姫路城 (Himeji-jo), Himeji Castle --- 世界遺産 (Sekai Isan) (UNESCO) World Heritage Site 4

姫路城 (Himeji-jo), Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle & Cherry Blossoms

 Himeji Castle is widely considered Japan's most spectacular castle. Himeji Castle is also known as "Shirasagi-jo (White Heron Castle)" because of its walls covered with white plaster.

The Renovated Castle

Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Casle was never damaged in wars, earthquakes or fires and survives in its original form.

In 1993, Himeji Castle was registered as a UNESCO's World Heritage site, because it is a wooden castle structure of incomparable worth in the world and because the whole structure including towers, stone ramparts, and earthen walls are extremely well preserved. It is also designated as national treasure along with the other three castles ( Matsumoto Castle, Hikone Castle and Inuyama Castle).

Himeji Castle & the Blue Impulse

 A fort was constructed by Norimura Akamatsu, the ruler of the Harima domain in 1333. Over the centuries, the various clans such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Ikeda Terumasa enlarged it into a large castle complex. 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 early April.

Under Construction

Himeji Castle re-opened to the public on March 27 after 5 1/2 years of renovation work, following a ceremony on the previous day featuring the Air Self-Defense Force's aerobatic team Blue Impulse.

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The Link to Japan's Top 100 Castles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan%27s_Top_100_Castles