 Most viewed - Hikone Castle Honmaru 彦根城 本丸 |
My 34-min. comprehensive English video about Hikone Castle, Genkyuen Garden, and autumn festivals. 612 views
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Welcome to Hikone, best known for Hikone Castle and mascot Hiko-nyan. At JR Hikone Station, this photo of official mascot Hikonyan greets you. Map610 views
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Statue of Lord Ii Naomasa (井伊 直政 1561-1602 ) in front of JR Hikone Station in 2007.560 views
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Cross section of Hikone Castle.331 views
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Hikone Castle's main tower is said to be originally the castle tower for Otsu Castle whose lord was Kyogoku Takatsugu. It was moved here in 1606. This main tower is designated as a National Treasure.321 views
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Come in the early morning and see Hikone Castle's moat water give a mirror reflection of the cherry blossoms. It's really beautiful on a sunny morning.312 views
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Although it was a military fortress, Hikone Castle never saw battle and was mainly a symbol of authority.286 views
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Hikone Castle moat and cherry blossoms.245 views
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in the latter 18th and early 19th century.234 views
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Hikone's official mascot Hiko-nyan appears three times daily for a 30-min. show: 10:30 am and 1:30 pm in front of the main castle tower (tenshu) and at 3:00 pm outside Hikone Castle Museum.219 viewsAccording to legend, one day, Ii Naotaka, the third lord of Hikone Castle, was doing falconry in Tokyo and was near a temple when he saw this cat raising its paw. He was led inside the temple where he was able to rest inside. A major thunderstorm ensued, and the cat saved him from getting wet.
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In 1606, the 1st and 2nd phases of Hikone Castle's construction were completed. The tenshu castle tower was also completed and Naokatsu moved in. This is the Castle moat and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.208 views
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Umaya Horse Stable (Important Cultural Property).201 views
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Hikone Castle is one of five main castle towers in Japan designated as a National Treasure. The others are Himeji, Matsumoto, Matsue, and Inuyama Castles.200 views
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Hiko-nyan, the official mascot for Hikone Castle's 400th anniversary in 2007. He proven to be so popular that he has been retained as the city's official mascot. Basically a white cat with a horned samurai helmet. ひこにゃん199 viewsOne of the most famous mascots in Japan.
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During June 2008 to March 2010, the castle celebrated the 150th anniversary of Lord Ii Naosuke and the opening of Japan.190 views
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Also this garden for the daimyo.189 views
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Since the construction of Hikone Castle was designated as a national project by the Tokugawa government, as many as 12 daimyo lords were ordered to assist in the construction.189 views
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Naomasa's son Naokatsu was still an infant when Naomasa died. So Naomasa chief retainer consulted with Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and it was decided to build a new castle at the present location. Construction started in 1603.185 views
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Hikone's super popular official mascot Hiko-nyan appears every day outside Hikone Castle Museum (photo) or in front of the main castle tower. A large crowd gathers each time.181 viewsHiko-nyan was the official mascot for Hikone Castle's 400th anniversary in 2007. He proven to be so popular that he has been retained as the city's official mascot.
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.181 views
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Ii Naosuke's portrait painted by Kano Eigaku (狩野永岳). He wrote the poem above the painting offered to Seiryoji temple in Hikone. 178 views
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Ceiling of Hikone Castle tower.176 views
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Hiko-nyan merchandise in Heiwado175 views
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Entrance to Hikone Castle Museum. A reconstruction of the castle palace completed in 1987 to mark Hikone city's 50th anniversary. Admission charged.174 views
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Where Hiko-nyan's helmet design came from.174 views
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Finally you see the main castle tower or Tenshukaku. Hikone Castle was completed in 1622 after 20 years of construction by Lord Ii Naotsugu who started building the caslte in 1603 upon his deceased father Naomasa's wish.173 views
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Ii clan samurai armor and helmet. Remember this helmet because it also appears on Hikone's official mascot Hiko-nyan (photos below).172 views
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Hikone Byobu folding screen is a National Treasure and exhibited for a few weeks in April-May. Read more here170 views
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Umaya Horse Stable. The only castle in Japan to have a large horse stable intact. The L-shaped building originally extended further toward Omotemon Bridge. 169 views
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Inside Umaya Horse Stable, open to the public for the 400th anniversary onward in 2007.169 views
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Inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.166 views
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Cherry blossoms, castle moat, and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.165 views
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Map of Hikone. Hikone Castle is famous as being only one of five castles in Japan designated as a National Treasure. The tenshu castle tower is original, and you can enter it to get a good idea of what a real castle looked like.165 views
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164 views
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Hikone Castle was built with many structures and materials transferred other Shiga castles such as Otsu Castle, Nagahama Castle, Odani Castle, Kannonji, and Sawayama Castle. This greatly reduced the cost and time required to complete the castle.164 views
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Time-Keeping Bell. The bell was recast in 1844. 時報鐘 - Jihosho. Next to the bell is a tea house called Choshoan. The 13th lord of the castle, Ii Naosuke was a diligent practitioner of the tea ceremony.160 viewsThe famous phrase "Ichigo Ichie" (One Encounter, One Chance) was coined by him in a tea ceremony book titled "Chanoyu Ichie-shu" （茶の湯一会集）.
