Hikone Castle is a historic castle in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture.
People built the castle in the early Edo period. Today, the original castle tower still remains.
The castle tower is a National Treasure. Therefore, Hikone Castle is one of the most important historic castles in Japan.
Additionally, moats and parts of the old castle town still remain around the castle.
History of Hikone Castle
Construction of Hikone Castle started in 1604. The castle was completed in 1622.
The Ii family, an important feudal lord family of the Edo period, used this castle as their residence.
The Ii family supported the Tokugawa shogunate. For example, Ii Naosuke served as a chief minister in the late Edo period.
Meanwhile, many castles in Japan were destroyed in later periods. However, Hikone Castle survived and still shows its original structure.
The National Treasure Castle Tower
The castle tower of Hikone Castle is one of only five National Treasure castle towers in Japan.
The tower has three roofs and three floors. White walls and layered roofs create a distinctive appearance.
The size of the tower is not very large. However, the design looks balanced and elegant.
Visitors can also see Lake Biwa and the city of Hikone from the top area of the castle.
Highlights of Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle has several highlights.
First, wide moats surround the castle. Therefore, visitors can clearly see the defensive design of the castle.
Additionally, visitors walk up stone steps and slopes to reach the castle area. This path shows the historic structure of the site.
Near the castle, there is a Japanese garden called Genkyuen Garden. The garden includes a pond, bridges, and seasonal plants.
Hikonyan
Hikone Castle is also known for its mascot character called Hikonyan.
Hikonyan is a white cat character wearing a red samurai helmet. The character is popular with visitors.
Additionally, Hikonyan sometimes appears at events near the castle.
Access to Hikone Castle
Visitors can reach Hikone Castle from JR Hikone Station.
The walk from JR Hikone Station to the castle takes about 15 minutes on foot.
Additionally, souvenir shops and restaurants stand along the road between the station and the castle.
▶ Official Website: Hikone Castle
Summary
Hikone Castle is an important historic castle that still shows the structure of the Edo period.
The castle includes a National Treasure castle tower and a traditional Japanese garden.
Additionally, visitors can reach the castle easily from JR Hikone Station. Therefore, Hikone Castle is a practical destination for travelers interested in Japanese castles and history.