Himeji-jo in Japan

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Himeji City

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1993
Size of heritage: 107 ha
- Buffer zone: 143 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 134,700°
Latitude: 34,833°

Summary

Himeji-jo is the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture, comprising 83 buildings with highly developed systems of defence and ingenious protection devices dating from the beginning of the Shogun period. It is a masterpiece of construction in wood, combining function with aesthetic appeal, both in its elegant appearance unified by the white plastered earthen walls and in the subtlety of the relationships between the building masses and the multiple roof layers.

Location on Map

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Introduction

Himeji-jo, also known as Himeji Castle, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It is widely regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of Japanese castle architecture and is a symbol of Japan's feudal period. With its rich history and remarkable preservation, Himeji-jo attracts millions of visitors each year.

History

The construction of Himeji-jo dates back to 1333 when a fort was built on the site. However, the castle as we see it today was primarily built in the early 17th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful feudal lord. It was later expanded by Ikeda Terumasa, who transformed it into a magnificent castle complex.

Himeji-jo played a significant role in Japan's history, serving as a military stronghold and a center of governance. It withstood numerous wars, including the famous Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, which solidified the Tokugawa shogunate's rule. Despite being targeted during World War II, the castle miraculously survived the bombings that devastated many other Japanese cities.

Architecture and Design

Himeji-jo is renowned for its elegant and sophisticated architectural design. The castle complex consists of over 80 buildings, including the main keep, multiple gates, watchtowers, and defensive walls. The castle's white exterior, made of plaster-covered wooden beams, gives it a striking appearance and earned it the nickname "White Heron Castle."

The castle's design incorporates various defensive features, such as narrow corridors, hidden openings for archers, and strategically placed stone walls. These elements were intended to confuse and trap attackers, making it difficult for them to penetrate the castle's defenses.

Current State

Himeji-jo underwent an extensive restoration project that lasted from 1956 to 1964. The restoration aimed to preserve the castle's original appearance and reinforce its structural integrity. The project involved meticulous research, using historical documents and photographs to guide the reconstruction process.

Today, Himeji-jo stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and architectural brilliance of Japan's feudal era. It is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its various buildings and experience the castle's rich history firsthand. The castle's interior showcases exhibits that provide insights into the lives of the samurai and feudal lords who once inhabited the castle.

Furthermore, the surrounding Himeji Castle Park offers a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. The park features beautiful cherry blossom trees, traditional Japanese gardens, and a large pond that reflects the castle's majestic image.

Conclusion

Himeji-jo, with its historical significance and exceptional preservation, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese history and architecture. Its intricate design, defensive features, and stunning appearance make it a true masterpiece of Japanese castle architecture. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Himeji-jo continues to captivate visitors from around the world, providing a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

Hotels and places to stay

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Nikko Himeji

Address
Distance: 0,8 mi
100 Minami Ekimae
670-0962 Himeji-shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Wing International Himeji

Address
Distance: 0,3 mi
132 Watamachi
670-0921 Himeji-shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 15:00 - 3:00
Weekend: closed

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APA Hotel Himejieki-kita

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
98, Higashiekimaecho
670-0926 Himeji-shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Hotel Claire Hikasa

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
22, JUNISHOMAECHO, HIMEJI SHI, HYOGO, 670 0911, JAPAN.
6700911 Himeji Shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Toyoko Inn Himeji-eki Shinkansen Minami-guchi

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
97 Minami-ekimae-cho
670-0962 Himeji-shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Dormy Inn Himeji

Address
Distance: 0,8 mi
160-2, Toyozawa-cho
670-0964 Himeji-shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Himeji 588 Guesthouse

Address
Distance: 0,4 mi
Honmachi Shoten gai, 68, Honmachi, Himeji city, Hyogo 670 0012, Japan.
6700012 Himeji Shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 10:00 - 22:00
Weekend: closed

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Comfort Hotel Himeji

Address
Distance: 0,4 mi
1-50-3 Hojo-guchi
670-0935 Himeji-shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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Himeji Green Hotel Tatemachi

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
83, TATEMACHI, HIMEJI SHI, HYOGO, 670 0903, JAPAN.
6700903 Himeji Shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Hotel Livemax Himeji Ekimae

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
22 1, Minami machi, Himeji city, Hyogo 670 0912, Japan.
6700912 Himeji Shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 23:00
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Himeji Castle

Published: January 25, 2014
Length: 36:38 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Gary San

Filled with death traps, ramps that lead nowhere, murder holes, this was not a place to be fooled with. In fact, Himeji Catle was so well fortified that no army ever even tried to invade.

Himeji Castle - Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan - UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Published: March 24, 2013
Length: 45:59 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: THEWORLDOFTRAVEL

Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle complex located in Himeji, in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. The castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architectur...

Castello di Himeji Giappone

Published: April 21, 2014
Length: 39:05 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Nihon Japan Giappone

Visita al Castello Himeji nonostante il gran caldo ed il restauro a sorpresa. Il castello costruito a scopo militare si trova a Himeji, nella prefettura di Hyōgo, in Giappone. Iscriviti per...

JASDF aerobatic team Blue Impulse in Himeji Castle

Published: March 29, 2015
Length: 47:06 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: MsPonPon2

2015.3.26 姫路城ﾌﾞﾙｰｲﾝﾊﾟﾙｽの祝賀飛行.

春の姫路城（Himeji Castle）

Published: April 10, 2015
Length: 58:00 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: yoshitsugu S

春の世界遺産・国宝姫路城（白鷺城）紹介：http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/guide/castle/ information:http://translate.city.himeji.lg.jp/LUCHIMEJI/ns/tl.cgi/http://www.city.himeji.l...