Himeji Castle is a magnificent example of Japanese castle architecture, located in Hyōgo Prefecture on the island of Honshu. It was first constructed in 1333 by Akamatsu Norimura and has seen numerous expansions over the centuries, with the most significant remodeling done by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Ikeda Terumasa in the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle complex includes 83 rooms, advanced defensive systems and brilliant white roofs that give it the appearance of a bird taking flight. Through war, natural disasters and modernization, this castle has survived for centuries and remains one of the premier castles in Japan today. Its remarkable preservation has earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and several structures within the castle have also been declared National Treasures. With its complex network of fortifications, Himeji Castle is an impressive sight to behold.