Himeji Castle（姬路城）

Himeji Castle（姬路城，Himeji-jo）is a hilltop Japanese castle complex located in Himeji，in Hyogo Prefecture，Japan.The castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture，comprising a network of 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period.The castle is frequently known as Hakuro-jo（“White Egret Castle”）or Shirasagi-jo（“White Heron Castle”）because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight.

Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan，and it was registered in 1993 as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country.The area within the middle moat of the castle complex is a designated Special Historic Site and five structures of the castle are also designated National Treasures.Along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle，Himeji Castle is considered one of Japan's three premier castles.In order to preserve the castle buildings，the restoration work has been proceeded for several years and reopened to the public on March 27，2015.The work also removed decades of dirt and grime，restoring the formerly gray roof to its original brilliant white color.

姬路城被认为是现存最优秀的典型日本城堡建筑，由83座建筑组成，拥有封建时期的先进防御系统。这座城堡经常被称为“白鹭城”，因为它有明亮的白色外观，像一只飞翔的鸟。(https://www.daowen.com)

姬路城是日本最大、游客最多的城堡，1993年被联合国教科文组织列为日本首批世界遗产之一。姬路城和松本城、熊本城一样，被认为是日本三大主要城堡之一。