Friday, October 22, 2010

Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji Castle started as a fortress in 1333 during the feudal period and was completed in its present state in 1609. It is an excellent example of Japanese Midieval architecture.

It was defended by three moats, making it nearly impossible to conquer:
"By the time the enemy had gotten past the third moat, their strength and reserves were considerably lessened...The wandering passages of the castle are intended to confuse an enemy unfamiliar with the layout."
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/ealac/V3613/himeji/military.htm

It has survived earthquakes, wars and typhoons. It was named a National Treasure in 1931. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. It has 85 buildings and is the largest castle in Japan.

The castle was featured in such movies as James Bond's You Only Live Twice, The Last Samurai, several Akira Kurosawa movies, and in the U.S. television miniseries Shogun.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himeji_Castle
http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/himeji_castle.html
http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/japan/himeji/himejicastle.php

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