Most viewed - Hikone Castle Honmaru 彦根城 本丸 |
My 34-min. comprehensive English video about Hikone Castle, Genkyuen Garden, and autumn festivals. 589 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. Map585 views
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Statue of Lord Ii Naomasa (井伊 直政 1561-1602 ) in front of JR Hikone Station in 2007.558 views
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Cross section of Hikone Castle.328 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.320 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.311 views
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Although it was a military fortress, Hikone Castle never saw battle and was mainly a symbol of authority.285 views
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Hikone Castle moat and cherry blossoms.243 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.213 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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Scale model of Hikone Castle in the latter 18th and early 19th century.211 views
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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.207 views
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Umaya Horse Stable (Important Cultural Property).200 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.199 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196 viewsOne of the most famous mascots in Japan.
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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.188 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.186 views
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Also this garden for the daimyo.186 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 1603.184 views
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.180 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.178 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. 177 views
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Ceiling of Hikone Castle tower.173 views
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Where Hiko-nyan's helmet design came from.173 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.172 views
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Hiko-nyan merchandise in Heiwado170 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.169 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).169 views
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Hikone Byobu folding screen is a National Treasure and exhibited for a few weeks in April-May. Read more here169 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. 168 views
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Inside Umaya Horse Stable, open to the public for the 400th anniversary onward in 2007.167 views
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Inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.165 views
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Cherry blossoms, castle moat, and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.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.163 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.163 views
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159 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.157 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 1960.156 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.155 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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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. 153 views
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Omotezaka Path to castle tower. Not good for wheel chairs or those who don't like to climb stairs.153 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.152 views
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From the Iroha pine tree road, you will see this Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.151 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.149 views
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During 1957 to 1960, this castle tower was disassembled and repaired.149 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.149 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 Minist148 views
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Behind the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.147 views
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"Hiko" refers to Hikone, and "nyan" is a baby word for cat. Hiko-nyan's appearance schedule is here.147 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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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.146 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.145 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.143 views
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Omotemon Bridge143 views
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Omotemon Bridge and Gate 表門143 views
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The Hikone Castle Museum replicated the daimyo's living quarters that included this tea ceremony room.142 views
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Inside Hikone Castle Museum are samurai armor exhibits.142 views
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The tenbin Yagura turret is said to have come from Nagahama Castle. (Important Cultural Property) 天秤櫓141 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141 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.141 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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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.140 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.139 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.139 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.138 views
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Noh play on the Noh stage inside Hikone Castle Museum.138 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.138 views
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Ceiling structure inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.137 views
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and sakura137 views
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About the Ii clan's samurai armor. It was all red.137 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.137 views
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Dummy horse in the horse stable.136 views
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Behind the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.136 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 1622.136 views
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Time when Hiko-nyan (Hikone's official mascot) will appear today.136 views
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Inside the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum in 2007, the castle's 400th anniversary.136 views
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View of the Iroha road as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.135 views
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The stable is in remarkable condition, and the only one in Japan existing within a castle grounds.135 views
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Corridor135 views
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in spring.135 views
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Photography is allowed only in this room of the museum.135 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.)134 views
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134 views
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134 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.134 views
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Red dots indicate old castle sites in Hikone.134 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133 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.133 views
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Scale model shows the Omote Goten Palace.133 views
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Entrance to tower. There are a few very steep staircases. Wearing high heels and miniskirts are not recommended.132 views
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The castle tower is not as large as Himeji or Matsumoto, but the construction on the inside is original.132 views
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Map of Hikone Castle as it is today.132 views
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132 views
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Entrance to Umaya Horse Stable. Open to the public, free admission.131 views
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Tenbin Yagura131 views
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.131 views
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi.131 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret and cherry blossoms. Tamon yagura were long corridor-type turrets.131 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.131 views
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The rear of the left-side and original Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, before being opened to the public.130 views
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.130 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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View from Hikone Castle tower130 views
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The right side of the turret is now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.130 views
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Right side of Tenbin Yagura turret in spring with cherry blossoms.130 views
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About the Umaya Horse Stable in English, Korean, and Chinese.130 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).130 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). 130 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret129 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.129 views
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View of the other side of the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret (now a museum).129 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.129 views
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Corridor129 views
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Biwa instrument displayed in Hikone Castle Museum.129 views
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128 views
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Hikone Castle has bell-shaped windows at the top.128 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.128 views
