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On Day 5, we went to Himeji Castle. This actually isn't the largest castle in Japan, but it is HUGE!! It was built I believe in the 15th century. The craftfulness and engineering seen from touring the complex is beyond belief. The way the architects built the castle and its perfectures marks excellent craftsmanship and meticulous building techniques. The castle exhibits special and hidden areas where samurai could hide and ambush their enemies during battle.
First of all, the castle is surrounded by a moat. A moat is a man-made canal surrounding something such as a castle. This was the first test for the enemies to try and break through. Another key feature that is seen here is the entire grounds, around and inside the castle, all of the paths ascend. Enemies with heavy armour might find it hard to pierce this complex. Yet another aspect is that there are winding narrow roads going up to the main tower. This is another strategic advantage that the locals and warlords created.
As you head into the main tower, the large white structure in my pictures, you have to take off your shoes and walk bare- footed all the way up to the
top. The inside of the tower has dark wood with large- girth beams supporting the massive structure. Yet another strategic advantage that this castle had was the flights of stairs ascending and descending to each level. I had to take a picture of them because they are the steepest, I mean steepest, stairs I have ever seen. The forces that protected this castle could probably manuever these stairs masterfully and swiftly during battle, but surly not today's population. This was an amazing and incredible place to see!
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Mom
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Great pictures!!!