<P> Himeji Castle ( 姫路城 , Himeji - jō ) is a hilltop Japanese castle complex situated in the city of Himeji which is located in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan . The castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture , comprising a network of 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period . The castle is frequently known as Hakuro - jō or Shirasagi - jō ( `` White Egret Castle '' or `` White Heron Castle '' ) because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight . </P>
where is the himeji castle located in japan
in the city of Himeji which is located in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan