HIMEJI CASTLE
Himeji Castle Tours
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HIMEJI CASTLEHimeji Castle - Himeji Castle is a World Heritage listed traditional Japanese castle. Himeji Castle is the best example of a Japanese castle.Himeji Castle is located Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, Kansai Japan. In 1992 Himeji Castle was recognised by UNESCO as a building of world significance and was added to the World Heritage list. Himeji Castle is an excellent example of a Japanese castle with its traditional wooden architecture and its stone walls with their white plastered walls have been well maintained. Himeji Castle has never been damaged by attacks or even bombing in the second world war. Almost all other significant Japanese castles are reconstructions (such as Osaka Castle) or where never rebuild.  Himeji Castle Himeji Castle HistoryIn 1333 Norimura Akamatsu, the
ruler of Harima District, built a fort where the Himeji Castle now stands.
ln 1346 his son, Sadanori further expanded the fort.  Himeji Castle Walls Main Tower with the smaller towers and corridors connecting these towers
have been registered as national treasures. The Cosmetic Tower, 27 ‘yagura',
15 gates, and 1,000 meter long earthen walls have been registered as
important cultural treasures. A part of the middle moat, and the whole
inner moat retained as they were In the feudal times. The area inside the
middle moat has been registered as a special historical site.  Himeji Castle Fan Walls In the foreground of the picture above you can see the shape and angle of the "fan curve" at the base of the wall. This shape provides significantly greater strength and stability to the base of the walls. This shape is effectively half an inverted arch.  Himeji Castle Here already within the Himeji Castle structure is another moat to provide a further level of protection. Beyond the moat is another wall and then many more levels to reach the donjon (main castle tower). It really is layer upon layer of defences. Himeji Castle RenovationsHimeji Castle is under going renovations until March 2014. During most of this period visitors will still have access to the main tower (donjon), which will allow a rare view of the renovation works that include traditional techniques. The general impression and view of Himeji Castle will be spoilt by the scaffold. There will also be no entry to the castle via the Karamete-gate (east gate).  Himeji Castle Garden Without having to leave the Castle you were still able to have these beautiful gardens. This sort of resting place would have been very important in times when a castle was under attack. Himeji Castle TransportHimeji Castle is short walk from J.R. Himeji station. You can catch a train from Osaka (about an hour) or Kobe (about 40 minutes). You need to allow at least 90 minutes for this tour and it is quite physically taxing when you climb the tower. More details on Himeji city in detailed article.  Himeji Castle |
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