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Himeji Castle (White Heron's Castle) in Japan - a beautiful example of Japanese architecture
Where is located Himeji Castle?
Address of Himeji Castle is 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Japan
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When was built Himeji Castle?
Built date of Himeji Castle is 1333 - 1346
Facts, informations and history of Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is one of the best preserved examples of Japanese castle architecture from the early 17th century. It consists of 83 buildings with highly developed defence systems and ingenious protective devices.
Of these 83 buildings, 74 are marked as important cultural assets, with 11 corridors, 16 towers, 15 gates and 32 ground walls.
The protection systems date back to the beginning of the Shogun's period, while the hill itself, where the castle is located, was the site of a holy sanctuary.
The castle has never suffered serious damage, either from the forces of nature or from man. It survived both the bombing of the city during World War II and the great Hanshin earthquake in 1995.
Originally there were 84 gates around the castle, but now there are only 21 intact gates left. A confusing maze of paths in the shape of circles, triangles, squares and rectangles leads to this huge castle, which was supposed to allow defenders armed with tanegashists or archers to shoot at their attackers without being exposed.
There were three moats in the castle complex, one of which (the outer moat) is currently buried.
In 1346 the fort located here was dismantled and rebuilt into Himejama Castle, two centuries later it was rebuilt into Himeji Castle. In 1581 it was significantly rebuilt, then Toyotomi Hideyoshi added a three-storey fortress.
Ikeda Terumasa completely rebuilt the castle between 1601 and 1609 into a huge castle complex.
Between 1617 and 1618 Honda Tadamasa added several more buildings to the castle complex.
The building itself is a masterpiece of wooden construction, combining function with aesthetics, both in an elegant appearance unified by white plastered earthenware walls and in the subtlety of the relationship between the body of the building and the multilayer roof structure.
The building is 950-1600 meters long from east to west and 900-1700 meters long from north to south.
The highest wall of this complex is 26 meters high.
The entire complex covers an area of 233 hectares (576 acres), while its perimeter is 4,200 meters.
The castle complex is joined by the Koko-en Garden, a Japanese garden, created in 1992 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Himeji.
After the abolition of the feudal system in 1871, Himeji Castle was put up for auction. It was purchased by a Himeji inhabitant for 23 Japanese yen (currently about 200 000 yen). The buyer planned to demolish the castle complex and develop the land, but the cost of destroying the castle was estimated too high and the castle was spared.
Himeji Castle was recognized as a national treasure in 1931. In 1993 the castle was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The five buildings of the castle are considered to be National Treasures: the Main Fortress, the north-western small fortress, the western small fortress, the eastern small fortress, and I, Ro, Ha, the Ni-Korridors and the kitchen.
In order to preserve the castle buildings, it has undergone conservation work since April 2010 and was reopened to the public on 27 March 2015.
This is the most visited castle in Japan, which was visited by more than 2,860,000 people in 2015.
Architect of Himeji Castle
How many meters have Himeji Castle?
Height of Himeji Castle is 46,4 meters
Construction/building type
Building Himeji Castle is of type Castle
Architectural style
Architectural style of Himeji Castle is Japanese traditional
Other dimensions, parameters and frequently asked questions
What area have Himeji Castle?
Himeji Castle have area of 107 ha
What material is the building made of?
Himeji Castle is made of the following materials: Wood, stone, plaster, tile
Practical informations
What is the cost of entry for Himeji Castle?
Tickets for Himeji Castle are available at the following prices and variants:
- 1000 yen (castle only)
- 1050 yen (castle and Kokoen Garden)
At what times is open Himeji Castle?
Himeji Castle is open or accessible to the public on the following dates and times:
- Access from 09:00 to 17:00 (from late April to August, entrance to 18:00).
- The last entry an hour before closing.
Other names
The building is also known by other common names or in the original language, i.e. Zamek Białej Czapli, Himeji-jo, Shirasagi Castle
Is the building on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
The listing took place in the year 1993.
Details of the entry are available on the Unesco website at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/661/
Questions and answers
When was Himeji Castle built?
Himeji Castle was originally built in 1333, and the current structure dates from 1601 to 1618.
What is the architectural purpose of Himeji Castle?
Himeji Castle was designed with defense in mind and served as a strategic point in the defense system. Its white color was intended to make the castle more visible for defense and to ward off evil spirits, according to beliefs of the time.
Is Himeji Castle open to visitors?
Yes, Himeji Castle is open to visitors most days of the year. Opening hours may vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to check current information before planning your visit.
Is there an entrance fee for Himeji Castle?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Himeji Castle. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online in advance, which may help avoid long lines.
Is Himeji Castle accessible for people with disabilities?
Himeji Castle is equipped with facilities for people with disabilities, including elevators and amenities for visitors with limited mobility. However, due to the architecture and nature of the castle, not all areas may be accessible for wheelchair users.
Can you take photos at Himeji Castle?
Yes, photography is allowed in most areas of Himeji Castle. However, there may be restrictions in certain rooms and halls to protect the historic site.
Are there restaurants or cafes near Himeji Castle?
Yes, there are many restaurants, cafes, and food stalls near Himeji Castle that offer local specialties. It's a great opportunity to try traditional Japanese cuisine.
Is Himeji Castle popular among tourists?
Yes, Himeji Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan. It is especially attractive during the cherry blossom season.
Does the admission to Himeji Castle include access to all rooms?
Admission to Himeji Castle usually includes access to most rooms and castle terraces. However, some areas, such as special exhibitions or sections under renovation, may be off-limits.
Are there other tourist attractions near Himeji Castle?
Yes, there are other attractions near Himeji Castle, such as Koko-en Gardens, temples, and museums, which are worth including in your travel plans.
Is it worth visiting Himeji Castle during the cherry blossom season?
Yes, visiting Himeji Castle during the cherry blossom season (sakura) offers a stunning view of the castle surrounded by pink blossoms. It is one of the most beautiful experiences in Japan.
Has Himeji Castle been used as a film set?
Yes, Himeji Castle has been used as a film set for various productions, including the 2003 film "The Last Samurai." Its unique architecture has attracted filmmakers from around the world.
Can you rent samurai costumes for photos at Himeji Castle?
Yes, there are places near Himeji Castle where you can rent samurai costumes, allowing tourists to take photos in traditional Japanese attire in front of the castle.
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Add date: 27/04/2020 Update date: 10/11/2024 Number of views : 16977
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