Himeji Castle - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My junior high school is located so close to the castle I can see it from class. I'm quite lucky being able to see that view everyday. We've been to the castle twice and will probably go again if any friends or family come visit, as it the most recommended thing to do in Himeji. The castle dates back to 1333 and has been remodeled and expanded over the years. Currently, the castle is over 400 years old. It even miraculously survived bombing that happened during World War II while the surrounding area was destroyed. Although there was restoration work done a few years ago to help preserve the castle, it reopened in 2015. From the outside it looks like there are five floors to the castle but there are actually six and a basement. This is part of a defense strategy so the enemy would not know the correct amount of floors. There are stone throwing platforms and warrior hiding places.

  

The picture on the right is of a shachi; it is often used as a roof ornament because it is thought to protect the building from fire. The castle once had three moats. The outer moat is gone, buried, while parts of the inner and central moat are still there. You can even ride a wasen, a traditional Japanese boat. We haven't done this yet, but I definitely want to do it in the springtime.

 

On our second visit to the castle we went with a local who offered to give us a tour. They showed us a dried plant that resembled a shuriken, a hidden hand blade/ninja stars. It was hard and pointy – something that you don't want to accidentally step on, especially if you're trying to sneak into an enemy's castle.

                      

These painted clam shells are used to play kaiawase, a matching game from the Edo period. There's also a few local legends associated with the castle, but you'll have to visit to find out more!