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Embracing the Majesty and History: Himeji Castle
We have almost made it halfway through our Japan adventure, and by this point, I’m sure it’s obvious we were getting pretty worn out. Instead of packing this day with multiple sites to see, we focused on one major bucket list item – Himeji Castle.
But first—breakfast! You know we already mentioned that we loved the breakfast buffet at Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka. Sigh—we miss it so much, and now I am hungry, so I will leave this eye candy here for you to enjoy.
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All photos below are a combo of iPhone and Canon 80D
A Rainy Day at Himeji Castle
My history-loving husband had been researching historic and culturally significant places to visit, and Himeji Castle was at the top of his list. We decided to take a day trip from Osaka to Himeji Castle. It was a freezing and rainy day, so the 1.5-hour train ride was charming, and the trip seemed to go way faster than expected.
When we arrived at Sanyo-Himeji Station, it was raining heavily and very cold. Still, the moment you exited the station, even through all the rain, mist, and clouds – you could see this gorgeous piece of history beckoning from the horizon. As we approached, Himeji Castle became increasingly impressive, and all we could think was wow!
Visiting Himeji Castle on a rainy day offers a unique and enchanting experience that blends the somber beauty of Japan’s weather with the rich historical tapestry of one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. As you approach the castle, the rain adds a mystical aura, enhancing the white elegance of Himeji’s walls, often referred to as the “White Heron Castle” for its resemblance to a bird taking flight.
A Glimpse into History
Himeji Castle, located in Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan’s twelve original castles that survived the post-feudal era intact. Its history dates back to 1333, when a fort was first built on the site by Akamatsu Norimura. The structure we see today began to take shape in 1581 under the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s great unifiers. The castle reached its current form in 1609, under the direction of Ikeda Terumasa, a daimyo who played a significant role in the early Edo period.
The Architectural Marvel
Even under a blanket of rain, Himeji Castle’s architecture remains stunning. The castle is an exemplary piece of Japanese feudal architecture with its brilliant white plastered walls, multi-storied keeps, and complex labyrinth of gates and moats. The main keep, Daitenshu, stands majestically at five stories tall, offering a vantage point that provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape on clear days.
The rain accentuates the castle’s defensive features, such as the stone drop windows, known as “ishiotoshi”, used to fend off attackers, and the maze-like paths designed to confuse invaders. Walking these paths under a drizzle allows you to feel the ingenious strategic planning that went into the castle’s design, appreciating how it was built for beauty and formidable defense.
Experiencing the Interior
You must remove your shoes to enter the main keep of Himeji Castle due to the polished wooden floors. You can use the plastic bags provided to remove your shoes without damaging the floor.
Taking off your shoes before entering a Japanese temple or shrine is customary because shoes are considered dirty and disrespectful to wear inside a sacred space. Some temples or shrines have designated areas to leave your shoes, such as a shoe rack or a porch.
Entering the castle, the wooden interiors creak gently underfoot, adding to the sense of stepping back in time. The rain pattering against the walls creates a serene soundtrack as we explored the keep. The wooden beams, worn smooth by centuries, tell tales of samurais and feudal lords who once walked these halls. The castle’s interiors are sparsely furnished, reflecting the functional design meant to serve as a military fortress rather than a lavish residence.
As I mentioned, it was a frigid and rainy day. The castle and keep has many steep stairs, so steep they are basically ladders. Walking on the cold floors and steep steps without supportive shoes was challenging, but we did it anyway! We climbed to the very top and had breathtaking views across the town.
The Grounds and Gardens
Outside the main keep, the castle grounds are equally captivating. The rain enhanced the lush greenery of the gardens, and the stone paths glistened with moisture, making the castle grounds appear like a scene from a classic Japanese painting. The Himeji Castle Sannomaru Square and Nishinomaru Garden offer peaceful retreats where you can soak in the natural beauty, with the castle towering magnificently in the background. Sadly, we were still too early in the season to experience Sakura (cherry blossoms) or any other flowers or blooming plant life. We thought it was gorgeous in a winter landscape; I can’t imagine how wonderful Spring must be.
The Castle in Modern Times
Himeji Castle was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, acknowledging its outstanding preservation and historical significance. The castle has undergone several restorations, the most recently completed in 2015, ensuring it remains a pristine example of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Reflecting on the Visit
A visit to Himeji Castle on a rainy day is more than just a tour; it immerses you in the heart of Japanese history and culture. Rather than dampening the experience, the rain enhanced this historical monument’s mystical and serene atmosphere. After exiting the castle, we were graced with the brief presence of blue skies, and it felt like a wink from the universe to brighten our day. As we walked away from the castle, the memory of its towering elegance amidst the rain will linger, a testament to its timeless beauty and enduring legacy.
Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a traveler looking for a serene and reflective experience, Himeji Castle (in the Rain) offers an awe-inspiring and profoundly moving journey through time.
We spent about three hours walking around the grounds and in the main keep and castle; by then, our feet were exhausted. Tired, cold, and hungry is never a good feeling, so as we walked back to the train station, we stopped and grabbed some ice cream – because why not eat ice cream when you are already cold – haha! Something we love about Japan is that you can find food, snacks, drinks, and desserts just about every few feet, no matter where you are, and it’s all delicious!
Rest, Reset & Self-Care on Vacation
We took the train back to Osaka, and before returning to Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka, we stopped at Family Mart to grab snacks and noodle bowls to enjoy in our room.
We did laundry and watched Netflix for the rest of the night. It was the perfect way to reset, rest, and spend the middle of our unbelievable journey.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our trip to Japan as much as I have enjoyed writing about it. We have shared the entire itinerary on the blog and day-by-day recount posts. Stick with us—I plan to post twice weekly until the trip is complete with the Tokyo Disneyland finale!
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I love that you still saw the beauty in the rain and didn’t let it hinder your experience. Did you know that for movies and television if they are filming scenes that are on the streets, they always wet the roads down. “Where a dry street will appear kind of flat and unimpressive when filming, a wet street will appear glossy and offer up an impressive amount of shine that tends to look better on film.”
Love that!
Thank you for sharing this trip with everyone. I love Japanese culture too. It is fascinating.
Fantastic! What a trip!!!