Himeji Castle, located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, stands as a premier example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it is also known as Hakuro-jō or Shirasagi-jō, translated as "White Heron Castle" due to its brilliant white exterior and resemblance to a bird taking flight.
The history of Himeji Castle dates back to 1333 when Akamatsu Norimura built a fort on the site of the current castle. Over the centuries, it underwent various reconstructions and expansions. It was during the reign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi that the castle took on its current form. Hideyoshi's general, Ikeda Terumasa, was tasked with the castle's expansion after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. The construction was completed in 1609, transforming it into a grand structure known for its complex and effective defensive measures.
Surviving numerous wars, earthquakes, and the passage of time, Himeji Castle remains one of the best-preserved examples of Japanese castle architecture. It is one of the few castles in Japan that has not been rebuilt in modern times and still contains many of its original structures.
Today, Himeji Castle is not only a national treasure but also a popular tourist destination that offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
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