Japan 2019 - Himeji

Himeji is famous for the World Cultural Heritage Site Himeji Castle, which is one of the few original castles from the Japanese feudal period, built in 1333. It miraculously survived fires, earthquakes and wars. It was left intact while the rest of the city was flattened during the second world war.
The castle has six floors and is entirely made of wood, supported by two giant pillars extending from the basement to the fifth floor (made of two >600 year-old Cypress Pines). The white colour is from a 3cm-thick layer of plaster made from lime, hemp, seaweed and ash. The roof tiles show the family logo of each past owner, which were lords, shoguns, governors, generals and emperors.
The latest renovations in 2015 kept 15,000 workers busy and cost 2.4 billion yen. The workmanship and details are amazing. A beautiful looking castle from every angle!
The surrounding gardens are gorgeous too, the Japanese excel at pruning techniques!