Otoko Mountain Tenmangu Shrine 　　　　"Ni"Gate 　D

　Princess Sen believed in Tenmangu Shrine, and she enshrined a wooden statue of god "Tenmandaijizaitenjin", a god made by Bishop Hosshobo of Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei in Shiga Prefecture. She was said to worship it here in the morning and the evening everyday. This shrine stands on the eastern part of Otoko Mountain.

Musashino Palace

　The lower residence of Princess Sen and Tadatoki in the Third Bailey was called Musashino Palace because of beautiful sliding doors covered with gold foil. Moreover pampas grass(reminiscent of Musashino Field in Tokyo) were drawn over the sliding doors. Therefore this palace was called Musashino Palace.

Photo of Warrior Mobilization Area

Warrior Mobilization Area

　This corner is called a warrior mobilization area. In a time of war, the samurai or warriors gathered here and the leader gave instructions and strategic advice.

Stone Drops(Ishiotoshi)

　　　　

　This is called a stone drop. Samurai or warriors watch below from here and can throw stones at enemies who might climb the walls. This device is built outside earthen walls and around the corners of towers.

"Ni"Gate and Devil Tile on the West Side　D

　This passageway going up to Main Tower after you go through "Ha Gate leads to "Ni" Gate. Look up at the second roof from the top. You can see the tile with a cross on the peak of the triangular gable. This is thought to be related to Kuroda Kanbei Yoshitaka, a lord of Himeji Castle at one time, who invited Hashiba Hideyoshi into Himeji Castle.
　In addition to this, there are many other families' crest tiles which were installed in building and repairing the castle over the years.

Photo of the roof tile with the cross


　Back 　　　　Go