Himeji Castle, also known as Shirasagijo or White Heron Castle, is a hilltop Japanese castle located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. It was built in 1333 and is considered to be the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, incorporating both military and religious elements. The castle’s elegant white exterior, striking silhouette, and intricate maze of defensive walls and fortifications earned it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The castle complex contains 83 buildings and is surrounded by beautiful grounds and gardens, making it a popular tourist destination for those interested in Japanese history and culture.
