A postcard from...Himeji Castle

A castle for all seasons

My brother (who is obviously English, but lives in Australia) has been going on and on about majestic
Himeji Castle for years....and I have to admit that I now understand exactly what he has been on about. It has been on my 'bucket list' for a while :)

As soon as you pop out of the station, you can't miss it! Sitting imperiously atop a hill, shimmering white walls against a moody sky - jaw-droppingly impressive. As you approach it, it just gets bigger and broader, steepling ramparts and shifting perspectives as you round another corner.

I happily spent the best part of  an afternoon snooping around for angles that I am sure have been well found over the centuries! I got a bit annoyed with the over-officious staff, and also inconsiderate tourons walking in front of an obvious photographer (who has had to wait nearly 30 years to get this chance!); and the procession up the inside of the castle was over-marshalled/busy. Impressive structure yes, and fabulous views, but no real time to savour & not a lot of useful information (can't climb steep slippery steps in slippers, with a camera & a bag of shoes & browse the guidebook!).

Himeji Castle is an awesome experience; visually stunning, architecturally immense, and historically significant. Don't miss "Heron Castle"!