 Most viewed - Hikone 彦根市 |
My 34-min. comprehensive English video about Hikone Castle, Genkyuen Garden, and autumn festivals. 625 views
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Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden in fall623 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. Map621 views
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Statue of Lord Ii Naomasa (井伊 直政 1561-1602 ) in front of JR Hikone Station in 2007.567 views
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On Oct. 25-26, 2008, the first Yuru-Kyara (Mascot Character) Matsuri was held on Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road in Hikone. This sign at Hikone Station points the way. Map487 views
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Statue of Ii Naomasa in front of Hikone Station408 views
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The 2nd Yuru-kyara festival was held in Oct. 23-25, 2009. The festival was expanded by a day by including an indoor stage show featuring enka singer Hashi Yukio singing "Yuru-kyara Ondo."355 viewsOn Oct. 23, 2009 (Fri.), the Yuru-kyara Daishugo event was held at the Hikone Bunka Plaza's Grand Hall. ひこね市文化プラザ グランドホール
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From mid-Nov. to early Dec., the garden is beautifully lit up at night until 9 pm. Note that although the castle tower is also lit up, you cannot enter the castle grounds after 5 pm.337 views
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Cross section of Hikone Castle.336 views
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Nichiren Monument on Takeshima. This giant stone monument is inscribed with the prayer words "Namu Myo-horenge-kyo" from the Lotus Sutra. 南無妙法蓮華経331 views
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Hikone Castle's main tower is said to be originally the castle tower for Otsu Castle whose lord was Kyogoku Takatsugu. It was moved here in 1606. This main tower is designated as a National Treasure.328 views
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Takeshima in Hikone, Shiga. Map325 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.320 views
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View of Takeshima, an island with many shapes.316 views
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Kawau cormorants. Shiga has over 40,000 of these birds, and 30,000 of them live on Chikubushima whose trees are being destroyed by the droppings and branches broken off to make bird nests.313 views
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Ii clan warriors311 views
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Hikone Gun Battalion dressed like Ii Clan samurai with their trademark red armor nicknamed "Red Devils."302 views
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Although it was a military fortress, Hikone Castle never saw battle and was mainly a symbol of authority.295 views
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Poems292 views
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House on the Nakasendo Road in Takamiya-juku which was one of the largest post towns. By 1843, the population was 3,560. There was one Honjin, two Waki Honjin, and 23 hatago inns.287 views
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Nichiren temple271 views
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Little Edo Hikone Castle Festival Parade267 views
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Two maids looked after Naosuke while he lived here.261 views
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Hikone Castle moat and cherry blossoms.254 views
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View of Takeshima. Before the boat left, it circled around the island to show how different it looked from different angles.252 views
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Vintage postcard of Genkyuen Garden. Little has changed except that boats no longer ply on the pond.250 views
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249 views
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The Azai sisters. On the left is Chacha-hime, based on the eldest daughter Chacha (later Lady Yodo-dono) of Lord Azai Nagamasa and Oichi (sister of Oda Nobunaga) who lived in Odani Castle in Kohoku-cho. Middle is Hatsu, and Go on the right. 茶々姫249 views
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Ii Naomasa (井伊直政) (1561-1602 ) was the first lord of Hikone from 1600. He was a general under Tokugawa Ieyasu whom he helped to win the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. He was rewarded with the fief of Omi (now Shiga) and built Hikone Castle.249 views
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in the latter 18th and early 19th century.247 views
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Genkyuen Garden's tea houses named Hakkei-tei.243 views
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The first NHK Taiga Drama series in 1963 was called "Flowering Life" 花の生涯, based on Naosuke's life here in Umoregi-no-ya. This room shows scenes from that TV series.243 views
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Shiromochi-kun marks the 400th anniversary of Lord Todo Takatora entering Tsu Castle in Mie Pref. Obviously resembling a stack of mochi rice cakes. This character was actually an inflatable plastic balloon. シロモチくん (三重 津市）230 views
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Tabi-maru. a traveler character from Kusatsu, Shiga. Kusatsu was a crossroads on the old Tokaido and Nakasendo Roads where many travelers lodged. "Tabi" means "travel." たび丸 (滋賀 草津市)227 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.226 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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Another view of Takeshima223 views
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Sagawa family of mascots from Sagawa Art Museum in Moriyama, Shiga.223 views
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Hashi Yukio222 views
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JR Hikone Station219 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.217 views
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Hiko-nyan is the most popular character, but he was least seen and not available to the public. No one could get close.215 views
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Official mascots of Maibara, Shiga Prefecture. A pair of fireflies.210 views
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Umaya Horse Stable (Important Cultural Property).208 views
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Dotaku-kun from Yasu, Shiga. Modeled after Japan's largest ancient bronze bell discovered in Yasu. ドウタクくん (滋賀 野洲市）207 views
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Hikone Castle overlooks the Hakkeitei teahouses Genkyuen Garden. Hakkeitei was built at around the same time as the garden.206 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.206 views
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206 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205 viewsOne of the most famous mascots in Japan.
