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Himeji Castle, renowned for its pristine white exterior, has captivated people worldwide and earned the nickname “White Heron Castle.” However, beneath its stunning façade lies the ingenious wisdom of the Sengoku period.
The five-story, seven-level main tower, supported by a colossal 25-meter central pillar, is filled with clever defensive mechanisms and maze-like designs. From steep staircases to hidden rooms like the “warrior hiding spots” and shooting passages called “musha-bashiri,” the castle demonstrates an impressive array of defensive strategies.
Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, underwent extensive restoration in 2015. Let’s explore the charm and intricate design of the main tower, from the underground level to the top.
Himeji Castle, with over 400 years of history, is a symbol of Japan’s architectural brilliance. Its elegant appearance has earned it the name “White Heron Castle.” Designated Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, its main tower stands approximately 46 meters tall, surrounded by 83 masterfully arranged structures. The sight of the central tower flanked by smaller towers to the east, west, and north evokes a white heron spreading its wings.
Between 2009 and 2015, a significant restoration project enhanced its beauty. Now a symbol of Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, the castle attracts over one million visitors annually. It’s especially popular during the cherry blossom season, where the castle and blossoms create breathtaking views.
Himeji Castle’s main tower, considered the most beautiful among Japan’s existing castles, features a five-story structure covered in elegant white plaster. The combination of beauty and defensive functionality exemplifies Japanese castle architecture at its finest.
From the ground, its white walls soar skyward, with gracefully curved roofs stacking upward. The bird-shaped gables and white plaster exterior highlight the castle’s striking elegance.
Inside, the clever design reflects the need for defense during the Sengoku period. The maze-like layout, concealed rooms, and intricate features contrast with the exterior’s elegance. As one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles, its enduring strength over 400 years adds to its allure.
Now, let’s step inside the main tower.
The underground level includes essentials for sieges, such as sinks and toilets, alongside the base of the massive western and eastern central pillars, providing a sense of their immense size.
Visible in the photo is the western pillar, one of two key structural supports, stretching 25 meters to the top. These two pillars support the 6,000-ton main tower.
The first floor of the main tower consists of a spacious central chamber surrounded by a corridor known as musha-bashiri (warrior passage). Above the inner walls, bamboo racks were installed to store matchlock guns and ammunition. The lattice windows incorporate iron plates for fire prevention and defense. Additionally, a heavily fortified door connecting the first floor to Nino-Watari-Yagura is covered with iron plates and secured with a wooden latch.
The musha-bashiri appears to be a simple hallway, but it is strategically placed along the outer walls, allowing defenders to fire matchlocks through the lattice windows.
Bamboo racks were used to hang bags containing gunpowder and bullets.
The second floor has a similar layout to the first, with a central chamber and a surrounding corridor. Like the first floor, bamboo racks were used for weapon storage. The staircases feature hinged covers that could be closed during battles to hinder enemy movement. Additionally, small openings within the chidori-hafu (plover gables) served as escape routes leading to the west minor tower.
This is a rack designed to hold weapons like matchlocks, spears, and bows.
Though this photo is not from the main tower but from Ha-no-Watari-Yagura, similar weapon racks can be found throughout the castle.
The third floor differs from the lower levels with a higher ceiling and prominent lattice structures surrounding the central area. The two core pillars, extending from the underground level to the fifth floor, enhance the castle’s earthquake resistance. In each corner, hidden chambers known as musha-gakushi were built for surprise attacks against invaders. Additionally, north and south-facing ishiuchi-dana platforms allowed defenders to monitor and attack from an elevated position.
The fourth floor has fewer windows, making it darker inside. Raised platforms called ishiuchi-dana were placed in all four directions, providing strategic vantage points. Unlike the lower levels, the fourth and fifth floors are not separated into distinct sections and function as open spaces. An emergency escape hatch is also located in the northwest chidori-hafu.
The fifth floor, structurally positioned within the fourth layer of the castle’s exterior, has limited windows, resulting in a dimly lit space. This floor, also known as the Great Hall, spans approximately 70 tatami mats in size and was likely intended as a command center during sieges. The L-shaped rooms at each corner, called irimuro, may have served as storage rooms or hidden defensive positions.
The uppermost sections of the eastern and western central pillars are also visible from this level.
The staircase leading to the top floor is particularly steep, requiring caution. Steep stairs were a common feature in Japanese castles, designed to slow down enemy movements.
The sixth floor, the topmost level of the main tower, differs from the others with a refined shoin-style ceiling. The slightly elevated floor emphasizes the status of this space.
Originally, windows were planned for all four corners, but they were sealed for structural integrity and defensive purposes. Ornate copper fittings used to cover nailheads add an elegant touch to the floor’s design.
A shrine dedicated to the guardian deity of Himeji Castle, Osakabe Shrine, is enshrined here.
From the top floor, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Himeji City.
In the bottom left of the following photo, the red-bricked Himeji City Museum of Art is visible. Originally, the building served as an arsenal for the former 10th Infantry Division.
Looking up from the underground level to the top, visitors can truly appreciate the grandeur of the castle’s central pillars, which have supported this massive structure for over 400 years. These pillars act as the backbone of the castle, demonstrating Japan’s masterful craftsmanship.
The extensive restoration completed in 2015 enhanced the castle’s beauty, making its white plaster shine even brighter. Expert carpenters meticulously preserved traditional woodworking techniques while incorporating modern earthquake-resistant technology, blending the wisdom of the past with contemporary advancements.
The best time to visit is during cherry blossom season in late March to early April. The harmony between the main tower and the cherry blossoms is a breathtaking sight. Autumn, from mid to late November, is also stunning, as the golden foliage contrasts beautifully with the castle’s white walls.
The view from the top floor changes depending on the time of day. In the morning, visitors can enjoy a crisp, clear view of Himeji, while in the evening, the main tower glows in the setting sun. Climbing to the top is well worth the effort.
For the best experience, wear comfortable shoes, as the castle’s staircases are steep. To avoid crowds, visit right after the castle opens at 9:00 AM or later in the afternoon around 3:00 PM. Since the main tower has numerous points of interest, allow at least 30 minutes for your tour.
Himeji Castle’s main tower is a national treasure that embodies the strategic ingenuity of Sengoku-era warlords and the meticulous craftsmanship of skilled artisans. Immerse yourself in its history and beauty, and witness Japan’s finest white castle firsthand.
