Himeji-jo is also known as Shirasagi-jo / White Heron Castle for its white, stately elegance. It is one of only twelve original castles in Japan that has never been destroyed by fire, earthquake or war.
It was a stop on our family heritage trip as my mother's art teacher lived in Himeji and painted this castle throughout his life. All of those trees are cherry trees, and the castle is shown off at its most beautiful during cherry blossom season.
