Last additions - Hikone Castle Honmaru 彦根城 本丸 |
Hikone manhole with Hiko-nyan. Found in the tourist info office in Yobancho, Hikone.Jun 15, 2023
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Plum blossom ume tree given by the city of Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture.Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Hikone Castle and plum blossoms.Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Hikone Castle and plum blossoms.Jun 20, 2017
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Hiko-nyan appears outside the Taikomon near the main Hikone Castle tower.Jun 20, 2017
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Hiko-nyan cutout in front of Hikone Castle. He appears daily.Jun 20, 2017
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Matcha tea and confection at Choshoan tea house, Hikone Castle.Jun 20, 2017
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Another room in Choshoan.Jun 20, 2017
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Choshoan tea house was originally the bell ringer’s rest house.Jun 20, 2017
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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.Jun 20, 2017
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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).Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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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.Jun 20, 2017
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Hikone Castle admission fees in 2017.Jun 20, 2017
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Biwa instrument displayed in Hikone Castle Museum.Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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Hikone daimyo's living quarters.Jun 20, 2017
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Jun 20, 2017
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View from castle tower, looking toward central Hikone with the castle museum in the foreground.Jun 12, 2013
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Hikone City Hall with a sign urging Hikone Castle to become a World Heritage Site.Jun 12, 2013
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Postcard of Commodore Perry and Ii Naosuke to mark the 50th anniversary of Yokohama Port's opening in 1909.Also see Gotokuji temple in Setgaya, Tokyo where Naosuke is buried. http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=646Jun 12, 2013
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Mt. Ibuki, Shiga's highest mountain a seen from the Honmaru compound.Jun 12, 2013
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View from Honmaru compound, looking toward Lake Biwa.Jun 12, 2013
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Display cases of castle artifacts.Jun 12, 2013
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People line up to enter Hikone Castle's main tower.Jun 12, 2013
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People line up to enter Hikone Castle's main tower.Jun 12, 2013
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Jun 12, 2013
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Jun 12, 2013
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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.Jun 12, 2013
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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.Jun 12, 2013
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Tenbin Yagura's Rokabashi Bridge had a roof.Jun 12, 2013
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Tenbin Yagura is named after the luggage-carrying shoulder pole like this Omi merchant. Jun 12, 2013
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Other folding screens on display.Jun 12, 2013
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Scale model shows the Omote Goten Palace.Jun 12, 2013
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Red dots indicate old castle sites in Hikone.Jun 12, 2013
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.Jun 12, 2013
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.Jun 12, 2013
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Statue of Lord ii Naosuke.Jun 12, 2013
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Statue of Lord ii Naosuke.Jun 12, 2013
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Inside Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.Jun 12, 2013
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Entrance to Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.Jun 12, 2013
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Jun 12, 2013
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About the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura.Jun 12, 2013
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One of the large stones at the poetry monument has a duck carving.Jun 12, 2013
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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. Jun 12, 2013
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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.Jun 12, 2013
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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. Jun 12, 2013
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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.Jun 12, 2013
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About the Iroha pine trees.Jun 12, 2013
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Lord Ii Naosuke Poetry Monument along the Iroha pine trees.Jun 12, 2013
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Some are Tosa (from Kochi Prefecture) pines whose roots do not protrude above ground.Jun 12, 2013
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Iroha-matsu pine trees line the road to the castle.Jun 12, 2013
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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One of the most famous mascots in Japan.Jun 12, 2013
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Hiko-nyan merchandise in HeiwadoJun 12, 2013
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Naomasa planned to build a new castle, but died in 1602 from an old Sekigahara gunshot wound before construction began.Jun 12, 2013
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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.Jun 12, 2013
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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).Jun 12, 2013
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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.Jun 12, 2013
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in the latter 18th and early 19th century.Jun 12, 2013
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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.Jun 12, 2013
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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. MapJun 12, 2013
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My 34-min. comprehensive English video about Hikone Castle, Genkyuen Garden, and autumn festivals. Jun 12, 2013
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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). Apr 18, 2013
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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).Apr 18, 2013
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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.Apr 18, 2013
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Hikone Byobu folding screen is a National Treasure and exhibited for a few weeks in April-May. Read more hereApr 17, 2013
