Page 215 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

HIME JI C ASTLE  213

Modern facade of Hyogo Prefectural
Museum of History
Castle Environs
The grounds at Himeji are
particularly attractive during
Himeji Castle in springtime, with cherry blossoms in the foreground April, when the cherry trees are
in bloom. Koko-en, an elegant
composite of nine separate Edo-
style gardens, was built in 1992
on the site of former samurai
homes. The Hyogo Prefectural
Museum of History provides
excellent exhibits, including
models of Japanese castles
and a section on Bunraku
puppet drama, with models that
can be operated by the public.
Gables Just beyond the castle
Dormer gables combined grounds, the Himeji City
with Chinese arched Museum of Literature pays
gables create tribute to nine influential local
an undulating writers, but it is more notable
effect. for its architecture, designed by
one of Japan’s most res pected
contemporary architects, Ando
Tadao (see p29).
On the nearby hill called
Shoshazan, Shoshazan Enkyo-ji
is a well-known Buddhist
training center and pilgrimage
sight. Priceless sculptures
include the Kongo Satta, a
Buddha image carved in 1395.
The Yakushido is the oldest
building here, dating from the
14th-century Kama kura period.
At the foot of the hill is Shosha
Art and Craft Museum, with
traditional crafts and toys from
all over Japan, and craft
demonstra tions by artisans on
Sundays and public holidays.
Y Koko-en Garden
Castle grounds, W of main entrance.
Tel (079) 289-4120. Open daily. &
P Hyogo Prefectural Museum
of History
Just behind castle. & Tel (079)
288-9011.
P Himeji Museum of Literature
Latticed 84 Yamanoi-cho, NW of castle. Tel (079)
Windows 293-8228. Open Tue–Sun. &
Latticed bay windows,
called degoshimado, P Shosha Art and Craft Museum
are on the first level Tel (079) 267-0301. Open Tue–Sun.
above the basement. &

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