 Most viewed - Hikone Castle Honmaru 彦根城 本丸 |
My 34-min. comprehensive English video about Hikone Castle, Genkyuen Garden, and autumn festivals. 628 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. Map625 views
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Statue of Lord Ii Naomasa (井伊 直政 1561-1602 ) in front of JR Hikone Station in 2007.568 views
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Cross section of Hikone Castle.337 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.330 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.321 views
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Although it was a military fortress, Hikone Castle never saw battle and was mainly a symbol of authority.296 views
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Hikone Castle moat and cherry blossoms.256 views
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in the latter 18th and early 19th century.251 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.228 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.219 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.209 views
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Umaya Horse Stable (Important Cultural Property).208 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208 viewsOne of the most famous mascots in Japan.
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Hikone Byobu folding screen is a National Treasure and exhibited for a few weeks in April-May. Read more here207 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.198 views
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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.197 views
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Also this garden for the daimyo.197 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 1603.192 views
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.187 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.186 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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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. 184 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.183 views
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Ceiling of Hikone Castle tower.183 views
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Where Hiko-nyan's helmet design came from.183 views
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Hiko-nyan merchandise in Heiwado182 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.180 views
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Inside Umaya Horse Stable, open to the public for the 400th anniversary onward in 2007.179 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. 178 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).178 views
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Inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.175 views
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Cherry blossoms, castle moat, and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.172 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.172 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.172 views
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169 views
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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.168 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.167 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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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 1960.165 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. 165 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165 views
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From the Iroha pine tree road, you will see this Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.162 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.162 views
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Omotezaka Path to castle tower. Not good for wheel chairs or those who don't like to climb stairs.161 views
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160 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.160 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.159 views
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157 views
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"Hiko" refers to Hikone, and "nyan" is a baby word for cat. Hiko-nyan's appearance schedule is here.157 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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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.156 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.156 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 Minist156 views
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During 1957 to 1960, this castle tower was disassembled and repaired.155 views
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Behind the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.154 views
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154 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.154 views
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Inside Hikone Castle Museum are samurai armor exhibits.153 views
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Omotemon Bridge152 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.151 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.151 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.150 views
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Omotemon Bridge and Gate 表門150 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.150 views
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About the Ii clan's samurai armor. It was all red.148 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.148 views
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The tenbin Yagura turret is said to have come from Nagahama Castle. (Important Cultural Property) 天秤櫓147 views
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Noh play on the Noh stage inside Hikone Castle Museum.147 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.146 views
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and sakura146 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.145 views
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Behind the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.145 views
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Time when Hiko-nyan (Hikone's official mascot) will appear today.145 views
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Scale model shows the Omote Goten Palace.145 views
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Ceiling structure inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.144 views
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Dummy horse in the horse stable.144 views
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The stable is in remarkable condition, and the only one in Japan existing within a castle grounds.144 views
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Corridor144 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 1622.144 views
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Inside the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum in 2007, the castle's 400th anniversary.144 views
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Photography is allowed only in this room of the museum.144 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.144 views
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Red dots indicate old castle sites in Hikone.144 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.)143 views
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143 views
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View of the Iroha road as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.143 views
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143 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.143 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142 views
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in spring.142 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.142 views
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142 views
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Biwa instrument displayed in Hikone Castle Museum.142 views
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The rear of the left-side and original Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, before being opened to the public.141 views
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Tenbin Yagura141 views
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Entrance to tower. There are a few very steep staircases. Wearing high heels and miniskirts are not recommended.141 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).141 views
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Entrance to Umaya Horse Stable. Open to the public, free admission.140 views
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.140 views
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Corridor140 views
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View from Hikone Castle tower140 views
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The castle tower is not as large as Himeji or Matsumoto, but the construction on the inside is original.140 views
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Map of Hikone Castle as it is today.140 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret and cherry blossoms. Tamon yagura were long corridor-type turrets.140 views
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About the Umaya Horse Stable in English, Korean, and Chinese.140 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.140 views
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.139 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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Notice the tobacco pipe and Western dog too. Artist is unknown, but likely belonged to the Kano school of Japanese painting (狩野派). 139 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.139 views
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View of the other side of the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret (now a museum).138 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.138 views
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The right side of the turret is now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.138 views
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi.138 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.137 views
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Omotemon Bridge and cherry blossoms137 views
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137 views
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137 views
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and banner.136 views
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Under the bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret.136 views
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View from castle tower136 views
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Right side of Tenbin Yagura turret in spring with cherry blossoms.136 views
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Hikone Castle has bell-shaped windows at the top.136 views