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Entrance to castle. The ticket office is where you pay castle admission. You can also buy a ticket set which includes admission to Genkyuen Garden (recommended). Open 8:30 am to 5 pm.159 views
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Originally built in 1622, the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret is designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. Part of it was rebuilt in 1960.157 views
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Another exit is this Kuromon Gate. This might be a better exit if you also want to visit Genkyuen Garden (recommended). 黒門157 views
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The left building is an Important Cultural Property rebuilt in 1771. It has a corner turret on the left end and we used to be able to enter it through a side entrance from behind. 155 views
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Steps leading to Taikomon Gate. Before that, you can pay to have tea under the red umbrella front of the tea house and Time-Keeping Bell.155 views
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Omotezaka Path to castle tower. Not good for wheel chairs or those who don't like to climb stairs.154 views
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Kadomatsu decoration for New Year's. Hikone Castle Museum is in the background. During New Year's, they served free hot ama-zake (sweet sake) to all visitors.152 views
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From the Iroha pine tree road, you will see this Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.152 views
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Hikone was important as the crossroads of the Nakasendo Road (中山道) to Kyoto and Hokurikudo Road (北陸道) to the northwest. It also linked the roads to boat transportation on Lake Biwa for Kyoto.151 views
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Time-Keeping Bell or Jiho-sho. It is rung five times daily at 6:00, 9:00, 12:00 noon, 15:00, and 18:00. Also see my YouTube video here.150 views
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Castle moat and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret. Hikone Castle was home to a total of 14 Ii lords until Ii Naosuke. The Ii family remained close to the Tokugawa and the family head traditionally served as the Tokugawa government's Chief Minist150 views
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During 1957 to 1960, this castle tower was disassembled and repaired.150 views
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"Hiko" refers to Hikone, and "nyan" is a baby word for cat. Hiko-nyan's appearance schedule is here.150 viewsIf it rains, Hiko-nyan appears at the Castle Museum. Hiko-nyan is a white cat wearing a red samurai helmet with horns, modeled after the one worn by Lord Ii Naomasa, the first lord of Hikone Castle.
Hiko-nyan also makes guest appearances at various events to promote Hikone. He has even traveled to Hawaii to appear in a Japan parade in Waikiki.
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149 views
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At the intersection, straight ahead is Gokoku Shrine (護国神社) dedicated to Shiga's war dead. You can go through the shrine or turn left toward Hikone Castle.149 views
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149 views
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Behind the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.148 views
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146 views
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View from castle tower, Takeshima in Lake Biwa. Takeshima is a small island near Hikone. 多景島 Photos here.146 views
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Inside Hikone Castle Museum are samurai armor exhibits.145 views
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Omotemon Bridge144 views
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Omotemon Bridge and Gate 表門144 views
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Hiko-nyan does not talk or even "meow." He speaks through a handler or translator. Basically, he (or it) just struts around and makes cute poses with or without a prop.144 viewsAnother legend says that as soon as the cat beckoned Naotaka into the temple, lightning struck the tree where he was standing. Thus, the cat saved his life.
This legendary cat connection gave birth to the idea behind Hiko-nyan. This same legend is also one theory for the origin of the ubiquitous beckoning cat you see at shops and restaurants in Japan. The beckoning cat can be called Hiko-nyan's cousin.
