第二十七景
The Silent Shogun Slope at Night
Night at Shogun Slope / The stone steps leading to Ha-no-Mon Gate
Commonly known as "Shogun Slope," a famous filming location for historical samurai dramas. Normally packed with tourists, this miraculous shot captures the iconic spot completely deserted and beautifully illuminated during an exclusive annual tour.
The Story
These stone steps lead up to the "Ha-no-Mon Gate," flanked on the right by an earthen wall lined with hazama (loopholes for firing matchlocks and arrows), with a direct view of the Main Keep straight ahead. Because this location frequently appeared as a scene inside Edo Castle in the classic historical TV drama Abarenbo Shogun (The Unfettered Shogun), it has come to be affectionately known as "Shogun Slope."
It is one of the most popular photo spots in the castle, constantly bustling with people during the day. However, by participating in the "Himeji Castle Premium Night Tour"—a highly exclusive event held over just three days once a year—I was miraculously able to monopolize and photograph this illuminated, completely deserted slope.
The silent Shogun Slope at night possesses an intense atmosphere, making you feel as if you've truly slipped back in time to the Edo period. By the way, the branches extending from the stone wall on the left belong to a cherry tree. In just a little while, as the season progresses, one can only imagine the breathtaking view when night cherry blossoms add their colors to this empty slope.
Photo Tips
- LocationCommonly known as "Shogun Slope" (Stone steps leading to Ha-no-Mon Gate)
- Photo TipsThe classic composition is to shoot looking up the slope, framing the earthen wall with its loopholes (hazama) on the right and the Main Keep in the center background.
- Exclusive BackgroundThis photo was actually taken during the "Himeji Castle Premium Night Tour," an exclusive event held for only three days once a year. A completely empty Shogun Slope at night is a phantom sight you can only witness during this limited opportunity.