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Letter written by Ii Naosuke is also displayed in the Hikone Castle Museum.136 views
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English information sign for Taikomon Gate.136 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.136 views
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136 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret135 views
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135 views
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Inside Taikomon Gate.135 views
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135 views
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Behind the horse stable.134 views
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Tenbin Yagura turret on the left.134 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret now open to the public since 2007.134 views
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi in spring.134 views
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Matchlock gun134 views
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133 views
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The rear of the castle tower.133 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).133 views
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133 views
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Bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret132 views
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Left end of Tenbin Yagura turret.131 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret131 views
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131 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.131 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.131 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.131 views
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View from castle tower, looking toward Nishinomaru during cherry blossoms season.131 views
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Behind the horse stable and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in the background.130 views
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Path to Taikomon Gate.130 views
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Entrance to castle tower130 views
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130 views
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret. Iroha pine trees on left.129 views
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Banner for the 150th anniversary of Lord Ii Naosuke opening Japan to the world.129 views
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Rear view of Tenbin Yagura turret. The middle door also serves as an entrance.129 views
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129 views
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Omotemon Bridge128 views
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128 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret, looking toward the left turret.128 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. 128 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.128 views
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Under the right turret inside Tenbin Yagura. Stairway (closed to public) to 2nd floor of right turret.128 views
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Front view of Hikone Castle tower 天守閣128 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.128 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.128 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 128 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. 128 views
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View of the bridge from Tenbin Yagura turret.127 views
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Rear view of Tenbin Yagura turret. 127 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.127 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).127 views
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.127 views
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127 views
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126 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.126 views
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Tenbin Yagura's Rokabashi Bridge had a roof.126 views
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125 views
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125 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.125 views
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In one Tora-san movie (starring Atsumi Kiyoshi) made in 1982, this is where he sold his goods.124 views
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124 views
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Hikone Castle is a designated Special National Historic Place (特別史跡).124 views
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Under the bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret.123 views
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View from castle tower, looking toward central Hikone with the castle museum in the foreground.123 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret with windows open.122 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.122 views
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Some are Tosa (from Kochi Prefecture) pines whose roots do not protrude above ground.122 views
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Other folding screens on display.121 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.120 views
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Display cases of castle artifacts.120 views
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119 views
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Mt. Ibuki, Shiga's highest mountain a seen from the Honmaru compound.119 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.118 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.118 views
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Statue of Lord ii Naosuke.118 views
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Tenbin Yagura is named after the luggage-carrying shoulder pole like this Omi merchant. 118 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.118 views
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People line up to enter Hikone Castle's main tower.118 views
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117 views
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Top floor ceiling.117 views
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Iroha-matsu pine trees line the road to the castle.117 views
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One of the large stones at the poetry monument has a duck carving.117 views
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Lord Ii Naosuke Poetry Monument along the Iroha pine trees.116 views
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About the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura.116 views
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Statue of Lord ii Naosuke.116 views
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116 views
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View of the bridge from Tenbin Yagura turret.115 views
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Entrance to Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.115 views
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People line up to enter Hikone Castle's main tower.115 views
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View from Honmaru compound, looking toward Lake Biwa.115 views
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114 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113 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.113 views
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112 views
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Hikone City Hall with a sign urging Hikone Castle to become a World Heritage Site.112 views
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About the Iroha pine trees.111 views
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Inside Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.108 views
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Nigiwai-ichi local goods shop set up in spring.107 views
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Moat as seen from Kuromon Gate.105 views
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Hikone Castle tower lit up at night.101 views
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Choshoan tea house was originally the bell ringer’s rest house.99 views
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Another room in Choshoan.99 views
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98 views
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Moat near Genkyuen Garden.97 views
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Hikone Castle admission fees in 2017.97 views
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Moat and cherry trees next to Genkyuen Garden.96 views
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96 views
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96 views
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Matcha tea and confection at Choshoan tea house, Hikone Castle.96 views
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Hiko-nyan appears outside the Taikomon near the main Hikone Castle tower.96 views
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Hikone daimyo's living quarters.95 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.95 views
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93 views
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93 views
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93 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).93 views
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Hikone Castle and plum blossoms.93 views
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Hikone Castle as seen from Matsubara Beach.90 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.89 views
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Hikone Castle and plum blossoms.89 views
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Hiko-nyan cutout in front of Hikone Castle. He appears daily.88 views
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Plum blossom ume tree given by the city of Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture.88 views
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Hikone Castle as seen from Genkyuen Garden during autumn at night.87 views
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86 views
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86 views
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Tent selling local goods during spring.85 views
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85 views
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Hikone Castle tower lit up at night.83 views
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83 views
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Postcard of Commodore Perry and Ii Naosuke to mark the 50th anniversary of Yokohama Port's opening in 1909.81 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.49 views
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