Shachihoko of Himeji Castle


Shachihoko of Himeji Castle

On the roof of Himeji Castle, a lot of roof tiles imitating an imaginary sea animal like a fish with a scary tiger face has been posted.

This fish statue is a decoration called Shachihoko,it is also a symbol for fire prevention. People thought that this fish would spout water out of his mouth in case of fire.

There are 11 fish statues of different sizes on the roof of Main Keep. A couple of fish statues on the top roof are the largest among them.

In the repair work of Main Keep for every few decades, we will replace the tiles damaged by aged deterioration etc. with new ones.


Newly completed
Heisei shachi
Heisei period

New one on main roof

Small one

Main Keep

The size of the largest one.

The size of Shachihoko

Height186cm
Weightgross278kg
body202kg
caudal fin42kg
fin(above)7kg×2pieces
fin(bottom)10kg×2pieces

Three generations

The photo shows damaged Shachihoko tiles,three generations.

Edo period
Edo period
Meiji period
Meiji period
Showa period
Showa period

Shachihoko statues

Shachihoko statues are also exhibited on the streets of Himeji. You can see it nearby.

Shiromidai Park
Shiromidai Park
Otemae street
Otemae street
Otemae street
Otemae street
Jonai Library
Jonai Library
Jonai Library
Jonai Library
Unga Park
Unga Park
Himeji Police Station
Police Station

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The Lords of Himeji Castle during the Edo Period

Shachihoko of Himeji Castles / Fish Shaped Roof Tiles

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