047 JAPAN - Himeji-jo (WHS)

Himeji-jo (or Himeji Castle) is a hiltop Japanese castle complex located in Himeji, in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The castle is regarded as the finest survivng example of prototypical Japanese Castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period. The castle is frequently known as Hakuro-jo ("White Egret Castle") or Shirasagi-jo ("White Heron Castle") because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblence to a bird taking flight.

Himeji Castle dates to 1333, when Akamatsu Norimura built a fort on top of Himeyama Castle in 1346 and the remodeled into Himeji Castle two centuries later. Himeji Castle was then significantly remodeled in 1581 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who added a three-story castle keep. In 1600, Tokugawa leyasu awarded the castle to Ikeda Terumasa for his help in the battle of Sekigahara and Ikeda completely rebuilt the castle from 1601 to 1609, expanding it into a large castle complex. Several buildings were later added to the castle complex by Honda Tadamasa from 1617 to 1618. For over 400 years, Himeji Castle has remained intact, even throughout the extensive bombing of Himeji in World War II and natural disasters such as the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake.

About the sender

Mami Tateno (direct swap) sent from Tama City (Japan) on 06.10.2013