In December 1993, Himeji Castle, which was already a designated national treasure, became Japan’s first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, along with Horyuji Temple in Nara. Himeji Castle is nicknamed the “White Egret Castle” because of its graceful appearance that resembles a white egret spreading its wings. Characteristic features include its bright white castle walls, made of thick layers of white lime plaster, and its interconnected system of towers, in which the five- and seven-story towers of the main keep are connected by roofed turrets to the small keep towers to the east, west, and northwest. The main keep of Himeji Castle that we see today was built in 1609. It remains stunning to this day, more than 400 years later.