Himeji Castle (姫路城) is a flatland-mountain (built on Himeyama in 1346 by Norimura Akamatsu) Japanese castle complex located in the city of Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture. Its original name was Shirasagijō ("White Heron Castle") because of its brilliant white exterior and by how its main tower rising elegantly from its surroundings reminded people of a white heron taking flight. It is also considered one of most preserved, complete and original surviving castles in all of Japan along with Matsumoto Castle. Himeji-jo is a Japanese National Cultural Treasure and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1993.
The white color plaster of its walls served as fireproofing material (an important consideration for an all wooden structure). The castles design is fascinatingly complex and served as a defensive mechanism (worthy of note, Himeji never came under an invasion) with tiny and low entry ways, a maze like design, and with every single point viewable from the main donjon. Three maru (baileys) served as lines of defense; the outer most is the san-no-maru where a public park exists, the walls surrounding the central keep is the ni-no-maru, and the hon-maru is the main keep and its walls. The foundation of stones uses no mortar and were just piled on top of each other to allow flexibility in the event of an earthquake (something which the castle has survived numerous times including the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake where the glass of sake on the shrine at the very top did not even topple over). Himeji is also known for its defensive rock chutes (ishi otoshi) where rocks and hot oil could be rained on the enemy. The main donjon known as Tenshukaku is comprised of 6 levels (one of which is underground which is why the main keep looks like it has only 5 stories).
Personal note: Himeji Castle is one of my favorite places to visit in Japan. It is always fun to walk each path and is a photobugs dream because there are just so many interesting things that you can keep discovering on each visit.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: starting in 2009, the castle will be undergoing 3 years of major restoration. It won't be closed completely but there will be areas that are off limits and certain views of the castle will be obstructed. Therefore, you need to plan accordingly if you want to see Himeji Castle prior to this work.
