Himeji Castle, located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, was first built nearly 700 years ago, but its current structure was completed over 400 years ago in 1609, and still retains its beautiful appearance. This castle features white walls painted with plaster, and is also known as "Shirasagi (white egret) Castle". It is considered by some to be the peak example of traditional Japanese wooden architecture. Many tourists visit every year to see its beautiful appearance. In 1993, Himeji Castle became one of the first sites in Japan to be registered as a cultural heritage site.