Yeah, I've got quite a few pictures of little shrines and statues like that. I can post some if you like. I think that was probably the reason, chances to make an offering along a trip, or to memorialize a local god, spirit, or event, etc. They are all over Japan, and I really enjoyed finding them here and there, it was like constant little reminders that "Holy cow, I'm really in JAPAN!"
Himeji Castle itself is white, I think just some of the trim may have been golden, or maybe that was entirely reflected sunlight... I'm not sure.
Did you see the Nara pictures I posted on the previous page? What did you think?