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The Hikone Castle Museum replicated the daimyo's living quarters that included this tea ceremony room.143 views
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The tenbin Yagura turret is said to have come from Nagahama Castle. (Important Cultural Property) 天秤櫓142 views
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In front of Hikone Station, welcome banners for Hikone Castle's 400th anniversary in 2007 surround a statue of Ii Naomasa.141 views
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Many daimyos assisted during the early phase. Most of the structures and stones came from defunct castles in Omi like Otsu, Nagahama, Odani, and Sawayama to reduce the construction time and cost.141 views
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About the Ii clan's samurai armor. It was all red.141 views
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Naomasa planned to build a new castle, but died in 1602 from an old Sekigahara gunshot wound before construction began.141 views
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View of castle grounds as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret. The Umaya Horse Stable is on the right.140 views
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Rokabashi Bridge (廊下橋) goes to the Tenbin Yagura (天秤櫓) whose stone wall differs between the left and right.140 views
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Behind the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.139 views
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Time when Hiko-nyan (Hikone's official mascot) will appear today.139 views
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Noh play on the Noh stage inside Hikone Castle Museum.139 views
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Ceiling structure inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.138 views
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and sakura138 views
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Sawayama Castle (佐和山城) came with the domain, but Naomasa did not like it, being outdated and the former castle of Ishida Mitsunari (石田 三成) who lost at Sekigahara.138 views
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Dummy horse in the horse stable.137 views
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Corridor137 views
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In 1616, the construction's 3rd phase was begun to build the castle palace. Construction was henceforth carried out by local Hikone workers without outside help. The castle construction was completed in 1622.137 views
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in spring.137 views
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Inside the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum in 2007, the castle's 400th anniversary.137 views
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View of the Iroha road as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.136 views
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The stable is in remarkable condition, and the only one in Japan existing within a castle grounds.136 views
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Tenbin Yagura turret in spring. This is also one location where the film Idai Naru, Shurararabon (偉大なる、しゅららぼん The Great Shu Ra Ra Boom) was filmed.136 views
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The info sign also has a sticker with a QR code to be read by your compatible cell phone. You can then access the respective URL and see more information.136 views
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Photography is allowed only in this room of the museum.136 views
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Red dots indicate old castle sites in Hikone.136 views
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Scale model shows the Omote Goten Palace.136 views
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Being open to the public from 2008, the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret now has a stairway on the right. (Update: This stairway is gone and the public cannot enter this turret.)135 views
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135 views
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135 views
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Map of Hikone Castle as it is today.135 views
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Taikomon Yagura Turret. This is the gate right before you reach the main castle tower. "Taikomon" means Taiko Drum Gate. It had a taiko drum that was beaten to convey signals to the inner castle. Important Cultural Property. 太鼓門134 views
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.134 views
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Entrance to tower. There are a few very steep staircases. Wearing high heels and miniskirts are not recommended.134 views
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Hikone Byobu (彦根屏風) is a 17th-century National Treasure (国宝) folding screen. Painted on gold leaf, it shows a fashion-leading pleasure quarters scene in Kyoto (京都の遊里).134 views
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Tenbin Yagura133 views
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The castle tower is not as large as Himeji or Matsumoto, but the construction on the inside is original.133 views
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Statue of Lord Ii Naomasa (井伊 直政 1561-1602 ) in front of JR Hikone Station. One of the four great generals (徳川四天王) who helped Tokugawa Ieyasu win the Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原合戦) in 1600 to unify Japan and become shogun.133 views
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133 views
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Biwa instrument displayed in Hikone Castle Museum.133 views
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The rear of the left-side and original Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, before being opened to the public.132 views
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Entrance to Umaya Horse Stable. Open to the public, free admission.132 views
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Corridor132 views
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View from Hikone Castle tower132 views
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi.132 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret and cherry blossoms. Tamon yagura were long corridor-type turrets.132 views
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Notice the tobacco pipe and Western dog too. Artist is unknown, but likely belonged to the Kano school of Japanese painting (狩野派). 132 views
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View of the other side of the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret (now a museum).131 views
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Rokabashi Bridge (廊下橋) going to the Tenbin Yagura (天秤櫓) could be demolished in case of enemy attack. Tenbin Yagura's stone wall differs between the left and right.131 views
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.131 viewsThis is also one location where the film Idai Naru, Shurararabon (偉大なる、しゅららぼん The Great Shu Ra Ra Boom) was filmed. Where Kiyoko rides her horse up the steps.
