The best of traditions and modernity – Japan in 25 days

Stop 7 – Himeji, Japan. Visited 13-14th October 2024

From Nara, I continued my journey westward, this time to Himeji, a mere 130 km train ride. Arriving in the city center, the castle can be seen from various spots, towering over the neighborhood. Everyone comes here to see Himeji Castle, the largest and most visited castle in Japan. Situated on top of a hill and raised higher as if on a pedestal, it stands six stories on a basement. The main castle building stands alone without peers, accompanied by other lower buildings in the castle complex. Its white exterior with intricately designed roof eaves looks like a bird taking flight.

I joined other visitors who kept filing into the castle, the queues twisting around like a nest of tangled snakes. the creaking was unmistakable – this is a wooded structure. It’s indeed a marvel that a building made of wood could soar so high.

Himeji Castle seen on Otemae Street in the city center

A miniaturized wooden structure of Himeji Castle

Almost next to the castle is Koko-en Garden, a verdant garden filled with beautiful Japanese pine trees and green plants, the absence of colorful flowers was conspicuous. A smooth pond, where well-fed and colorful carp swam without fear of predators, was part and parcel of the garden, curated to soothe and repair any raw or damaged nerves.

I was not broken, but I felt repaired. I was not unwell, but I felt healed. I felt great in Himeji.