Himeji Castle
姫路城
What is Himeji Castle?
Himeji castle is an ancient fortified castle dating back to 1333. Over the years this castle has been changed, rebuilt and renovated over and over again.
Some Memorable Changes and People
Akamatsu Norimura
Akamatsu Norimura was a samurai of the Akamatsu Clan and Shugo (Govenor) or the Harima province.
He decided that Hemeyama Hill was an excellent and strategic location for a fort. And so it began. The orginal fort was erected in 1333 but soon afterwards Akamatsu decided that the fort would make a suitable castle, given a few modifications. A few modifications being rebuilding the entire fort. Turning it into Hemeyama Castle.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Hemeyama castle was left alone for a whole two centuries before being modified again by Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a General and Teritorial land holder who built a 3 story keep within the castle in 1581. He then Renamed it to Himeji Castle.
Tokugawa Ieasu
Tokugawa Leyasu was the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate a samurai clan that ruled from 1600-1868 starting with the battle of Sekigahara in which the caslte aided his victory.
He expanded the castle into a small citadel.
Honda Tadamasa
Was another general and was married to Tokugawa Leyasu's grand daughter.
He added several buildings to the complex in 1617
Enough History!
An Ancient Tourist Attraction
Himeji Castle is one of the most visited hostorical tourist attractions in Japan and the world. In 1993 it was registered as one of the first UNESCO world heritage sites and has remained standing through harsh weather and even a bombing. The amount of times this castle was edited would seem absurd to anyone outside of Japan, although I think it captures the Japanese craving for perfection.