Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the most famous and largest castles in Japan, also called Shirasagijo, or White Heron Castle due to its white outer walls. It is located in the city of Himeji, originally a castle town built around the castle, and altogether is situated in western Honshu. Himeji is the main city of the Harima region, part of the Harima industrial zone, and also part of the southern Hyogo prefecture. This historic castle is also positioned on river Ichikawa and near the deltas of rivers Kakogawa and Ibogawa, with the surrounding region bordering the inland sea. Himeji castle’s location plays a huge role in the importance of the castle because of its strategic site on two hills, one of which reaching nearly 150 feet.

While in the past, Himeji Castle was important due to its geographical location for Japanese lords,  it is now also very important to the culture in the country in more modern times. Himeji Castle is so important to Japanese culture, as it is a monument to the skillful builders of the era (especially since it is the best preserved medieval castle in all of Japan). The craftspeople (mostly under Terumasa) are so revered because they could convert natural resources into an elegant and beautiful structure, and this structure is a remarkable example of their craftsmanship. The castle, “derives its name; the White Egret Castle, partly from the fact that it appears as a bird ready for flight” (“HISTORY.” Colombia.edu), which is just another reason that these craftspeople were so honored. In addition to the castle being a representation of the skillful medieval builders and architects, it is also a tribute to the Japanese ideas of the relation between humans and nature and the worship of the environment, shown in how there are both military and living compounds in the castle. This symbolized that men should integrate themselves into nature, but also respect it to the highest level.