Himeji Castle was registered as the first Japanese world cultural heritage by UNESCO along with Horyuji Temple in December, 1993, enjoying the highest international reputation of all existing Japanese castles.

Cited as its reason are its architectural uniqueness including multiple towers, its beautiful shape dubbed as White Heron Castle, its exquisite and fully worked-out functional devices for a fortress, and its well-preserved castle buildings in the inner citadel telling almost completely what they used to be.

Himeji Castle has a history of 400 years (over 600 years since the first fortress) as precious heritage to be handed down to future generations.

National Treasure
8 buildings of Daitenshu (Main Tower), East Small Tower, West Small Tower, Northwest Small Tower, 'I' Corridor, 'Ro' Corridor, 'Ha' Corridor and 'Ni' Corridor

Important Cultural Assets
74 buildings including Cosmetic Tower, 'Ni' Turret, Oremeguri Turret, Bizen Gate, Mizu-no-Ichi Gate (Water Gate 1), Mizu-no-Ni Gate (Water Gate 2), Hishi Gate, 'I' Gate, 'Ro' Gate, 'Ha' Gate, 'Ni' Gate, and 'Nu' Gate.

<Renovation of Himeji Castle Main Keep>

The Himeji City Government renovates the main keep of Himeji Castle from October,2009 to 2014.This full-scale renovation work is intended to repair castle structure such as the plaster walls and the eaves and canopies of the upper levels that have been damaged.
For safety reasons,victors may be restricted or asked to change the visiting route depending on the content of renovation work.We appreciate your understanding and corporation.

[It is possible to look around inside until April 11,2010]
Before starting each renovation,we need a preparation period for bringing materials.So visitors can look around castle in principle until April 11,2010.

※Note for Visitors
From November 16,2009 to job closeout,visitor can't enter the castle from Karamete-gate (east gate).During constructing the roofed scaffold structure (April 12,2010~January, 2011),visitors can’t enter the main keep.

[April, 2011~March, 2014]
The inside of the main keep will be kept open to visitors during the renovation period depending on the work content,with due attention to safety.An observation space and an elevator will be provided inside the roofed scaffold structure fully covering the main keep,so that visitors can watch the repair process using traditional techniques. Moreover, during the renovation period,special visiting opportunities will also be provided for visitors using wheelchairs or others who would have difficulty climbing up to the main keep.

If you are planning to visit Himeji Castle during on the above date, please visit here for Updated information.

[ 12-23-2009: Message edited by: Ocean Liners ]

If you visit to Kyoto in November and would like to see autumn leaves, The best time to visit the Koyo (autumn leaves viewing) season, this are usually the last two weeks of November till the first week of Decemeber.

Kyoto's Autumn leaves spots can be found here (popular spots are Arashiyama, Takao, Tofukuji, Higashiyama, Shugakuin Imperial Villa - Prior application is required and Eikando) and World Heritage Map in Kyoto.

As I posted in earlier post, The exterior view of the castle can be enjoyed until April 11th 2010, The renovation period will be a full five years after the start of the scaffolding installation in April 2010, so you may see castle as like this image.

[ 12-24-2009: Message edited by: Ocean Liners ]

Autumn is the most colourful of Japan's four distinct seasons, Chrysanthemum Exhibitions or Chrysanthemum Flower Festivals are tourist attractions in Autumn.

Here are link to Chrysanthemum Exhibitions in Tokyo and Kyoto last month those Exhibitions to be held same period in 2010.

Tokyo-to Kanko Kikka Taikai at Hibiya Park near the Imperial palace.

Kikka-ten (Chrysanthemum Exhibition)(Yushima Tenjin Shrine) Photo link

Meiji Shrine Kikka-ten (Chrysanthemum Exhibition)

and in Kyoto...

Daikakuji

In the age of Emperor Saga, Saga-giku originally referred to chrysanthemums that grew spontaneously around the Osawa pond. It is now a classic style representing the noble figures of the dynasty; these figures are the sky, earth, and humans. Do visit it and enjoy its beauty.

Period: October 12 to November 23 best time to see chrysanthemums from begininng of November till middle of november.

Nishi Honganji Period : October 12th to November 23rd.

Chrysanthemums photos taken on November 8th and 9th.

Osaka castle Chrysanthemum Exhibitions:

The photos were taken on November 9th and November 26th.

If you were not visited the Impaerial Palace in Tokyo or Kyoto Imperial Palace before, Please include must to see list in Japan. (Advance application required)

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo

Kyoto Imperial Palace

also Sento Imperial Palace and Katsura Imperial Villa

For your info.

Sensoji in Tokyo : Sensoji's main hall is currently under renovation and covered by scaffolding. The works are scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2010. The temple grounds and the interior of the main hall can be visited during the renovation works.

[ 12-28-2009: Message edited by: Ocean Liners ]

Have you ever been to Nara? If not, Nara is located just south of Kyoto. Nara is about 35 minutes train ride from Kyoto by Kintetsu Limited express.
It was the site of the city of Heijo-kyo established in 710, So the 1300th anniversary events will be hold in this year. Please check out latest information here. I hope you will have memorable trip in Japan and wonderful time throughout the year.

[ 12-31-2009: Message edited by: Ocean Liners ]

For Holland Ameica passengers:

Himeji's White Heron Castle

Duration: Approximately 4 Hours

Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. This castle is also known the White Heron Castle, and represents Japanese castle architecture at its finest, with almost all of the castle structure still intact from its original construction in the early 1600s. Its White Heron nickname comes from the graceful appearance of the castle’s white plaster walls.

For RSSC passengers:

Himeji Castle
Tour Code: KOB-5180
Duration: 6 hours