Himeji Castle, Elegance and Defense: Japan's Premier Castle
Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, Honmachi 68
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Introduction
Himeji Castle is a castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its white exterior walls and is called the White Heron Castle. Along with Kumamoto Castle and Matsumoto Castle, it is considered one of the three great castles of Japan. It is also known as "Japan's number one castle" due to its excellent preservation, and was designated as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in December 1993. Himeji Castle is a symbol of the city and is located in the city center. It has been featured in movies and TV dramas and is loved by history enthusiasts as a symbol of the Edo period. The castle is located in southern Hyogo Prefecture and is known for its elegant style and preservation of many historic sites. It consists of 83 buildings with highly developed defense systems and intricate protective devices. Himeji Castle is considered the best-preserved example of early 17th-century castle architecture, showcasing the essence of feudal culture in Japan and reflecting the pinnacle of defensive architectural technology during that period. Eight buildings, including the main castle tower, are designated as national treasures, while the remaining 74 buildings are recognized as important cultural properties of the country. The well-preserved structures and surrounding fortifications showcase a great heritage and highlight the sophistication and strategic defense skills of Japanese castle architecture. Address Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, Honmachi 68
Opening hours From September 1st to April 26th, opening hours are 9:00-16:00 (closed at 17:00). From April 27th to August 31st, opening hours are 9:00-17:00 (closed at 18:00). Closed on December 29th and 30th.
Transportation Take the Shinkansen from JR Kyoto Station for about 60 minutes, from JR Shin-Osaka Station for about 45 minutes, or walk for about 15 minutes from JR Himeji Station and then take a bus and walk for 5 minutes after getting off at "Himeji-jo Otemon-mae". There is no designated parking lot (there are public parking lots nearby for a fee).
World Heritage Site
