Samurai Castle
A real Samurai Castle in the middle of Japan
Himeji Castle is probably the most well-preserve feudal castle in Japan. I’ve seen several but none preserve the interior decoration as Himeji. Event I am writing this post few years after, I still remember the impact I felt then!!
Osaka Castle or Tokyo Castle are completely remodeled becoming a tourist like museum inside but Himeji have remained the inner old-fashion style decoration, even you still can see katana marks on the wooden walls. Built in 1333, Himeji Castle have seen many medieval battles, II World War bombfires and earthquakes but surprisingly still almost intact. That is reason because is considered one of the National Treasures and UNESCO heritage since 1993.
Himeji Castle weapon racks
Inside the castle is possible to freely walk around but it is necessary to take your shoes off. Despite wood being really worn and polished by time you can still seeing absolutely beautiful flooring and woodwork. On the left side there is a weapons racks. In the earlier centuries they would have held various katana swords and polearms but in later centuries, racks were modified to held muskets and rifles.
Samurai Armor
There is a interesting collection of samurai armors displayed at Himeji Castle. More than about 4,000 samurais served Himeji Castle at its best time on Honda family period, so there is a good collection of armory.
