Himeji castle is a UNESCO site and Japan's most visited castle. The complex was originally built as a fort back in the 14th century. The castle itself was erected in the 17th century and is a classic Edo-era structure. It stands ostentatiously at the top of a hill and is part of a complex consisting of 83 wooden structures.
Getting to the very top involves climbing extremely steep stairs in your socks, as you have to take your shoes off to preserve the wooden floors. You get a plastic bag to carry your shoes around with you!
According to history, the shogun's wife would sit in the small room on the fifth level wearing her finest kimono waiting praying to the shinto shrine.
I just couldn't imagine wearing a kimono and climbing the steep narrow stairs!
The view is a little different in the 21st century...
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