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The right side of the turret is now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.131 views
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Right side of Tenbin Yagura turret in spring with cherry blossoms.131 views
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About the Umaya Horse Stable in English, Korean, and Chinese.131 views
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Another museum centerpiece is this Edo-Period Noh stage, the only original palace structure. Noh is performed in spring and autumn.131 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret130 views
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The Ninomaru Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura (二の丸佐和口多聞櫓) has left and right buildings that used to be connected by a bridge-like Sawaguchi Gate in the middle. A yagura was a storehouse (for weapons, etc.) that had a small watchtower or turret.130 views
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129 views
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Omotemon Bridge and cherry blossoms129 views
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Hikone Castle has bell-shaped windows at the top.129 views
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English information sign for Taikomon Gate.129 views
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Letter written by Ii Naosuke is also displayed in the Hikone Castle Museum.128 views
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127 views
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and banner.127 views
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Under the bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret.127 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret now open to the public since 2007.127 views
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Inside Taikomon Gate.127 views
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi in spring.127 views
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127 views
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127 views
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Behind the horse stable.126 views
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Tenbin Yagura turret on the left.126 views
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The rear of the castle tower.126 views
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View from castle tower126 views
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Matchlock gun126 views
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Ieyasu rewarded Naomasa with the strategic domain of Hikone (mainly Hikone, Maibara, Nagahama, Taga), making Naomasa the first Hikone daimyo (feudal lord 大名) in Omi Province (近江国).126 views
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126 views
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126 views
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Top floor. The windows are small and it's difficult to get a good shot of the view. There is also no balcony to go outside on the top floor.125 views
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View from castle tower, looking toward Nishinomaru during cherry blossoms season.125 views
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A variety of people, fashion, hairstyles, and objects from that era are depicted. See people playing the samisen, playing sugoroku Japanese backgammon, or writing a love letter.125 views
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125 views
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret. Iroha pine trees on left.124 views
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Left end of Tenbin Yagura turret.124 views
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Tenbin Yagura's left side has shaped stones fitting together using a newer technique (otoshi-zumi 落し積み) when repaired in 1854. 124 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret124 views
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Rear view of Tenbin Yagura turret. The middle door also serves as an entrance.124 views
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Path to Taikomon Gate.124 views
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Construction of Hikone Castle started in 1604 as an urgent national project ordered by Ieyasu to deter any rebellious daimyo in western Japan and to protect Kyoto, the Imperial Capital.124 views
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Banner for the 150th anniversary of Lord Ii Naosuke opening Japan to the world.123 views
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Bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret123 views
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Under the right turret inside Tenbin Yagura. Stairway (closed to public) to 2nd floor of right turret.123 views
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123 views
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Behind the horse stable and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in the background.122 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret, looking toward the left turret.122 views
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Tenbin Yagura's right side has natural, unshaped stones (gobo-zumi 牛蒡積み) with small stones in the gaps.122 views
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122 views
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As one of the inner-circle fudai daimyo (譜代大名), the Ii clan continued to be influential in the Tokugawa shogunate.122 views
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Central compounds like the Kanenomaru and Honmaru and the main castle tower were completed within a few years and teenager Lord Naotsugu moved in from Sawayama Castle.122 views
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122 views
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Omotemon Bridge121 views
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Front view of Hikone Castle tower 天守閣121 views
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Entrance to castle tower121 views
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Since Naomasa's son Naotsugu (井伊 直継) was too young, Chief Retainer Kimata Morikatsu (家老 木俣守勝) acted on his behalf to plan the new castle's construction. Upon the approval of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, Mt. Hikone on the shore of 121 views
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View of the bridge from Tenbin Yagura turret.120 views
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Rear view of Tenbin Yagura turret. 120 views
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120 views
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A number of structures were thus saved, including the main castle tower. In 1944, the Ii family donated the castle to the city of Hikone.120 views
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After the demise of the Tokugawa and the restoration of Imperial rule in 1868, castles were ordered to be demolished. Hikone Castle was also being dismantled when Emperor Meiji visiting in 1878 spared the castle.120 views
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The castle was finally completed by the Ii clan in 1622. Hikone Castle was the government seat and residence of the Hikone daimyo who ruled the Hikone domain and a few domains in Edo (Tokyo).120 views
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Naosuke's poem in modern Japanese. For the sake of the country, he had no regrets. A few months later, he was assassinated. 120 views
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.120 views
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120 views
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In one Tora-san movie (starring Atsumi Kiyoshi) made in 1982, this is where he sold his goods.119 views
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You can enter Taikomon Gate which is an exhibition room for photos of Japanese castles and a model of Hikone Castle.119 views
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Tenbin Yagura's Rokabashi Bridge had a roof.119 views
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Hikone Castle is a designated Special National Historic Place (特別史跡).118 views
