The White Heron Castle

As we entered the castle grounds, my guide kindly offered to take some photos of me with the stunning backdrop of Himeji Castle. After capturing a few memories, she began to share fascinating stories about the architecture that makes this place so extraordinary.

Standing in front of the castle, I was struck by its dazzling white walls and the elegant, sweeping roofs that give Himeji Castle its nickname—the White Heron Castle. My guide explained that the white plaster not only looks beautiful but was also used to protect the castle from fire, a constant threat in Japan’s wooden cities.

We wandered through the maze-like pathways, and I could see how the layout was designed to confuse any would-be attackers. The winding routes, sharp turns, and multiple gates would have made it nearly impossible for invaders to storm the main keep quickly. As we walked, my guide pointed out the stone walls—some soaring up to 26 meters high—and the clever loopholes built into them. These small openings, each shaped for arrows or guns, allowed defenders to protect the castle without exposing themselves.

Approaching the main keep, I learned it rises six stories above ground, making it the tallest structure in the complex. It’s built mostly of wood, supported by a lattice of beams and posts that help it withstand earthquakes. The main keep is also connected to three smaller keeps by covered corridors, adding to the castle’s complexity and defensive strength.

What I found especially beautiful were the gently curving stone walls and the ornate roof tiles, some topped with mythical shachihoko (tiger-headed fish) ornaments believed to ward off fire. My guide also pointed out the family crests of former lords, a reminder of the castle’s long and storied history.

Surrounded by cherry trees and set high on a hill, Himeji Castle feels both grand and harmonious with nature. It’s amazing to think that much of what I was seeing—the wooden interiors, the defensive features, the elegant design—has survived for centuries.