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 This shows various mon (family crests). |
(close-up) Grandpa's crest was a wood sorrel with swordpoints, like two here. |
 from the side |
 He Gate |
 after He Gate |
 main donjon (castle keep) |
 main donjon (castle keep) |
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 holographic postcard, 1970s(?) |
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| Inside Himeji Castle | ||||
 scrolls |
 painting of carp |
 painting of carp |
 rifles |
 samurai armor |
 sama (holes for shooting) |
(text in left photo): "'Sama' means holes or small windows for shooting guns or arrows at enemy soldiers. 'Sama' with lids on them which could be opened or shut were called 'Kakushi-sama' or hidden shooting holes." |
 view of city from the castle |
 (close-up) shachihoko (roof ornament charm against fire and disaster) |
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   top 6th floor altar Philbert Ono of Photoguide.jp tells about how an altar sat on the hill before the castle. The altar was replaced after some unfortunate events occurred. In the middle photo, there is a huge pale orb on the right side of the altar. Some people believe orbs are indicative of ghosts; others, a cheap digital camera. |
 The sign says, "MIND YOUR HEAD." The stairs are steep, the entryway is small, so it's easy to bump your head. |
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