I left Tatjana on the train and disembarked at Himeji. Tatajana had recommended the castle and I got there in time to wander up to view it in the dark.
It’s impressive and known as the White Heron Castle and is a Japanese National Treasure and a World Heritage site. It is one of Japan’s 12 original castles and from a distance looks huge.
In the day it is no less impressive. Originally built on a hill fort and the buildings as seen today from the 16th century onwards. It’s white plaster making it stand out, a tiered castle of seven floors. Yes you guessed it I went up all the steep wooden stairs, in my bare feet I might add as shoes are not allowed.
It’s hard to imagine what it would have been like as all the rooms are empty with large polished wood floors. It was a hot day and there was a really pleasant breeze blowing through the shutters, I can imagine it would be cool in summer and warm in winter. I got to see the women’s quarters in the West Bailey and read about Lady Sen.
Born in 1597 and eldest daughter to one of the feudal lords (who later became a Shogun) Sen was married at the age of seven by her grandfather to another clans son. They lived in Osaka Castle for 12 years until it was besieged and her husband died (suicide?) Sen escaped or was rescued.
She later married Honda Tadatoki another powerful man. They lived at Himeji happily by all accounts and had two children, the boy died when he was three. Later her husband died and she went to live in a Buddhist Monastery until her death in 1666
There is much speculation about Lady Sens rescue from Osaka and many tales told about her. She has become a romantic figure and features in many manga, books and films.
After this I spent a very lovely long time in the Castle Garden before heading to Kyoto to meet Tatjana again.
The Travelling Bee 