Top of our list is Himeji Castle in Japan. Elegant and composed, it exudes an understated beauty that is typically Japanese. UNESCO has recognised it as the finest surviving example of 17th-century Japanese castle architecture, and its upturned eaves resemble a heron taking flight – earning it the nickname White Heron Castle.

It was originally built to protect the local Akamatsu clan from rampaging shogun warriors. When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, we're not sure there's any more beautiful building on Earth.

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The world’s most beautiful castles, ranked