Hikone Castle in the town of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, was constructed over a period of 20 years following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, taking the place of the former enemy fortress on that site. Tokugawa Ieyasu gave it to his talented general, Ii Naomasa.
Hikone Castle with sakura (photo: Daa Nell/flickr)
The castle and town flourished under his and his descendants’ rule for centuries. Now it is one of only 12 castles in Japan that were not destroyed and rebuilt due to fire or war, and gives visitors an excellent glimpse into the daily life of that time period. It also has the only intact horse stables. The tower has been designated a National Treasure, and most of the other buildings are National Cultural Assets.
Hikone Castle is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. It costs 600 yen to enter the castle and Genkyuen garden at the base. The fee including admission to the castle museum is 1000 yen. Pets are allowed on the castle grounds, but not in any of the buildings.
It is about a 15 minute walk from Hikone Station straight down one road to the castle. For more information: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7001.html
Castle Hikone at night
Hikone Castle Roof with eagle in sky (photo: Samuel/flickr)
Rafters and curved crossbeams, Hikone Castle Keep, Shiga-ken, July 2012: Hikone Castle was never burned down so this wood is 400 years old (photo: Joel Abroad/flickr)
Hikone Castle arrow and gunports (photo: Joel Abroad/flickr)
photo by: takasumir
