A trip to experience the history and culture of Hikone Castle, a national treasure
Introduction
Hikone Castle, located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is a flat mountain castle that was built in the early Edo period. Construction of Hikone Castle was started in order to clear out Sawayama Castle by order of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it took 20 years to complete. Hikone Castle was the residence of the Ii family, an important foreign daimyo of the Tokugawa shogunate. Even after the Meiji Restoration, it was protected twice by the emperor and became one of the five castles designated as national treasures.
Charm of Hikone Castle
After all, it is a national treasure castle tower. The castle tower has a beautiful white plaster wall and black tiled roof, and inside there are displays of weapons and armor. From the castle tower, you can overlook Lake Biwa and the city. In addition, around the castle tower, there are turrets designated as important cultural properties, such as the Tsukuyagura and Tamon turrets, and you can feel the remnants of when the castle was first built. Inside the turret, there is also a museum that introduces items related to the Ii family and the history of the Hikone domain.
The history and culture of Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle is a castle ruled by the Ii family throughout the Edo period. In the Battle of Sekigahara, Ii Naomasa killed Mitsunari Ishida, who had joined the Western Army, and was confined to Hikone, Omi Province for his achievements. After that, the Ii family was loyal to the shogunate as a foreign daimyo, and at the end of the Edo period, they held important posts such as Kyoto shugoshoku and Osaka castle lord². Even after the Meiji Restoration, the Ii family was respected by the emperor, and Hikone Castle was also preserved by being designated as a national treasure⁶.
Recommended spots around Hikone Castle
Around Hikone Castle, there are many spots where you can enjoy history and culture, as well as gourmet foods. for example,
Opening Memorial Hall: This facility introduces the achievements of Naosuke Ii, who was involved in the conclusion of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Japan.
Hikone Castle Garden: A Japanese garden on the north side of Hikone Castle, where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and autumn leaves.
Hikone Castle Museum: Materials and items related to the Hikone clan and the Ii family are on display.
Yumekyobashi Castle Road: A shopping street on the north side of Hikone Castle, where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere inspired by the castle town of the Edo period. There are many shops where you can buy souvenirs, eat, and experience things.
Hikone Castle Access Information: 15-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from JR Hikone Station. There are two parking lots: Honmachi parking lot and Kyobashiguchi parking lot.
Hikone Castle is a flat mountain castle with many existing buildings such as castle towers and turrets designated as national treasures, and you can experience the history and culture of the Ii family. Also, around Hikone Castle, there are many places where you can enjoy history and culture, as well as gourmet foods. How about visiting Hikone Castle and taking a trip to experience history and culture?
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