Himeji-Jo

Location

Himeji city, Hyogo prefecture

Also Known As

Images

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141.4K		 by Takashi Toyooka (E-mail) (WWW)
Undoubtedly the largest, and arguably the most beautiful extant tenshu in Japan.
[Image] Original Jpeg:
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100.7K		 by Takashi Toyooka (E-mail) (WWW)
Looking in through the main gates of Himeji-Jo.
[Image] Original Jpeg:
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61.3K		 by Takashi Toyooka (E-mail) (WWW)
This picture gives you an indication of just how much of the castle has been preserved.
[Image] Original Jpeg:
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102.2K		 by Takashi Toyooka (E-mail) (WWW)
Looking up at the tenshu, from just outside one of the inner walls.

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.

- by Takashi Toyooka (E-mail)