Hishi Gate marks the entrance to the paid area. The labyrinth-like approach from the Hishi Gate to the main keep leads along walled paths and through multiple gates and baileys with the purpose to slow down and expose attacking forces. At the heart of the complex stands the main keep, a six story wooden structure. It is one of only a handful castle keeps in Japan that feature wing buildings, adding complexity to its appearance.
Here we are at the 6th level. Long climb, we had to take off our shoes and carry them with us.
We entered the main keep through an entrance in the lower floor of the building and climbed upwards via a series of steep, narrow staircases. Each level gets progressively smaller as one ascend. The floors are generally unfurnished and display just a few multilingual signs explaining architectural features such as portholes, rock chutes and concealed spaces as well as renovation efforts made over the years to preserve the structure.
The topmost floor houses a small shrine and lets visitors peer out in all directions, down over the castle roofs, at the maze-like defenses below and out across the city of Himeji.
You can also admire an up close view of the fish-shaped roof ornaments that are believed to protect from fire.
View from the top
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