21heinäkuu2010

Sensoji Temple Renovation to be Completed in November
Sensoji's main hall is currently under renovation and covered by scaffolding. The works are scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2010. The temple grounds and the interior of the main hall can be visited during the renovation works.Sensoji Tempe, located in Asakusa, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo. Renovations to the current hall, which was built in 1958, include the painting of the wall and replacement of the tiles with titanium-made ones.

Himeji Castle Renovations
Himeji Castle is widely considered Japan's most spectacular castle. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires and survives in its original form. It is both a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Major renovation works are being carried out on the castle keep's roof and walls from April 2010 until March 2014 (see photo's of the current state). Below is a schedule of the renovation works and the effects they have on a visit to the castle, according to our current understanding of the situation:

April 2010 to January 2011

A large scaffold structure is constructed that will eventually cover up the entire castle keep by the end of November. The interior and immediate surroundings of the castle keep will be off limits to visitors, but other areas of the castle grounds, including the Nishinomaru Citadel will remain open.

January 2011 to March 2014

The interior of the castle keep will be partially re-opened to visitors from early 2011. Furthermore, visitors will be able to use an elevator to access an observation deck in the scaffold structure, from where it will be possible to observe the renovation works.



Alternative castle destinations in the region

Alternative castle destinations during Himeji's renovation include Hikone Castle, not far from Kyoto. While its castle keep is much smaller than Himeji's, Hikone Castle is also original with a wooden interior, impressive walls and moats and an interesting approach. Another alternative is Osaka Castle, although its castle keep is a relatively recent concrete reconstruction with a modern museum inside.