Outside the big cities of Tokyo and Osaka and Nagoya, there is another Japan. A quieter, calmer Japan.
Himjei Castle, also called the White Heron Castle, is considered the best-preserved castle in Japan. The original structure, more of a fortified building than a castle, was built in 1346. Further improvements were made after Toyotomi Hideyoshi was placed in charge of the castle. When the Toyotomi clan were defeated by Tokugawa Ieyasu around 1600, the castle was handed over to Ikeda Terumasa, who spent 9 years elevating the complex to its present form.
Himjei Castle was designated as a National Treasure in 1931, and extensive restoration was performed between 1956 and 1964. In 1993, the Castle was placed on the list of UNESCO World Cultural and Heritage Sites.
This photo was taken in early May during the height of cherry-blossom season.
Himjei Castle was designated as a National Treasure in 1931, and extensive restoration was performed between 1956 and 1964. In 1993, the Castle was placed on the list of UNESCO World Cultural and Heritage Sites.
This photo was taken in early May during the height of cherry-blossom season.
Himjei Castle, also called the White Heron Castle, is considered the best-preserved castle in Japan. The original structure, more of a fortified building than a castle, was built in 1346. Further improvements were made after Toyotomi Hideyoshi was placed in charge of the castle. When the Toyotomi clan were defeated by Tokugawa Ieyasu around 1600, the castle was handed over to Ikeda Terumasa, who spent 9 years elevating the complex to its present form.
Himjei Castle was designated as a National Treasure in 1931, and extensive restoration was performed between 1956 and 1964. In 1993, the Castle was placed on the list of UNESCO World Cultural and Heritage Sites.
This photo was taken in early May during the height of cherry-blossom season.
Himjei Castle was designated as a National Treasure in 1931, and extensive restoration was performed between 1956 and 1964. In 1993, the Castle was placed on the list of UNESCO World Cultural and Heritage Sites.
This photo was taken in early May during the height of cherry-blossom season.
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