Widely considered the finest castle of Japan, Himeji-jō is thoroughly original and has retained almost all of its fortifications. Though the castle's roots date back to 1331, the current structure and surrounding grounds date from the early 17th century when it was rebuilt under Ikeda Terumasu. Himeji-jō was sold at auction after the Meiji Restoration, but fortunately escaped being torn down. While Himeji city was bombed twice in World War II, the castle itself survived with nary a scratch and is now the country's most visited feudal-era fortress. It is the only castle in Japan to have been given UNESCO World Heritage status. This view is of the castle's donjon looming over the garden of the west bailey.