressively smaller as you ascend, creating the castle’s beautiful silhouette. From the top floor, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Himeji City and see up close the ornamental "shachigawara" (fish-shaped roof tiles) that are believed to protect the castle from fire.

The keep's design served multiple purposes: as a defensive stronghold during wartime and as storage during peacetime. This structural ingenuity and design excellence make Himeji Castle the pinnacle of Japanese castle architecture.

　■ Otemon Gate 

The Otemon Gate is the main entrance to Himeji Castle, through which visitors first pass. Reconstructed in 1938, the gate faithfully reproduces the original structure, exuding a historical atmosphere. The path beyond the gate is deliberately maze-like to slow down attackers. As visitors navigate the stone walls, defense towers, and narrow passageways, they can experience the castle’s sophisticated defense system.

　■ Nishinomaru (West Bailey) 

The Nishinomaru was the residence for women, most notably Princess Sen (Senhime), featuring long corridors. Exhibits in this area provide glimpses into the lives of the castle’s former inhabitants. The Nishinomaru offers many excellent spots for photographing the beautiful exterior of Himeji Castle. The long corridor, known as the "Hundred-room Corridor," played a crucial role in the castle’s defense.​

　■ Sakuramon Bridge 

The Sakuramon Bridge is where visitors first glimpse the entirety of Himeji Castle, making it a prime spot for photography, especially during cherry blossom season. Crossing this wooden bridge leads directly to the Otemon Gate. The view from Sakuramon Bridge, where the castle’s beautiful facade harmonizes with the blooming cherry blossoms, attracts many visitors. The bridge was reconstructed in 2007 based on its original Edo period design.

　■ Hundred-room Corridor 

The Hundred-room Corridor, located in the Nishinomaru, was essential for the castle’s defense. The corridor features numerous exhibits showcasing the castle’s construction techniques and artifacts from daily life. Visitors can learn in detail about the wooden joinery and defensive mechanisms, gaining insights into the strategic and everyday aspects of castle life.

　■ Himeji Castle Park 

Himeji Castle Park is located on the castle’s outskirts and is a vast, free-access park. During cherry blossom season, it’s a popular picnic spot, and at night, the castle is illuminated, creating a magical scene. The park features plazas and ponds, making it ideal for strolling and relaxing. Regular events also offer new attractions for visitors.

　■ Kokoen Garden 

Kokoen Garden, situated near Himeji Castle, opened in 1992 to commemorate Himeji City’s 100th anniversary. The garden is on the site of the former lord’s west residence and is designed in the style of Edo period gardens. Each section of the garden has its unique beauty, incorporating elements such as bamboo, pines, ponds, and koi fish. For example, the "Daimyo Garden" features a large pond and stone bridges, transporting visitors back to the Edo period.

A particularly notable feature is the "Soujuan Tea House." Designed by the 15th head of the Urasenke tea school, this tea house recreates traditional tea room aesthetics. Visitors can enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets while overlooking the beautiful garden.

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 Conclusion 

Himeji Castle offers visitors a wealth of inspiration through its historical significance and beautiful scenery. The castle's intricate structure, sophisticated defense system, and excellent state of preservation make it the pinnacle of Japanese castle architecture. We hope this article helps more people appreciate the charm of Himeji Castle. When you visit, take the time to immerse yourself in its history and culture and enjoy a wonderful experience.