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English information sign for Taikomon Gate.128 views
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Omotemon Bridge and cherry blossoms127 views
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126 views
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and banner.126 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret now open to the public since 2007.126 views
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Inside Taikomon Gate.126 views
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Letter written by Ii Naosuke is also displayed in the Hikone Castle Museum.126 views
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Behind the horse stable.125 views
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Under the bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret.125 views
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Tenbin Yagura turret on the left.125 views
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The rear of the castle tower.125 views
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View from castle tower125 views
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi in spring.125 views
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Matchlock gun125 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).125 views
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125 views
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125 views
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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.124 views
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124 views
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124 views
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret. Iroha pine trees on left.123 views
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Left end of Tenbin Yagura turret.123 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. 123 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret123 views
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Rear view of Tenbin Yagura turret. The middle door also serves as an entrance.123 views
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Path to Taikomon Gate.123 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.123 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.123 views
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View from castle tower, looking toward Nishinomaru during cherry blossoms season.123 views
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Banner for the 150th anniversary of Lord Ii Naosuke opening Japan to the world.122 views
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Bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret122 views
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Under the right turret inside Tenbin Yagura. Stairway (closed to public) to 2nd floor of right turret.122 views
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Behind the horse stable and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in the background.121 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret, looking toward the left turret.121 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.121 views
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121 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.121 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.121 views
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121 views
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Omotemon Bridge120 views
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Front view of Hikone Castle tower 天守閣120 views
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Entrance to castle tower120 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 120 views
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View of the bridge from Tenbin Yagura turret.119 views
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Rear view of Tenbin Yagura turret. 119 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.119 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.119 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).119 views
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.119 views
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119 views
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In one Tora-san movie (starring Atsumi Kiyoshi) made in 1982, this is where he sold his goods.118 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.118 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. 118 views
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Hikone Castle is a designated Special National Historic Place (特別史跡).117 views
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Tenbin Yagura's Rokabashi Bridge had a roof.117 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.116 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.116 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret with windows open.115 views
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Other folding screens on display.115 views
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Under the bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret.114 views
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Some are Tosa (from Kochi Prefecture) pines whose roots do not protrude above ground.114 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.113 views
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View from castle tower, looking toward central Hikone with the castle museum in the foreground.112 views
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Lord Ii Naosuke Poetry Monument along the Iroha pine trees.111 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.111 views
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One of the large stones at the poetry monument has a duck carving.111 views
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Statue of Lord ii Naosuke.111 views
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Display cases of castle artifacts.111 views
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Top floor ceiling.110 views
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Iroha-matsu pine trees line the road to the castle.110 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.110 views
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Tenbin Yagura is named after the luggage-carrying shoulder pole like this Omi merchant. 110 views
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View of the bridge from Tenbin Yagura turret.109 views
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Statue of Lord ii Naosuke.109 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.109 views
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Mt. Ibuki, Shiga's highest mountain a seen from the Honmaru compound.109 views
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About the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura.108 views
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People line up to enter Hikone Castle's main tower.108 views
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View from Honmaru compound, looking toward Lake Biwa.107 views
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About the Iroha pine trees.106 views
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Entrance to Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.106 views
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People line up to enter Hikone Castle's main tower.106 views
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Hikone Castle as seen from Genkyu-en Garden. Genkyu-en is a Japanese garden next to the castle.102 views
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Inside Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.102 views
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Hikone City Hall with a sign urging Hikone Castle to become a World Heritage Site.100 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98 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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Nigiwai-ichi local goods shop set up in spring.97 views
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Moat as seen from Kuromon Gate.95 views
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Hikone Castle tower lit up at night.91 views
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Choshoan tea house was originally the bell ringer’s rest house.90 views
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Moat near Genkyuen Garden.89 views
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Hikone Castle admission fees in 2017.89 views
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Moat and cherry trees next to Genkyuen Garden.87 views
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Another room in Choshoan.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.86 views
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Hiko-nyan appears outside the Taikomon near the main Hikone Castle tower.86 views
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85 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).85 views
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Matcha tea and confection at Choshoan tea house, Hikone Castle.85 views
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Hikone Castle and plum blossoms.85 views
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Hikone Castle as seen from Matsubara Beach.82 views
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Hikone daimyo's living quarters.82 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.82 views
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Hikone Castle and plum blossoms.81 views
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Plum blossom ume tree given by the city of Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture.81 views
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Hiko-nyan cutout in front of Hikone Castle. He appears daily.79 views
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Hikone Castle as seen from Genkyuen Garden during autumn at night.78 views
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78 views
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Hikone Castle tower lit up at night.77 views
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Tent selling local goods during spring.77 views
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77 views
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72 views
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Postcard of Commodore Perry and Ii Naosuke to mark the 50th anniversary of Yokohama Port's opening in 1909.72 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.30 views
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