The White Heron

Himeji Castle, known as "the white heron” for its whitewashed plaster walls, is the best-preserved castle in Japan, and the most visited. Built in 1346, it sustained some damage over the years, including being bombed twice in 1945, but always remained mostly intact. I'd never seen it, and when I finished teaching in Kansai I figured this could be the last time I’d be so close. So off I went, past Kyoto, past Kobe, to see it...even though it was pouring. At least the trains were empty.Across the moat and through the front gate...Lots of winding, strategically-designed paths to slow any advance toward the main building...And heron-themed sewer covers, naturally!