Himeji

1st kanji: "hime" (he-may)=Princess 2nd kanji: "ji" (gee)=street, way

say: He-may-gee

The first stop on our trip was to Himeji, home to one of Japan's most famous castles.  Himeji-jo ('jo' is one way to say 'castle' in Japanese) is probably the most magnificent castle in all of Japan--many people would tell you this.  It stands out among the others for many reasons.  Most notably, it is almost completely original.  Some of it's walls have been standing for over 400 years.  (Most castles were started at forts, then expanded as lords changed or power grew.)  Many of Japan's castles were destroyed in fires or during wars in the past.  Himeji-jo has managed to survive as it looks today since 1618.

Inside Himeji-jo

One of the resons I loved Himeji-jo so much was because the interior was pretty much kept as it may have looked hundreds of years ago.  I have visited a few castles who's insides have been turned into mini-museums.  Carpeted floors, flourescent lights, video screens and display cases.... it kind of takes away from the reason you came to the castle in the first place.  Himeji-jo did have a few 'modern additions' (you can see handrails and fire extinguishers in my photo) but those things are understandable. (:

From the top of the main tower, looking South

When you finally reach the top turret (the 6th floor, if I remember rightly), you can get a great view of the city of Himeji.  Jeremy and I walked up that road, that leads to the castle grounds, from the train station.  At the bottom of the photo, you can see a stone patio-like area, where we were able to first look out over the city.  Even in the middle of winter, the grounds were really pretty and impressive.

Let's try some new buttons on these pages!  If you click on the right-hand arrow, it will lead you, day by day, through our trip.  The left will take you back a day.  (On this page, it will take you to the vacation 'home' page.)  And, as always, my trusted Angry Bison will take you to my main home page.

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