Himeji
I visited Himeji in Autumn of 2015. Himeji-jo or White Egret Castle is in the town of Himeji and was built in 1609. The fortress recently completed a 5 year restoration. Himeji-jo fortress is from around the Eo period and is not a fortress in the European sense as it was primarily for storage of weapons and a hard point in times of war. The lord did not live in it but nearby. It is called White Egret Castle for its white exterior. While there are only 5 stories visible, it actually has 7 (about a 1/3 more weapons) which allows the defenders to have an advantage over the attackers. There were several defensive measures designed into the fortress, from a serpentine approach after the main gate, to slick grass on steep paths, lots of gun/arrow slits that cover various areas of the field, and sally ports to attack from the rear. The interior of the keep has few amenities and other than the rock base and plaster exterior walls is all made of wood. So there is always a concern about fire. At the very top (which as a great view) there is a small shrine to the god of good news whose favorite beverage is Sake. The stairs are very very steep as you go from floor to floor.
Then we went to the neighboring Himeji Castle Hishi-Oyashiki-ato gardens. There are 13 different themed gardens in the park each different but that were very restful to walk through. In the guest house they has a demonstration of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony which was full of grace and elegance.
The trip from Osaka to Himeji was 1 hour on the "super rapid" train and then a 2 km walk to the castle gate. We met a guide along the walk, a very nice old lady, who offered to guide us through the castle. With the long waits in line we were very glad to have her with us as she explained a lot of about the fortress and history while we waited to get in.
Read MoreThen we went to the neighboring Himeji Castle Hishi-Oyashiki-ato gardens. There are 13 different themed gardens in the park each different but that were very restful to walk through. In the guest house they has a demonstration of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony which was full of grace and elegance.
The trip from Osaka to Himeji was 1 hour on the "super rapid" train and then a 2 km walk to the castle gate. We met a guide along the walk, a very nice old lady, who offered to guide us through the castle. With the long waits in line we were very glad to have her with us as she explained a lot of about the fortress and history while we waited to get in.
