The defensive gates of Himeji Castle

As I made my way deeper into Himeji Castle with my guide, I was amazed by the sheer number of gates I had to pass through. Each gate felt like a new checkpoint, and it quickly became clear that they weren’t just there for show—they played a vital role in the castle’s defense.

My guide explained how the gates were cleverly arranged in a chain, connected by winding, zigzagging paths that snaked through the castle grounds. We would turn one corner only to find another gate, often set at odd angles or up narrow staircases. If I hadn’t had a guide, I could easily have gotten lost! This confusing layout wasn’t accidental; it was designed to slow down and scatter any would-be invaders, forcing them into tight, exposed spaces where defenders could easily pick them off from above.

Many gates were reinforced with iron and some led into small, boxy courtyards called masugata. Standing inside one, my guide described how soldiers would become trapped here while defenders unleashed arrows and stones from all sides—a chilling thought!

Some gates were so narrow that only one person at a time could squeeze through, making it easy for defenders to ambush attackers as they tried to advance. Above nearly every gate and passage, I noticed small holes and chutes built right into the walls. My guide pointed out how these were used to fire arrows or guns at intruders and even to drop stones or boiling water on anyone stuck below.

As we wove our way through this living maze, I was struck by just how ingenious the castle’s defense system was. Each gate, passage, and hidden feature worked together to exhaust and confuse attackers, all while giving the defenders every possible advantage. Experiencing these defenses first-hand, I gained a whole new appreciation for the strategic brilliance behind Himeji Castle’s design—no wonder it was considered unbreakable!