Symbol of the City

City Mark

(Designated on December 17, 1901) The Chinese character for “Hime (姫)” is symbolized in this mark. The 臣part of the Chinese character is placed in the space in the middle of the 女 part of the Chinese character. It is a simple and clear design expressing the developing status of the city.

City Flag

(Designated on May 3, 1969)
The elegance of Himeji Castle is symbolized by this flag. The “White Heron” which displays hope of the city is designed to look like the katakana character “ヒ”. This flag expresses hope and dynamism, freedom, and progress.

City Flower “Fringed Orchis Habenaria Radiata”

(Designated on August 18, 1966)
This flower belongs to the Orchidaceae family and it is characterized by a smooth white flower which looks like a white heron in flight opening its wings. Recently, the habitat of this flower has deceased and the city has been promoting the raising of this flower in homes.

City Tree “Evergreen Oak”

(Designated on October 5, 1972)
The tree, which is fagaceous evergreen tree, grows naturally in warm areas of East to Southeast Asia. This tree was selected for the city tree because the vigor of the tree matches the creation of a “Green Himeji” and the citizens of the city are familiar with its presence.

City Bird “White Heron”

(Designated on April 1, 1989)
“White Heron” is a collective term for the ardeid bird species such as the small egret which lives near water. Himeji Castle is also called, “White Heron Castle” because the castle tower looks like a flying heron.

City Butterfly “Swallowtail; Byasa Alcinous”

(Designated on April 1, 1989)
The swallowtail is a beautiful papilionid butterfly and was used as a symbol on roof tiles by Ikeda Terumasa who built the current Himeji Castle.