Hidden Himeji: Missing Windows
Window Frames Hidden Inside Walls
In August 2011, repair workers dismantled the earth-and-wood walls on the top floor of the keep. Inside, they discovered eight 160-centimeter-wide window frames, two at each corner of the structure. It appears that the castle was originally supposed to have corner-to-corner windows—and more panoramic views.
View from inside the castle through one of the hidden window frames
A sliding wooden panel from another window in the castle fits perfectly into one of the hidden frames
The View That Could Have Been
Corner-to-corner windows would have afforded an unbroken 360-degree view of the castle grounds and surrounding town. It is not clear why the original design was abandoned. Security reasons? To keep out wind and rain? Nor do we know exactly when the change was made—it may have been during construction of the keep, or sometime later. Whatever the reason, reverting to the original, open design was considered during the renovation. In the end, however, the corner walls were restored to their original windowless state.
Had windows been installed in the four corners as originally planned, the keep would have had a panoramic view of the surrounding topography. (Artist’s conception)
The main keep as it is today, with no windows in the four corners.