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Various high schools in Shiga, mainly from Hikone, participated in the tent exhibition.204 views
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Hikone Byobu folding screen is a National Treasure and exhibited for a few weeks in April-May. Read more here202 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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Takamiya-juku was the sixty-fourth of the sixty-nine stations or shukuba post towns of the Nakasendo Road. Today, it has a few remnants of its Nakasendo past with a Honjin gate, Enshoji temple (where Emperor Meiji once stayed), and shrines.196 viewsOhmi Railways Takamiya Station. Looks like a shrine. 近江鉄道 高宮駅
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Built as a castle garden in 1677 by Ii Naooki, the fourth lord of Hikone Castle. The garden has representations of the Eight Views of Omi, Chikubushima island, and the Shiraishi rocks in Lake Biwa.195 views
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Hashi Yukio sings the "Yuru-kyara Ondo" in front of Yuru-Kyara characters in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture.195 views
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194 views
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Koedo Hikone NPO started operating "yakata-bune" Japanese-style boats in the moats of Hikone Castle as a tourist attraction for the castle's 400th anniversary in 2007. They operate 6 rides per day around the castle, taking 50 min.194 viewsBoat landing for the Hikone-jo Ohori Meguri boat ride. Near the entrance to Genkyu-en Garden. They operate "yakata-bune" Japanese-style boats as a tourist attraction.
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Also this garden for the daimyo.194 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.194 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 1603.191 views
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Takeshima ("Island of Many Views") is a small island (600 m circumference) in Lake Biwa off Hikone, accessible by a short boat ride from Hikone Port.189 views
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189 views
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Hiko-nyan is Hikone's official mascot. A white cat wearing a samurai helmet modeled after Ii Naomasa.189 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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Dennosuke plugging the Nipponbashi electronics district in Naniwa-ku, Osaka. There's a power cord on his back too. でんのすけ (大阪 大阪市浪速区）185 views
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185 views
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Ceiling of Hikone Castle tower.182 views
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Ii Naosuke's portrait painted by Kano Eigaku (狩野永岳). He wrote the poem above the painting offered to Seiryoji temple in Hikone. 182 views
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Kabuki-like181 views
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Where Hiko-nyan's helmet design came from.181 views
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Hiko-nyan merchandise in Heiwado181 views
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View of Takeshima180 views
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180 views
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A heron bringing back a branch to make a nest at Genkyuen Garden in Hikone, Shiga.180 views
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Cormorants. There are to many of them and they deplete fisheries in the lake and cause forest damage.179 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.179 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.179 views
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Hashi Yukio sings in front of Yuru-Kyara characters in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. He sang a few numbers.179 views
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The matchlock guns make a huge bang.179 views
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Inside Umaya Horse Stable, open to the public for the 400th anniversary onward in 2007.177 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).177 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. 176 views
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During the weekend of Oct. 24-25, 2009 on Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road near Hikone Castle, the mascot character festival was held amid product PR booths. ゆるキャラ ふれあい物産展176 views
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Fireman's ladder acrobatics175 views
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Inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.173 views
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171 views
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The garden served as the location of one scene in the TV mini-series "Shogun."171 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.171 views
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View of Takeshima170 views
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Cherry blossoms, castle moat, and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.170 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.170 views
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169 views
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Nichiren statue is next to the giant stone monument.168 views
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166 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.166 views
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166 views
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Enter Takeshima165 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.165 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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Chrysanthemum looking like Hiko-nyan.165 views
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164 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164 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 1960.163 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. 163 views
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Takeshima shows many different shapes depending on your viewpoint. A Nichiren temple and the priest's family are on the island. Boat for Takeshima at Hikone Port. The island is only 6.5 km from Hikone.161 views
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View of Takeshima161 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.161 views
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Omotezaka Path to castle tower. Not good for wheel chairs or those who don't like to climb stairs.160 views
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From the Iroha pine tree road, you will see this Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.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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"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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It says that the stone monument oozed blood when Ii Naosuke, Lord of Hikone, was assassinated in Tokyo by samurai radicals from Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture.156 views
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156 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.156 views
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Almost no one in the boat155 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.155 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.155 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 Minist155 views
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During 1957 to 1960, this castle tower was disassembled and repaired.155 views
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Nichiren statue. Nichiren was the founder of the Nichiren Sect of Japanese Buddhism.154 views
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154 views
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Lotus Sutra monument. In the early 17th century when the temple was built here, it took 3 years to carve out these characters on this stone slab. According to legend, this monument oozed blood when Ii Naosuke, Lord of Hikone, was assassinated in Tokyo.153 views
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Behind the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.153 views
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Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en fall colors152 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.152 views
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Inside Hikone Castle Museum are samurai armor exhibits.152 views
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Omotemon Bridge151 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.150 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.149 views
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Omotemon Bridge and Gate 表門149 views
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Genkyuen entrance gate at night in autumn.148 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.147 views
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About the Ii clan's samurai armor. It was all red.147 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.147 views
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Hikone Castle as seen from Lake Biwa.146 views
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146 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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The tenbin Yagura turret is said to have come from Nagahama Castle. (Important Cultural Property) 天秤櫓146 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.146 views
