Himeji Castle

One of the most enduring images of Japan by westerners and locals (inclusive of Mokes and Titas) are the Japanese castles that we see in the Samurai movies.

Many times these castles are depicted as ornate and luxurious quarters of shogun and feudal lords. To a certain extent this image is true, but only for a small portion of the building.

A tour of any castle reveals its true identity, a strategic military headquarters. We enter the caste grounds through a mon or a gate. This mon is usually protected by a natural barrier such as a river or a moat. Access to the mon is via bridge.

The first mon is not the only gate that you pass through. Actually one must cross a series of mon to actually get to the main castle. There is a winding path uphill and one must pass through a series of gates to the castle. When you walk the castle grounds, you notice that the landscaping and the architecture incorporate strategic features to ward off enemies. Sharp turn in the path, varying heights and widths of the gates and strategic placement of trees and stones are incorporated to make it very difficult for the enemies to get to the main buildings. You will notice that many times, the gates get smaller as you proceed to the castle.

Castles are located at the highest point in the region. This serves many purposes. The castle has a 360 degree view of the kingdom and is able to spot any potential attackers. Secondly, the defense of the castle is much easier working down hill since the attackers will be working up hill and be barraged with arrows and stones.

Once you get into the castle, another maze awaits. The castles are usually five to eight stories in height. One must traverse a series of stairs and paths to get to the shogun. There are many trap doors and secret rooms to hide in.

Once you get to the top of the castle you are greeted with a great view of the surrounding village or town. But it will take some time for you to catch your breath. The path to the top is longer than you think.

Here are some websites:
http://www.jcastle.info/castle/
http://www.castlejapan.com/
http://www.jgc.co.jp/waza/a5_himeji/castle01.htm



This picture is taken at Himeji castle. It is one of the few castles that survived the wars and fires. Built in 1601. BTW, this is the Abarenbo Shogun castle.