Himeji Castle is widely considered Japan's most spectacular castle. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires and survives in its original form. It is both, a national treasure and a UNESCO world heritage site.
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Construction Notice: Major renovation works will be carried out on the main keep of Himeji Castle from April 2010 until March 2014. The main keep will be covered by scaffolding, starting from April 12, 2010. Access to the interior of the main keep will be impossible from April 12, 2010 until early 2011 and partially restricted thereafter until 2014.
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Inside Himeji Castle
In the 14th century, a fort was first built on the current castle site. Over the centuries, the various clans, who ruled over the region, gradually enlarged it. The castle complex, as it survives today, was completed in 1609. The well defended castle and its wooden interior are fascinating, and the castle's sight is spectacular, especially during the short and crowded cherry blossom season, that usually takes place in the first half of April.
It typically takes one to three hours to explore Himeji Castle. Many travelers visit it on an easy day or half day trip from Kyoto or during a 3-6 hour stop over on a journey along the Sanyo coast, for example, from Kyoto to Hiroshima or Kyushu.
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