HIMEJI CASTLE:

Japan’s most famous castle and one of twelve that is in its original condition. Known as the “White Heron Castle”, it is one of the three most famous in the country, and the most visited. Its fame, not to mention its beauty, is perhaps why it was used as one of the locations for shooting the 007 film, You Only Live Twice (1967) starring Sean Connery. Located in Himeji, Hyogo prefecture, not far from Osaka, the castle is surrounded by pine and cheery trees, which make it especially scenic in the spring. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its original construction was between 1333-1346 with other expansions occurring in 1601-1608, a well-known period for castle building in Japan. Not without coincidence it was during this time period when warlords fought for control of the country.