Himeji Castle, Japanese castle in Himeji, Japan.
The white castle complex sits atop a hill, featuring 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems, including maze-like paths and multiple gates.
Built in 1346 by Akamatsu Sadanori, the castle underwent major expansion in 1609 under Terumasa Ikeda to achieve its current architectural form.
The castle represents Japanese architectural excellence as one of the three great castles and appears in numerous films depicting feudal Japan.
The castle opens daily from 9:00 to 16:00, with extended hours until 17:00 between April 27 and August 31, offering guided tours in multiple languages.
During the Meiji period, the entire castle complex was sold at auction for just 23.50 yen but returned to government ownership shortly after.
Location: Himeji
Inception: 1609
Founders: Akamatsu Sadanori, Ikeda Terumasa
Architectural style: Japanese castle architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Fee: Yes
Charge: 1,000 JPY
Website: https://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/castle/
Made from material: wood
Part of: three great castles, 100 Fine Castles of Japan, Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots
Address: 68 Honmachi 670-0012 Himeji
Opening Hours: September 01-April 26 Monday-Sunday 09:00-16:00; April 27-August 31: Monday-Sunday 09:00-17:00
Phone: +81792851146
Website: https://city.himeji.lg.jp/castle
GPS coordinates: 34.83944,134.69361
Latest update: May 27, 2025 19:51
Photo license: CC BY 4.0
Photo license: CC BY 3.0
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