VOL.203 MAY 2025
[SPRING SPECIAL ISSUE] VARIOUS VARIETIES OF CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN JAPAN (PART 2): ADMIRING THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT CASTLES IN JAPAN
Enjoy The Magnificent View of the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle and Cherry Blossoms in Harmony
The view of cherry blossoms with Himeji Castle in the background is truly exceptional.
Himeji Castle, a national treasure registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, is renowned for its beautiful white walls. In spring, over 1,000 cherry trees bloom along what is known as a ‘cherry blossom corridor,’ creating a breathtaking scene. We spoke with a person from the office managing Himeji Castle to learn more about the castle’s charm during the cherry blossom season.
Himeji Castle is located in the center of Himeji City, in the southwestern part of Hyogo Prefecture, which borders Kyoto and Osaka Prefectures. It is about a 20-minute walk from JR Himeji Station, a stop on the Shinkansen line. The main keep of the castle is built atop a small hill called Mt. Himeyama, offering a beautiful view of the castle from the surrounding city.
The existing main keep was built in 1609 by IKEDA Terumasa, the lord of the Himeji Domain. Since then, it has undergone detailed repairs and has been maintained for nearly 400 years.
KYUNAI Takuma, who works at the management office of the castle, discusses the view of Himeji Castle and the cherry blossoms. “Himeji Castle is affectionately known by the nickname Shirasagi-jo (‘White Heron Castle’) due to its beautiful pure white-plastered walls1 and the graceful appearance of its main keep, which resembles a white heron (shirasagi)2 with wings outstretched.
“In addition to the walls, white plaster is also used in the gaps and joints that hold the roof tiles (kawara)3 in place, and the roof tiles themselves can shine white depending on how the light hits, contributing to the overall brightness of the castle. It is known for its beauty from every angle, earning the nickname Happo Shomen (‘beautiful from all sides’). The castle is surrounded by many cherry trees, and visitors can enjoy the scenic view of the castle and cherry blossoms from various angles while taking a stroll around the grounds.”
Around 1,000 cherry trees have been planted around Himeji Castle, reaching their peak bloom around late March each year. Various species, including Somei-Yoshino, Yama-zakura, Yae-zakura, and Shidare-zakura4, blossom in full splendor, creating a stunning contrast with the castle’s white walls.
“During the cherry blossom season, many visitors from both Japan and abroad come to see the castle, making the grounds very crowded. If you wish to take photos of the cherry blossoms with the castle in the background, visiting early in the morning is recommended. Also, for international visitors, pamphlets within the paid admission area are available in multiple languages, and informational signs include English explanations. Staff members who speak English and Chinese are also available, so visitors can ask for assistance if needed,” says KYUNAI.
One particularly popular activity is riding a traditional wooden Japanese boat5, crafted using time-honored techniques, to tour the inner moat of Himeji Castle. The view of the cherry blossoms and the main keep from the water offers a different charm compared to the view from the ground (see photo).
In addition, during the cherry blossom season, the Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival is held, featuring performances of traditional Japanese instruments such as the koto and taiko drums, as well as Japanese dance and choral singing. A hospitality area is also set up, where visitors can enjoy tea ceremonies as well as local sake and cuisine.
The graceful white castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, beautifully pairs with the cherry blossoms. Why not take advantage of the unique experiences that can only be enjoyed at Himeji Castle in spring?
- 1. A special white paint is used on the walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. It is a natural material made by blending seaweed boiled in lime, plant fibers, clay, and other ingredients.
- 2. A general term for herons found in Japan, particularly those with white feathers.
- 3. Ceramic building materials that cover the roofs of structures, protecting them from rain and wind.
- 4. Somei-Yoshino is the most widely planted cherry tree variety in Japan, known for its pale pink flowers that bloom in early spring. Yama-zakura is a wild cherry tree species found throughout Japan, except in Hokkaido. Yae-zakura is a general term for cherry blossoms with multiple layers of petals. Shidare-zakura refers to cherry trees with soft, drooping branches.
- 5. The traditional Japanese wooden boats seen at Himeji Castle are small, flat-bottomed boats commonly used on rivers.
By TANAKA Nozomi
Photo: PIXTA