World Heritage Himeji Castle: Main Keep Damaged by Drone Collision

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, translated by Zhang Yingying

Recently (on the 19th), Himeji Castle — a Japanese national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — suffered damage when its main keep was struck by a small drone. The incident shocked and angered the castle's management, while fans of Japan’s famous castles and historic sites also expressed concern. The next day, the man who operated the drone turned himself in to police and was referred to prosecutors for violating the Himeji Castle Regulations and the Cultural Properties Protection Law.

The 49-year-old man from northern Kyushu had originally planned to use a drone to capture aerial footage of famous Japanese World Heritage Sites, including Kyoto and Nara, with the intention of submitting the photos to magazines. However, the incident of the drone hitting Himeji Castle has drawn more attention to the issues caused by drones.

This drone collision occurred at the main keep, which had been fully renovated and reopened in March 2015, attracting large numbers of visitors. The damaged area was the window sill on the south side of the sixth floor of the main keep. While the damage caused by the impact is not irreparable, the incident has come as a great shock to the management, who deeply care for Himeji Castle.

This year marked the reopening of the main keep and coincided with the beautiful Mid-Autumn full moon. Himeji Castle held the 33rd Himeji Castle Moon-Viewing Event, featuring performances of traditional Japanese koto and taiko drums, along with local folk performances. There was also a moon-viewing tea party where visitors enjoyed traditional tea under the moonlight, paired with the ancient beauty of Himeji Castle — making it a perfect Mid-Autumn activity. The castle has once again drawn attention due to this drone collision incident.