Himeji Castle / World Heritage

 

I visited Himeji Castle yesterday, which is famous for being World Heritage. Since I’ve been to Himeji town dozens of times, I used to think Himeji Castle was always there to visit, but actually today was the very first I’ve ever seen it!

 

Now let me explain general information about Himeji Castle.

The present Himeji Castle is constructed by Terumasa Ikeda, the son-in-law of Ieyasu Tokugawa.  It took eight years to complete, and preserved for 400 years.

It reminds me of Kumamoto Castle, which is celebrating 400th anniversary this year. The reason Himeji Castle was kept so fine, is because it didn’t met any large war or disasters. So it was degignated as the first World Heritage in Japan, in 1993, the same time with Horyuji Temple.

Well, you might wonder if Himeji Castle today is really the same one as 400 years ago. It’s not that.  Around 1955, there was a large scale reconstruction, and first class carpenters from all over Japan were assembled to repair the castle, including main pilars. Still, main parts such as beams are still in function today, which is something amazing !

 

When we think about today’s huge construction, many of you might think of dams. Well, Dams also have long life, mostly between 80 to 100 years, which proves woods live longer than iron or concrete. 

What strikes us more is, 400 years ago when there was no crane, such a huge castle was build up only by human power, which we cannot hardly do today.

It seemed there were more visitors from overseas (mostly from Europe and US)  than Japanese, and the amazing Japanese building technology must have impressed them. It is the achievements of our predecessors we should cherish.

Image 1. Himeji Castle. (it’s nickname is Shirasagi-jo, which means Egret Castle)

Image 2. Castle Wall. Its line is like Egret.

Image 3. Looking down from the main castle. (which would have made lords think that they own the whold world!)

 *Official site of Himeji Castle