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"Hiko" refers to Hikone, and "nyan" is a baby word for cat. Hiko-nyan's appearance schedule is here.If 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.Apr 01, 2013
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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.Another 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.Apr 01, 2013
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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.According 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.Apr 01, 2013
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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.Hiko-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.Apr 01, 2013
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English information sign for Taikomon Gate.Mar 27, 2010
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Noh play on the Noh stage inside Hikone Castle Museum.Mar 27, 2010
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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.Mar 27, 2010
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Matchlock gunMar 27, 2010
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Letter written by Ii Naosuke is also displayed in the Hikone Castle Museum.Mar 27, 2010
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About the Ii clan's samurai armor. It was all red.Mar 27, 2010
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About the Umaya Horse Stable in English, Korean, and Chinese.Mar 27, 2010
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Inside Hikone Castle Museum are samurai armor exhibits.Mar 27, 2010
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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).Mar 27, 2010
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Photography is allowed only in this room of the museum.Mar 27, 2010
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Cross section of Hikone Castle.Mar 27, 2010
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Inside the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum in 2007, the castle's 400th anniversary.Mar 27, 2010
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Where Hiko-nyan's helmet design came from.Mar 27, 2010
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Jul 02, 2009
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Tent selling local goods during spring.Jul 02, 2009
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Jul 02, 2009
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Nigiwai-ichi local goods shop set up in spring.Jul 02, 2009
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Jul 02, 2009
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Moat and cherry trees next to Genkyuen Garden.Jul 02, 2009
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Moat near Genkyuen Garden.Jul 02, 2009
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View from castle tower, looking toward Nishinomaru during cherry blossoms season.Jul 02, 2009
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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).Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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 Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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.
Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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During 1957 to 1960, this castle tower was disassembled and repaired.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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Hikone Castle has bell-shaped windows at the top.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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Although it was a military fortress, Hikone Castle never saw battle and was mainly a symbol of authority.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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Right side of Tenbin Yagura turret in spring with cherry blossoms.Jul 02, 2009
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Time when Hiko-nyan (Hikone's official mascot) will appear today.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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Omotemon Bridge and Gate 表門Jul 02, 2009
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Omotemon Bridge and cherry blossomsJul 02, 2009
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Omotemon BridgeJul 02, 2009
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Jul 02, 2009
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and sakuraJul 02, 2009
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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 MinistJul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret and cherry blossoms. Tamon yagura were long corridor-type turrets.Jul 02, 2009
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in spring.Jul 02, 2009
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The right side of the turret is now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.Jul 02, 2009
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Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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Cherry blossoms, castle moat, and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.Jul 02, 2009
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From the Iroha pine tree road, you will see this Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.Jul 02, 2009
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi in spring.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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Hikone Castle moat and cherry blossoms.Jul 02, 2009
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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.Jul 02, 2009
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Statue of Lord Ii Naomasa (井伊 直政 1561-1602 ) in front of JR Hikone Station in 2007.Jan 12, 2009
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Hikone Castle tower lit up at night.Jan 12, 2009
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Hikone Castle as seen from Genkyu-en Garden. Genkyu-en is a Japanese garden next to the castle.Jan 12, 2009
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Map of Hikone Castle as it is today.Jan 12, 2009
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Hikone Castle tower lit up at night.Jan 12, 2009
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Hikone Castle as seen from Genkyuen Garden during autumn at night.Jan 12, 2009
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Hikone Castle as seen from Matsubara Beach.Jan 12, 2009
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Moat as seen from Kuromon Gate.Jan 12, 2009
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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Ii 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." Jan 12, 2009
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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Jan 12, 2009
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View from castle tower, Takeshima in Lake Biwa. Takeshima is a small island near Hikone. 多景島 Photos here.Jan 12, 2009
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The castle tower is not as large as Himeji or Matsumoto, but the construction on the inside is original.Jan 12, 2009
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View from castle towerJan 12, 2009
