Himeji – White Crane Castle

Himeji Castle is located in the center of Himeji city, 100 km east of Osaka - Japan. This is one of the oldest surviving structures in Japan, which is typical of Japan's modern citadels.
Himeji Castle - White Crane Castle
Castle construction history
Himeji also has the name "White Heron" (White Crane) because the Japanese believe that the image of the white crane - a noble bird, represents the noble purity of the gentleman.
Himeji Castle has existed since 1333, when Akamatsu Norimura built a fortress on top of Himeyama Hill, Himeji City, Hyogo. In 1346, the fortress was dismantled and remodeled into Himeyama Castle, and two centuries later rebuilt as Himeji Castle

. Until 1618, the new castle was considered completed. Over 400 years of existence, the castle has never been damaged, destroyed by natural disasters or attacks, or even survived even in the bombing of World War II. Himeji is the most famous citadel among Japan's "Three Great Kingdoms" (ie, the three great citadels of the nation) of Japan (along with Matsuraoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle) Himeji has been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1993 and is a special historical relic of Japan.




Himeji Castle was built of wood (total about 36 tons) and covered with white plaster. The whole complex has an area of 233 hectares, including a complex of 83 buildings with advanced defense systems from feudal times. There are 74 of these 83 works considered an Important Cultural Property, including: 11 corridors, 16 turrets, 15 gates and 32 earth walls. White Crane Castle is considered as a typical representative of archetypal Japanese castle architecture with many defensive and architectural features associated with Japan's castle structure. Thanks to the complex structure such as the labyrinth and the system of setting traps installed everywhere, it is difficult for the enemy outside to access the watchtower. This is a reason that helps the castle avoid the smoke of war in history.
Traditional Japanese procession is held at Hemeji Castle
Looking down from above, Himeji castle has an oasis shaped like an oval.



The outer border is a deep moat, surrounded by a stone wall, then a strip of trees, mostly coniferous surrounding. Beyond that, enveloping the whole castle is a spacious park. The castle does not have many entrances, the entrance to the castle in the south is very solid.
Beautiful works under all angles
The gate and wall are spiraled like a maze of the castle to confuse enemy soldiers. The Hishi Gate (Diamond Gate) is the main entrance to the castle. This is the gate between the two walls of Sannomaru and Ninomaru and still bears its original shape from the Azuchi Momoyama period. From the outside, it looks like it has five floors, but in fact there are six floors plus a basement, built with large diameter, straight-resistant wooden pillars. The large pillars are of a rare ancient type and are made of cypress wood.



The crossbeams and vertical beams are also made from wood, even the bulkheads are made from lumber boards, not painted, but still have the natural color of the wooden shell. In particular, the stairs connecting the floors are designed not to overlap in the same coordinate position, but are arranged scatteredly to create dangerous corners to help defend harmful work.
The Japanese armor on display at Hemeji Castle.
The passageways inside the castle zigzag like a maze, so Himeji castle is considered as "impregnable". Today, inside the castle, there are also signs to guide the way so you do not worry about getting lost. Moreover, coming here, you can also meet enthusiastic and experienced tour guides.
Outside the castle are grounds called Akarui (meaning: morning), with many rare plants grown here combined with fish ponds to create a beautiful picture. This place is a place for walking, watching the scenery of ancient kings.



On the south side of the castle, you can see a small shallow well built into stone pillars.
One of the highlights of Himeji Castle's outward appearance is the silver color of the tiled roof combined with the white of the walls. There are 56 types of tiles used in the adornment of this castle. The small triangular tiles at the edge of the roof are one of the unique features of the castle's design. They help rain water run down a trench below and lead to a water filter that serves drinking water and drinking water for the people living in the castle.
Himeji Castle is not only an architectural work but also a unique military work, is said to be a beautiful building from all angles.
Especially, if you have the opportunity to come here in spring, you will be ecstatic at the beautiful beauty of cherry blossoms and plum blossoms around the beautiful Nishinomaru garden of White Crane Castle. Indeed, this is a great space to admire the magnificent Himeji Castle with its charming pink and white colors, the petals gently gliding in the breeze.



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