File 023 · Hyōgo, Japan

Himeji Castle

An original early-1600s castle that survived both civil war and Second World War bombing. UNESCO-listed since 1993.

Why go

An original early-1600s castle that survived both civil war and Second World War bombing. UNESCO-listed since 1993.

The shoot: You Only Live Twice (1967)

The castle is the ninja training school.

Stand here

Walk up through the Ōtemon gate with the white keep rising above you.

34.8394, 134.6939

Visit

Best: Early April for cherry blossom. Access: Ticketed. Getting there: Shinkansen from Tokyo, about 3 hours, or 1 hour from Kyoto.