Himeji

Himeji is a typical city that grew out of a castle town, located 50km west of Kobe. When you step out of Himeji station, you can see the elegant white Himeji Castle from one kilometer away. Many tourists come here just to witness her breathtaking beauty.

Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site

Himeji Castle was built at the beginning of the 17th century and has not experienced warfare for 400 years, making it the best-preserved castle in Japan. It is also known as the “White Egret Castle” because of its impressive white tower complex. Himeji Castle has long been designated as a national treasure, and was one of the first projects in Japan to be inscribed on the World Heritage List, along with Horyuji Temple in Nara, in 1993.

Himeji Castle

Unharmed Castle of Beauty and Luck

Himeji Castle is one of the best preserved castles in Japan, and is also known as White Heron Castle, with its white towering Tenshukaku Complex. Since its construction in 1601, the castle has not seen a war in 400 years and was one of the first World Heritage Sites in Japan.

Manywhere Trivia:
In the 1967 James Bond film “You Only Live Twice”, Himeji Castle was the filming location for a ninja dojo, and even featured a helicopter landing in the castle by James Bond. As Himeji has become more heavily protected since its inscription on the World Heritage List, the possibility of filming in the castle is now infinitely closer to zero.