Himeji castle is the finest surviving example of traditional Japanese castle architecture. It is often called “White Heron Castle”, because of its brilliant white exterior and resemblance to a bird taking flight. It was registered a World Heritage Site in 1993. When I visited in June for the first time, a knowledgeable volunteer guide told me about its history and stanning structures of Himeji castle. I would like to share the interesting information.

1. Central Keep
Himeji castle is a masterpiece of traditional Japanese wooden architecture. The castle’s central keep (Tenshukaku in Japanese), at over 45 meters high, is one of the tallest wooden keeps ever built in Japan. From the outside, the keep appears to have only five stories. However, there are seven floors inside including a basement within the stone foundation.

2. Volunteer guide
At many historic sites, there are often some volunteer guides, usually elderlies, in Japan. I followed a senior guide and enjoyed his guiding very much. It took about 2 hours in total. On the way from the entrance to the top of the keep, we walked along winding paths. He explained not only history but also episodes such as movies that used the castle. We walked along winding paths to the exit.

3. Interesting things in the keep

The guide showed many interesting things including the followings:
(1) A Shinto shrine
The castle was built on the site of a Shinto shrine. Believing the shrine’s removal had brought a curse, a small Shinto shrine was created in the keep.
(2) Weapon racks
Guns and spears were kept ready for use on racks throughout the keep.
(3) Ambush Rooms
Defending warriors could hide in them to ambush attacking enemies.
(4) Windows for venting smoke
Small windows vented smoke from the matchlock guns to improve visibility.
(4) Carved numbers and letters
Numbers and letters are carved on the ridgepoles. They indicate where those pieces were to be used.

4. Movies and TV programs
Himeji Castle has been featured in various movies and TV programs. The castle was used for ninja training scenes in the James Bond movie “You Only Live Twice” in 1967. So, Sean Connery visited Himeji and got married with a Japanese actress, Hama Mie in the movie.
Akira Kurosawa used the castle in the movies such as Kagemusha(1980) and Ran(1985) which were awarded by many international festivals including the Cannes Film Festival. The castle appeared in American TV series Shogun (1980) which was based on James Clavell’s novel.
Japanese long TV series “Abarenbo Shogun” (1978~2002) featured by Matsudaira Ken also used the castle many times. Stunning architecture and historical significance made it a perfect choice for the movies.

5. Location
Himeji castle is located in Himeji city of Hyogo prefecture.

6. Data
(1) Owner
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology/ Agency for Cultural Affairs
(2) Management organization
Himeji City
(3) Number of Important Cultural Buildings
National Treasures: 8 buildings (the main keep, 3 small keeps, and galleries)
Important Cultural Properties: 74 buildings (27 towers, 15 gates and 32 walls)

7. Reference
A Brochure of Himeji Castle by Himeji Castle Management Office

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