Here is Part Two of a 7-part series about “The best of Japan”. In the previous part, the author deals about Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Join me now as we explore and marvel at Japan’s majestic flatland mountain castles. Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle (”White Egret Castle”) because of its brilliant white outer walls, is another famous Japanese hilltop castle. One of Himeji City’s most visited places, the castle showcases a classic !7th century Japanese wooden castle design. It was built in 133 and the only remaining castle in Japan that retains its original features. Himeji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
One of Japan’s iconic images, Himeji castles thrills visitors with its majestic architecture such as its 46.4 m central tower, 33m Donjon, 34.5 m wide moat, 27 ‘yagura’, 15 gates, 16 turrets, 11 corridors, and 32 earthen walls.
Tsuyama Castle
Tsuyama Castle is a hilltop castle located in Sange, Okayama Prefecture. The castle was constructed by Mori Tadamasa in 1604 and took 13 years to finished. However, the castle was completely destroyed in 1874 during the Meiji Period. At present what is left of the castle is its 45 m high strong wall. During its glory days, Tsunama Castle was a well fortified castle and considered more beautiful than Kimeji Castle.
Today, the castle’s well preserved walls and a small turret constructed in 2005 remains a big tourist attraction.
Read full article: The Best of Japan: The Three Majestic Flatland Mountain Castles!