Himeji Castle

The elegant Himeji Castle, also known as the “White Heron”, was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a cultural site in 1993. It is regarded as one of Japan’s best surviving examples of 17th-century feudal architecture and is one of the twelve remaining original castles in Japan. The castle’s 82 buildings with significantly developed defense systems, stunning wooden construction, white plastered walls, and aesthetic appeal make the castle a masterpiece of its time.

Himeji Castle is exceptionally preserved in its features, representing the culmination of Japanese castle architecture. The 82 buildings of the castle’s property zone are original in their composition, including its stone walls, gates, and donjon complex. Only a few buildings were at a loss, including the residential quarters of samurai and the castle lord of 1882, but these are considered minor and do not affect the property’s integrity. Himeji Castle has remained intact throughout its year's thanks to consistent maintenance by various feudal masters, ensuring a high authenticity and wholeness. For these reasons, the Himeji Castle is not only a UNESCO Designated Site but a Japan National Treasure as well.