Himeji-Jo
Location
Himeji city, Hyogo prefecture
Also Known As
- Hakuro-Jo
- Himeyama-Jo
- Shirasagi-Jo
Images
Comments
As it says above, this castle is also known as "Shirasagi-Jo," which means "Snowy Heron Castle." It is so named because of its clean, white colour. Many consider it to be the most beautiful castle in Japan. Certainly, it is the most complete castle; it is surrounded by more of the original walls, moats, and auxiliary buildings, than any other castle in Japan.
To be sure, it is beautiful, but I hate to be "band-wagonny;" Himeji is the "quintessential" Japanese castle. If you only see one castle in Japan, see Himeji, people will say. I dunno. My heart is with Matsumoto-Jo.