The Genius of Himeji Castle’s Defense

After exploring the main keep, my guide and I continued our adventure through the many watchtowers and along the impressive walls of Himeji Castle. With each step, I became more amazed by the castle’s ingenious defense system and the sheer thought that went into protecting this historic fortress.

Climbing up into the watchtowers, I could see how they offered commanding views over the entire castle complex and the city beyond. My guide explained that these towers weren’t just for show—they were critical vantage points for spotting enemies and coordinating defenses. From up high, defenders could rain arrows or gunfire down on any would-be attackers, making it nearly impossible for invaders to approach unnoticed.

Walking along the castle walls, I was struck by their massive scale and clever design. Some sections soared up to 26 meters high, with a graceful outward curve that made them almost impossible to climb. The walls were coated in thick white plaster, which not only gave the castle its famous “White Heron” appearance but also protected the wooden structures from fire.

One of the most fascinating features were the countless loopholes—small openings of different shapes built right into the walls and towers. My guide pointed out how each shape had a purpose: rectangular ones for guns, and circular or triangular ones for arrows. These allowed defenders to attack while staying safely hidden behind the walls. There were also special stone drop windows, called ishi-otoshi, where defenders could drop stones or pour boiling oil on anyone who dared to get close.

As we made our way through the maze-like pathways, I realized just how disorienting it must have been for attackers. The castle’s layout is a true labyrinth, filled with sharp turns, blind alleys, and a series of heavily fortified gates. Each gate was positioned to slow down and funnel intruders, exposing them to attack from above. My guide told me that, in total, there are 21 gates to pass through before even reaching the main keep!

It was incredible to see how every detail—from the moats and high stone walls to the hidden traps and secret openings—worked together to create a nearly impregnable fortress. Touring the watchtowers and defenses of Himeji Castle, I felt a deep respect for the ingenuity and strategic brilliance of its builders. It’s no wonder this castle has stood strong for centuries, a true masterpiece of Japanese military architecture.