Himeji Castle is in the midst of a five-year restoration project that began in 2009. The repairs are part of a regular maintenance schedule that will see the castle renewed every fifty years. While parts of the castle are obscured by temporary structures, the renovation offers a special opportunity to see how a Japanese castle is repaired. During the process, Himeji City has allowed the public to see artifacts they are normally not allowed to and has even created opportunities for tourists to walk the castle grounds in ninja, samurai and traditional dress.