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Top floor ceiling.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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The rear of the castle tower.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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View from Hikone Castle towerJan 12, 2009
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Entrance to castle towerJan 12, 2009
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Entrance to tower. There are a few very steep staircases. Wearing high heels and miniskirts are not recommended.Jan 12, 2009
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CorridorJan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Ceiling of Hikone Castle tower.Jan 12, 2009
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CorridorJan 12, 2009
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Hikone Castle is a designated Special National Historic Place (特別史跡).Jan 12, 2009
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Front view of Hikone Castle tower 天守閣Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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Inside Taikomon Gate.Jan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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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.The 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).Jan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.Jan 12, 2009
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Path to Taikomon Gate.Jan 12, 2009
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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Jan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Rear view of Tenbin Yagura turret. The middle door also serves as an entrance.Jan 12, 2009
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.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. Where Kiyoko rides her horse up the steps.Jan 12, 2009
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Rear view of Tenbin Yagura turret. Jan 12, 2009
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Under the right turret inside Tenbin Yagura. Stairway (closed to public) to 2nd floor of right turret.Jan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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View of the bridge from Tenbin Yagura turret.Jan 12, 2009
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View of the bridge from Tenbin Yagura turret.Jan 12, 2009
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret now open to the public since 2007.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turretJan 12, 2009
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The tenbin Yagura turret is said to have come from Nagahama Castle. (Important Cultural Property) 天秤櫓Jan 12, 2009
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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. Jan 12, 2009
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret, looking toward the left turret.Jan 12, 2009
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Left end of Tenbin Yagura turret.Jan 12, 2009
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Tenbin Yagura turret on the left.Jan 12, 2009
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Tenbin YaguraJan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Omotezaka Path to castle tower. Not good for wheel chairs or those who don't like to climb stairs.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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Also this garden for the daimyo.Jan 12, 2009
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Bridge to Tenbin Yagura turretJan 12, 2009
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Under the bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret.Jan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Under the bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret.Jan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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The Hikone Castle Museum replicated the daimyo's living quarters that included this tea ceremony room.Jan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Omotemon BridgeJan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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In one Tora-san movie (starring Atsumi Kiyoshi) made in 1982, this is where he sold his goods.Jan 12, 2009
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Behind the horse stable.Jan 12, 2009
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The stable is in remarkable condition, and the only one in Japan existing within a castle grounds.Jan 12, 2009
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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. Jan 12, 2009
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Behind the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.Jan 12, 2009
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Inside Umaya Horse Stable, open to the public for the 400th anniversary onward in 2007.Jan 12, 2009
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Dummy horse in the horse stable.Jan 12, 2009
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View of castle grounds as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret. The Umaya Horse Stable is on the right.Jan 12, 2009
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Entrance to Umaya Horse Stable. Open to the public, free admission.Jan 12, 2009
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View of the Iroha road as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.Jan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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Banner for the 150th anniversary of Lord Ii Naosuke opening Japan to the world.Jan 12, 2009
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View of the other side of the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret (now a museum).Jan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and banner.Jan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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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. Jan 12, 2009
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Ceiling structure inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.Jan 12, 2009
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Umaya Horse Stable (Important Cultural Property).Jan 12, 2009
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret with windows open.Jan 12, 2009
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The rear of the left-side and original Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, before being opened to the public.Jan 12, 2009
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Inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.Jan 12, 2009
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura TurretJan 12, 2009
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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.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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Behind the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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Behind the horse stable and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in the background.Jan 12, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret. Iroha pine trees on left.Jan 12, 2009
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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.)Jan 12, 2009
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