Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, also known as "Hakuro-jo" or "White Egret Castle", is a masterpiece of medieval Japanese architecture, a World Heritage Site, and one of Japan's most visited castles. The castle is composed of 84 buildings and spans an area of over 44,000 square meters. The main tower, built in 1609 and one of the tallest in Japan (running to a height of over 30 meters), sits upon a hill overlooking the city of Himeji. Its soaring wooden walls and elegant painted eaves are a great example of the architectural artistry of old Japan. The grounds of the castle also feature many turrets and gates, offering visitors the chance to explore many of these immaculately preserved examples of Edo-period castle construction. Himeji Castle is not just a monument to the past; it also offers a tremendous view of the city below.