With a history of 400 years, Himeji Castle is one of the first national treasures, along with Horyuji Temple in Nara.
The main castle tower, as well as the three encircling guard towers, are all beautifully painted in white plaster―they resemble the image of a white heron spreading its wings, and hence, the castle is also known as the “Hakuro-jo” or the “White-Heron Castle”
