Himeji-jô, or Himeji Castle, is one of the most prominant cultural locations in Japan. Though the current castle structure dates back to the turn of the 17th century, there has been a fortified encampment located atop Himeyama, Hime Hill, since the 14th century. Himeji Castle is most recognizable for the white plaster with which it is constructed, inspiring many throughout history to compare the fortified structure to a white heron in flight. The accolades of the castle are many in number and are all deserving of their praise. In fact, Himeji Castle is one of only 14 original castles to exist in Japan following the Meiji Restoration when the majority of castles were torn down. It has been a premier filming location for films both domestic and international (Kagemusha, You Only Live Twice, and Ran to name a few). Most importantly, it’s one of only five castle keeps in Japan to be given the title of National Treasure by the Japanese Government, and it was one of the first four sites to be categorized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan.

For visitors: 10.

Trust me when I say that there are so many amazing places to visit in Japan that it takes longer than a typical vacation to properly enjoy just a fraction of what is available. That being said, when visiting the Kansai area of Japan, Himeji Castle should be near the top of your list of places to visit. This photogenic castle is one of the few surviving examples of classic fortress architecture. Across Japan, locations like Osaka Castle are only faint remnants of the wonder they were before, but Himeji-jô survives today not only as an historical landmark, but also as an interactive work of art. The majority of castles across Japan have been stripped down to the stone foundations and exist more like a pretty site for a picnic than the base of operations for the great warlords of the past. As such, Himeji Castle is truly an amazing place to visit. With many of the fortifications still in place, its gaze still watching over the greater city area, and the twisting route to the keep, it’s very easy to imagine the castle as it was a few hundred years ago.