Himeji Castle

Another bullet train this morning - this time to Himeji - 250kms in 55 minutes!

At Himeji there is Himeji Castle - it is known as 'White Heron Castle' for its soaring keep and brilliant white plaster walls. The main keep was built in 1601. The only stone structures are its foundations - the castle's main buildings are made mostly of wood, earth and plaster.

It was designed for defence in warfare, not for living in. The feudal Lord lived in a palace in the castle forecourt. To defend the castle, access for attackers was made as difficult as possible. One of the ways this was done was to make the internal stairs of the tower increasingly steep and difficult to climb.

We were allowed to go into the tower, but…

Inage, our tour leader, stressed how increasingly difficult the ascent would be and to think about whether or not to attempt it once at the bottom of the tower. To add to the degree of difficulty, shoes had to be removed, carried in a plastic bag and we then had to complete the climb in socks.

There is no furniture in the tower. It was a defensive structure only. Each floor is bare except for the top floor which has a shrine.

It was tough but worth doing.

Lunch was a traditional Japanese meal at a restaurant across the road - yet another great experience!

After lunch - the Koko-En gardens…Read more