Himeji & Kumamoto Castle.

Today I am writing about Himeji Castle and Kumamoto Castle. Both these castles are famous with tourists coming to Japan but they are quite different in history, architecture, and atmosphere.

Himeji Castle

Early on once we had 2 - 3 free days. We had friends living in Kobe. They suggested us to go see Himeji Castle. Along with this I had another interest to go and see a museum of Japanese gentleman who had collected lots of paintings of famous Indian Painter.

Himeji has an easy access from Kobe. This made it easy for us.

Himeji Castle was completed in 1609 by Ikeda Terumasa. Built during the early Edo period, when the country had become relatively peaceful. It was designed more as a defensive masterpiece and symbol of power. It has a very large area, and sits atop a small hill. Around it there is a large garden - it must look beautiful in Cherry Blossom season. Unfortunately we were there in early Autumn. It looks so beautiful from a distance and we decided not to climb.

When you see Himeji Castle from a distance, you  notice  how bright white and graceful it looks. Because of its sweeping roofs and white plaster walls, the Japanese call it “Shirasagi-jō” (White Heron Castle)—as if a heron is about to take flight. Even from far away it looks almost delicate and elegant, especially compared with most other Japanese castles.

Himeji Castle is one of the best-preserved original castles in Japan. It has never been destroyed by war or earthquake. It is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

We had spoken with gentleman whose museum we wanted to go. He had said come to Himeji. After reaching there we called him and he said he is short distance from Himeji but can only reach by train. He agreed to send his secretary with a car. When we reached there he had a large factory and the museum was in a separate special room. It was a large collection of most famous Artists. I think he had put up exhibition of these paintings in Mumbai. Nearly 20 years later he was again in Mumbai and probably sold some of his paintings.

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto is located in the central-western part of the island of Kyushu, facing the Ariake Sea.

To picture its position on the island:

• North: Fukuoka

• South: Kagoshima

• East: the mountains around Mount Aso

• West: the Ariake Sea and the Amakusa Islands

So geographically it sits almost in the middle of Kyushu, which is why it has historically been an important regional center. We went to Kumamoto and Fukuoka frequently to teach at respective hospitals.

Kumamoto Castle was built earlier, around 1607, by Kato Kiyomasa. It is famous for its military strength and defensive engineering. It played a major role during the Satsuma Rebellion.

In short, Himeji represents the refined castle architecture of the Edo peace period, while Kumamoto represents a powerful military fortress.

Architectural Style

Himeji Castle is Known as the “White Heron Castle” because of its white plaster walls, its elegant, layered roofs and graceful appearance. Its Complex maze-like paths leading to the main keep to confuse enemies. Where as Kumamoto Castle has dark wooden exterior with white accents, massive stone walls and steep slopes. It was built to make attacking extremely difficult.

Visually, Himeji is elegant and graceful while Kumamoto is powerful and imposing.