Hikone Castle 彦根城跡

Description

Hikone Castle is situated on top of a small hill, with commanding views over nearby Lake Biwa. It was constructed in the early 17th century by the Ii family, retainers of the powerful warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616). Hikone was spared the mass dismantling of castles that occurred in the late 19th century, and as a result boasts many original buildings compared to other castles. The main keep, a designated National Treasure of Japan, is a three-story wooden structure on top of a stone base. It is one of the few remaining original castle keeps in Japan, and although comparatively small, the keep’s elaborate gables and ornate decorations give it an elegant appearance. At the foot of the castle’s hill is the Genkyu-en Garden, added in 1677. A strolling path encircles a large pond, and the tea house in the garden was used by the castle’s lord for tea ceremonies. A museum on the castle grounds holds the treasures of the Ii family, such as their armour, helmets and swords. You can also view less warlike items such as the family’s tea utensils and Noh theatre costumes.