Himeji Castle ４ Defenses 姫路城の南表

Approaching storm
Relishing fleeting moments
Light breeze keeps time

嵐がやって来る
短い瞬間が喜んで
弱い風は時計だ

After the moat and great walls these interior gates would be awaiting an approaching army. In the first approach one immediately notices the gun / bow ports. One tactic used by the designers of Japanese Castles was to divert / confuse the approaching army. Often there are many 90 degree turns and dead ends to follow along the path. These were meant for two purposes, to slow the momentum (ie; initiative) of the enemy as well as confuse them. If the soldiers aren't sure which direction their target is they are less likely to be attacking as a cohesive unit.

In the second photo you may notice that there are also gun ports. These gun ports are elevated, maybe out of view from someone wearing a helmet, and would be pointing at your back as you entered the gate and marched towards the castle.

You should also notice the sheer width of the walls, quite sufficient to deter the weapons of the day...

You may note that this gate was featured in the Paramount production of James Clavell's "Shogun". You can read a review of the movie here. I highly recommend the film. It follows the book very closely... But like any movie, the book is much better. Of course the movie has Toshiro Mifune in it so it must be good. In the movie Himeji Castle is used to depict Osaka Castle. There are several scenes filmed on location. The extras and 'making' of disk are also very good.

The third photo is yet another switch back (with more to come). This time there is a towering wall above, from which items can be dropped on attackers. Also, note the additional gun ports. Another obvious defensive design is the constant upward climb that the attackers would have to traverse.

(By the way... it wasn't easy getting these photographs without any people in them!)



All photo's, original works, and comments are my personal property. Please be respectful of the effort I've taken.

Your comments are welcome, be polite:
No throwing pebbles in my pool of zen.