Himeji Castle Kobe
Japan - Fukuoka - Kobe - Nagoya - Tokyo - Osaka - Hiroshima - Kyoto - Yokohama -
The Himeji Castle of Kobe is undoubtedly the most beautiful and magnificent castle in Japan that is included in the World Heritage Site. This castle has a distinct place in the world history because this strands as an exception to the castles which were renovated in the later years. The World War II caused havoc to innumerable castles and monuments of Japan leading to its construction in the later years. But this is the only castle that has manages to retain its original form and architecture. Most of the castles in pre- war period were made of wood. But the post war construction period saw the wooden structures being replaced by the concrete walls.
History
The Himeji castle was stared by Warlord Hidetoshi Toyotomi in 1581. The original structure built by him on the Hieyama Hill was a three-storied building. Later it was expanded to five storeys and was remodeled by Terumasa Ikeda. Terumasa Ikeda was one of the generals of Hidetoshi Toyotomi. The castle was expanded once again in its later years to give its final shape.
The castle is popularly known as ‘Shirasagijo' or ‘Hakurojo' meaning the White Egret Castle. The castle has been named so because of the bird like silhouette and the white color of the castle walls.
Description
The Himeji castle that was built to display the wealth of Daimyo's exhibits the beautiful architecture of the buildings. The roof tiles are beautifully carved and the beautiful roofs slops in a style that is very distinct. It took great deal of work to maintain the traditional style. The white color of the castle gives it an elegant look. The top of the castle has innumerable sculptures that resembles like fishes called Shachi.
There are six gates that lead to the castle. Outside you can see the suicide gate where people were forced to commit ritual. The nearby Okiku's Well is popular because of the ghost story Nanshu Sara Yashiki.
Location
The castle is located in the city of Himeji.
How to go there
The Himeji castle is a 10 minute walk from the Himeji Station. Himeji is a popular site on the Tokiado -Sanyo Shinkansen line. The place is a 90 minutes travel from Kyoto whereas it takes 40 minutes to travel from Kobe.
Timings
The Himeji castle is open for public viewing from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening. The closing hours is extended in the summers.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to visit the castle.| Hotels in Kobe | |
| Portopia Hotel | Sunroute Sopra Hotel |
| Crowne Plaza Hotel | Okura Hotel |
| Pearl City Hotel | Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers |
