Himeji Castle illuminated at night

Bombs Fell. The Castle Stayed Standing.

Himeji was heavily bombed near the end of World War II, and much of the surrounding area burned. But the castle survived intact.

Himeji Castle: The Castle That Survived Bombs and Earthquakes

The keep as seen from within the inner circle (本丸, honmaru)

One Firebomb Hit the Keep

A firebomb was dropped onto the top floor of the castle. It failed to explode.

Himeji Castle: The Castle That Survived Bombs and Earthquakes