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Behind the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.145 views
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and sakura145 views
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We cannot cross this bridge.144 views
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Living quarters144 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.144 views
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Dummy horse in the horse stable.144 views
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Time when Hiko-nyan (Hikone's official mascot) will appear today.144 views
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Musubi-maru to promote tourism in Sendai, Miyagi Pref. Rice ball modeled after Lord Date Masamune. むすび丸 (宮城 仙台市）144 views
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Otsu Hikaru-kun from Otsu, Shiga to promote the 1000th anniversary in 2008 of the novel Genji Monogatari written in Ishiyama-dera temple in Otsu. おおつ光ルくん (滋賀 大津市）143 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 1622.143 views
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Inside the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum in 2007, the castle's 400th anniversary.143 views
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Noh play on the Noh stage inside Hikone Castle Museum.143 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.143 views
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Red dots indicate old castle sites in Hikone.143 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.)142 views
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Ceiling structure inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.142 views
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Photography is allowed only in this room of the museum.142 views
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Scale model shows the Omote Goten Palace.142 views
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View of the Iroha road as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.141 views
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The stable is in remarkable condition, and the only one in Japan existing within a castle grounds.141 views
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Corridor141 views
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in spring.141 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.141 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.141 views
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141 views
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Humanoid mascots were the most numerous. This is Chacha-hime, based on the eldest daughter Chacha (later Lady Yodo-dono) of Lord Azai Nagamasa and Oichi (sister of Oda Nobunaga) who lived in Odani Castle in Kohoku-cho. 茶々姫140 views
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Yanana was the weirdest and least mascot-like. It's actually a mermaid and she danced around the place, shaking her hips. Promoted Yanagase Shopping Arcade in Gifu city. Her head is shaped like an arcade. やなな (岐阜 岐阜市柳ヶ瀬商店街140 views
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140 views
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Entrance to Umaya Horse Stable. Open to the public, free admission.140 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140 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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Nishinomaru Sanju-yagura turret. This turret is said to have formerly been the tenshu castle tower of Odani Castle in Nagahama. 西の丸三重櫓140 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).140 views
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The rear of the left-side and original Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, before being opened to the public.139 views
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Tenbin Yagura139 views
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.139 views
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About the Umaya Horse Stable in English, Korean, and Chinese.139 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.139 views
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Biwa instrument displayed in Hikone Castle Museum.139 views
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138 views
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Hiko-nyan, the King of yuru-characters in Japan, and Tawawa-chan.138 views
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Corridor138 views
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Entrance to tower. There are a few very steep staircases. Wearing high heels and miniskirts are not recommended.138 views
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Map of Hikone Castle as it is today.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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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret and cherry blossoms. Tamon yagura were long corridor-type turrets.138 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.138 views
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Two crab mascots to promote Kasumi, Hyogo Pref. On the left is Matsuba-kun (male, wearing a blue cap), and on the left is Kasumi-chan, a female crab with a yellow ribbon. Not sure if they're married. Crabs are a major product of Kasumi.松葉くん (137 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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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.137 views
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.137 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 tower137 views
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Omotemon Bridge and cherry blossoms137 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). 137 views
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Shimasako-nyan, a cat based on one of Ishida Mitsunari's retainers. しまさこにゃん、ひこね「街の駅」寺子屋 力石マスコットキャラクター136 views
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View of the other side of the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret (now a museum).136 views
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The right side of the turret is now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.136 views
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Right side of Tenbin Yagura turret in spring with cherry blossoms.136 views
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135 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret135 views
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Letter written by Ii Naosuke is also displayed in the Hikone Castle Museum.135 views
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English information sign for Taikomon Gate.135 views
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135 views
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135 views
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Hikone Port134 views
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134 views
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134 views
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Although the Honjin is long gone, there are a few reminders of its shukuba past. Near Ohmi Railways Toriimoto Station. Map134 views
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134 views
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and banner.134 views
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Under the bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret.134 views
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134 views
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Matchlock gun134 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.134 views
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134 views
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134 views
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Viva City, a shopping mall and theater complex near Minami Hikone Station.133 views
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Behind the horse stable.133 views
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Tenbin Yagura turret on the left.133 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret now open to the public since 2007.133 views
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Inside Taikomon Gate.133 views
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View from castle tower133 views
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi in spring.133 views
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Hikone Castle has bell-shaped windows at the top.133 views
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133 views
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To Takeshima132 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).132 views
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131 views
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The rear of the castle tower.131 views
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We can peer inside the rooms from outside, but cannot actually enter the building.130 views
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Tea ceremony room130 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret130 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.130 views
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Inside the main room at Rakuraku-en 楽々園129 views
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Namu-kun from Nara to celebrate the 1300th anniversary of Nara. "Namu" is based on "Namu Amida butsu" and "Namu Horengekyo." なーむくん (奈良 奈良市）129 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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Behind the horse stable and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in the background.129 views
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