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Although it was the most prominent building, the daimyo did not live in it. It was mainly a glorious symbol and storehouse for samurai armor and other artifacts of past Hikone daimyo.117 views
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A major reason why Hikone Castle is a National Treasure is because it has many different types of roof features on one building.117 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret with windows open.116 views
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116 views
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Other folding screens on display.116 views
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Under the bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret.115 views
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Some are Tosa (from Kochi Prefecture) pines whose roots do not protrude above ground.115 views
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View from castle tower, looking toward central Hikone with the castle museum in the foreground.115 views
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Sign outside the Taikomon Gate indicating the city's project to have Hikone Castle be designated as a World Heritage Site.114 views
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Mt. Ibuki, Shiga's highest mountain a seen from the Honmaru compound.114 views
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113 views
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Statue of Lord ii Naosuke.113 views
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Display cases of castle artifacts.113 views
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Lord Ii Naosuke Poetry Monument along the Iroha pine trees.112 views
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While using a metaphor of Lake Biwa's waves crashing relentlessly against a rocky shore, the poem expresses Naosuke's brain-wracking efforts as Chief Minister in dealing with successive waves of difficult problems.112 views
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One of the large stones at the poetry monument has a duck carving.112 views
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111 views
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Top floor ceiling.111 views
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Iroha-matsu pine trees line the road to the castle.111 views
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For New Year's in 1860, Naosuke had a formal portrait of himself painted by Kano Eigaku (狩野永岳) and wrote this poem above the portrait.111 views
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Tenbin Yagura is named after the luggage-carrying shoulder pole like this Omi merchant. 111 views
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People line up to enter Hikone Castle's main tower.111 views
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View of the bridge from Tenbin Yagura turret.110 views
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Statue of Lord ii Naosuke.110 views
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This is how crowded it can get to enter Hikone Castle's main tower. This was on a Sunday during Golden Week.110 views
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110 views
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About the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura.109 views
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109 views
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View from Honmaru compound, looking toward Lake Biwa.109 views
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Entrance to Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.108 views
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About the Iroha pine trees.107 views
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People line up to enter Hikone Castle's main tower.107 views
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Statue of Ii Naosuke near the Hikone Castle moat. Lord of the castle and also an important historical figure. 井伊 直弼105 viewsIi Naosuke was the Tokugawa shogunate's Chief Minister (Tairo) who favored and concluded commercial treaties with the Western powers and thus broke Japan's isolation from the world. Foreigners were then allowed to trade with Japan and take up residence in cities like Yokohama and Hakodate. Ii was later assassinated in 1860 by samurai radicals from Mito (Ibaraki) who sought to oust the foreign "barbarians."
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Hikone Castle as seen from Genkyu-en Garden. Genkyu-en is a Japanese garden next to the castle.105 views
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105 views
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Hikone City Hall with a sign urging Hikone Castle to become a World Heritage Site.105 views
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Inside Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.103 views
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Nigiwai-ichi local goods shop set up in spring.100 views
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Moat as seen from Kuromon Gate.98 views
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Moat near Genkyuen Garden.93 views
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Choshoan tea house was originally the bell ringer’s rest house.93 views
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Hikone Castle tower lit up at night.92 views
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Hikone Castle admission fees in 2017.91 views
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Another room in Choshoan.90 views
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Moat and cherry trees next to Genkyuen Garden.89 views
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88 views
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Matcha tea and confection at Choshoan tea house, Hikone Castle.88 views
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87 views
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For ¥500, you can try matcha tea and a small confection. It’s operated by members of a tea school started by castle lord and tea master Ii Naosuke.87 views
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Hiko-nyan appears outside the Taikomon near the main Hikone Castle tower.87 views
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On the way to the main castle tower (tenshu), you can take a tea break at this small tea house called Choshoan (聴鐘庵).86 views
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Hikone Castle and plum blossoms.86 views
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Hikone daimyo's living quarters.84 views
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Hikone Castle as seen from Matsubara Beach.83 views
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The name Tenbin refers to its similarity to a tenbin shoulder pole for carrying a piece of luggage tied to each end. Both east (right) and west (left) ends of the building has a two-story watchtower turret. They look symmetrical, but are not identical.83 views
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Hikone Castle and plum blossoms.82 views
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Plum blossom ume tree given by the city of Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture.82 views
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Hiko-nyan cutout in front of Hikone Castle. He appears daily.81 views
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Tent selling local goods during spring.80 views
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Hikone Castle as seen from Genkyuen Garden during autumn at night.79 views
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79 views
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79 views
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Hikone Castle tower lit up at night.78 views
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75 views
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Postcard of Commodore Perry and Ii Naosuke to mark the 50th anniversary of Yokohama Port's opening in 1909.75 viewsAlso see Gotokuji temple in Setgaya, Tokyo where Naosuke is buried. http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=646
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Hikone manhole with Hiko-nyan. Found in the tourist info office in Yobancho, Hikone.34 views
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