Himeji Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Himeji Castle姫路城 |
|
|---|---|
| Himeji, Hyōgo, Japan | |
|
Himeji Castle in May 2015 after the five-year renovation of the roof and walls
|
|
 Himeji Castle
姫路城 |
|
| Coordinates | 34°50′22″N 134°41′38″E / 34.83944°N 134.69389°E |
| Type | Azuchi-Momoyama castle |
| Height | 46.4 m (152 ft) |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Intact, restoration work for preservation recently completed |
| Site history | |
| Built |
|
| Built by |
|
| In use | 1333–1868-1945(as military camp) |
| Materials | Wood, stone, plaster, tile |
| Demolished |
|
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison |
|
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Criteria | Cultural: i, iv |
| Inscription | 1993 (17th Session) |
| Area | 107 ha |
| Buffer zone | 143 ha |
Himeji Castle (姫路城) is a famous Japanese castle located in Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture. It's often called Hakurojō or Shirasagijō, which means "White Heron Castle". This nickname comes from its beautiful, bright white walls that look like a white heron taking flight.
The castle is made up of 83 wooden buildings. It is considered a Japanese National Cultural Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Himeji Castle is one of Japan's "Three Famous Castles," along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle. It's also the most visited castle in Japan!
Many famous movies have been filmed here. These include Akira Kurosawa's Kagemusha and Ran. The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise and the Shogun 1980 TV-miniseries also used the castle.
In 2009, Himeji Castle was chosen as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan. These landscapes best show modern Japan and its culture during the Heisei period.
Contents
History of Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle has a long and interesting history. It started as a fort in 1333. This fort was built by a leader named Akamatsu Norimura.
Building the Castle Walls
Over the years, the fort was rebuilt and made bigger. In 1581, Toyotomi Hideyoshi expanded it into a proper castle. He added a three-story main keep.
Later, from 1601 to 1609, Ikeda Terumasa greatly expanded the castle. He built the large, beautiful castle we see today. He added the five-story main keep and many other buildings.
Later Additions and Uses
More expansions happened between 1617 and 1618 by Honda Tadamasa. He added more towers and gates. The castle was used for many years until 1868. It was even used as a military camp until 1945.
Today, Himeji Castle is still in great condition. It has been carefully restored to preserve its beauty and history.
Why Himeji Castle is Special
Himeji Castle is famous for many reasons. Its unique design and beautiful white appearance make it stand out.
Amazing Architecture
The castle's design is very clever. It has many winding paths, gates, and walls. These were built to confuse attackers and make it hard for them to reach the main keep.
The castle also has special features like "stone drop windows." These were openings where defenders could drop stones on enemies below. There are also loopholes for archers and people using guns.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1993, Himeji Castle was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it is considered very important to the world's culture and history. It is a place that should be protected for future generations.
Cultural Treasure of Japan
The castle is also a Japanese National Cultural Treasure. It shows the amazing skill of Japanese builders and designers from hundreds of years ago. It's a symbol of Japan's rich history.
Gallery of Himeji Castle
-
Front view of the castle complex
-
A 1761 depiction of the castle complex
-
The "Three Country Moat" in the centre of the castle complex
-
A depiction of the intricate castle complex
-
The family crest of Ikeda Terumasa
-
Weapon racks inside the keep
-
Defensive loopholes
-
Angled chutes or "stone drop windows"
-
"Diamond Gate", the first of the castle's 21 remaining gates
-
Okiku's Well
-
Keshō yagura (Dressing Tower) attributed to Senhime as part of her private chambers
-
A panoramic view of the castle grounds, with Himeji city in the background
-
The castle's keeps and city as seen from Engyō-ji
-
The castle complex as seen from the west
-
Keeps and bridge as seen from the entrance
-
A view of Keeps and the lush castle grounds below
-
Keeps as seen from the grounds below
-
One of the steep, narrow walkways controlling access to the castle
-
One of the steep castle walls
-
Himeji castle as seen from the princess quarters
-
The keep as seen from within the inner circle (本丸, honmaru)
-
Curved gables (千鳥破風, chidori hafu)
-
Detail of keep
-
Himeji Castle view from below in May 2017
-
Castle walls and rooftops
-
East tower and corridors
-
The castle rooftops and surrounding city
-
Part of the intricate castle complex
-
A mythical tiger-headed fish called shachi (鯱). This motif was used atop the castle towers as a talisman for fire prevention.
-
A stone drop window (石落窓, ishi-otoshi-mado)
-
A window for an archer or defender using a Matchlock
-
An interior room with Tatami mats
-
A hallway
-
Castle windows
-
Taken at Three Country Moats
-
Sakura at Himeji Castle
-
Taken at Himeji City Zoo
-
Taken from the south
-
Temporary cover and gantry
-
Temporary cover
-
Different stages of applying plaster to the roof tiles. The plaster protects the roof from water ingress, and stops the tiles being dislodged by typhoon winds.
-
Roof structure underneath the tiles
-
View of the keep roof nearing completion, taken from the public view gallery.
-
A fish.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Castillo Himeji para niños
