姫路駅を出発し、まず目に飛び込んでくるのは堂々たる白亜の天守閣。遠目にもその威容が感じられ、まるで敵を威圧するかのような存在感だ。ここから姫路城の「攻略」が始まる。駅から大手前通りを直進すると、約15分で大手門前に到着。この間、城が徐々に近づいてくる感覚が高揚感を煽る。大手門を抜けると三の丸広場が広がり、ここから本格的な城内侵入だ。
本丸へ至る道はまさに要塞のごとく入り組んでいる。まっすぐには進めず、何度も曲がる構造が敵の侵入を困難にする仕掛けだ。敵兵ならば、この時点で混乱必至。まずは菱の門を突破。ここをくぐると見えてくるのがいよいよ入場口。かつては堅牢な防衛拠点だったこの場所も、今は観光客を迎える平和な門。ここから先、天守を目指す本格的な登城が始まるのだ。
Conquering the White Fortress – Reaching Himeji Castle’s Entrance
Upon exiting Himeji Station, the first thing that captures your attention is the majestic white keep of Himeji Castle. Even from afar, its imposing presence radiates an aura of invincibility. The journey to "conquer" this fortress begins as you walk straight down Otemae Street for about 15 minutes, with the castle gradually looming larger in sight, heightening the anticipation. Upon reaching the Otemon Gate, the entrance to the vast Sannomaru Square, you're now on the verge of infiltration.
The path to the main keep is a maze of strategic defenses, deliberately designed with twists and turns to disorient intruders. If you were an enemy soldier, you’d already be losing your way. Your first challenge is breaching the Hishi Gate. Once through, you’ll find yourself at the official entrance, where visitors, rather than warriors, now pass through peacefully. From here, the real ascent toward the keep begins—brace yourself for the ultimate fortress conquest!