 Most viewed - Hikone 彦根市 |
My 34-min. comprehensive English video about Hikone Castle, Genkyuen Garden, and autumn festivals. 685 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. Map676 views
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Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden in fall668 views
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Statue of Lord Ii Naomasa (井伊 直政 1561-1602 ) in front of JR Hikone Station in 2007.599 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. Map516 views
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Statue of Ii Naomasa in front of Hikone Station470 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.386 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."372 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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Cross section of Hikone Castle.370 views
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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.369 views
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Ii clan warriors365 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357 views
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Hikone Gun Battalion dressed like Ii Clan samurai with their trademark red armor nicknamed "Red Devils."357 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.355 views
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Takeshima in Hikone, Shiga. Map350 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.347 views
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Although it was a military fortress, Hikone Castle never saw battle and was mainly a symbol of authority.345 views
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View of Takeshima, an island with many shapes.340 views
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Little Edo Hikone Castle Festival Parade320 views
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Poems315 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.311 views
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Scale model of Hikone Castle in the latter 18th and early 19th century.302 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295 views
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Hikone Castle moat and cherry blossoms.294 views
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Nichiren temple293 views
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Two maids looked after Naosuke while he lived here.290 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.286 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.279 views
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Vintage postcard of Genkyuen Garden. Little has changed except that boats no longer ply on the pond.276 views
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Sagawa family of mascots from Sagawa Art Museum in Moriyama, Shiga.271 views
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Hashi Yukio269 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.269 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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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.267 views
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Genkyuen Garden's tea houses named Hakkei-tei.264 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.258 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.256 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)255 views
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Official mascots of Maibara, Shiga Prefecture. A pair of fireflies.254 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）252 views
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Umaya Horse Stable (Important Cultural Property).251 views
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Another view of Takeshima248 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248 views
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JR Hikone Station247 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.246 views
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Various high schools in Shiga, mainly from Hikone, participated in the tent exhibition.244 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242 viewsOne of the most famous mascots in Japan.
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Also this garden for the daimyo.240 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）239 views
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Hikone Byobu folding screen is a National Treasure and exhibited for a few weeks in April-May. Read more here235 views
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Hikone Castle overlooks the Hakkeitei teahouses Genkyuen Garden. Hakkeitei was built at around the same time as the garden.232 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.229 views
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Hashi Yukio sings the "Yuru-kyara Ondo" in front of Yuru-Kyara characters in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture.229 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.229 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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Scale model of Hikone Castle in Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.229 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.226 views
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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.225 views
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Hiko-nyan is Hikone's official mascot. A white cat wearing a samurai helmet modeled after Ii Naomasa.224 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.223 viewsOhmi Railways Takamiya Station. Looks like a shrine. 近江鉄道 高宮駅
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222 views
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Hiko-nyan merchandise in Heiwado222 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.221 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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221 views
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A heron bringing back a branch to make a nest at Genkyuen Garden in Hikone, Shiga.220 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.219 views
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Where Hiko-nyan's helmet design came from.219 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 1603.218 views
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Hashi Yukio sings in front of Yuru-Kyara characters in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. He sang a few numbers.217 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.216 views
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Ceiling of Hikone Castle tower.216 views
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The matchlock guns make a huge bang.216 views
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Inside Umaya Horse Stable, open to the public for the 400th anniversary onward in 2007.215 views
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Kabuki-like214 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212 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.211 views
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Fireman's ladder acrobatics210 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. 209 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. 208 views
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Cormorants. There are to many of them and they deplete fisheries in the lake and cause forest damage.207 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.207 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.207 views
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View of Takeshima205 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.205 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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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）203 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).202 views
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Inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.201 views
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The garden served as the location of one scene in the TV mini-series "Shogun."198 views
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Cherry blossoms, castle moat, and Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.197 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.196 views
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View of Takeshima194 views
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"Hiko" refers to Hikone, and "nyan" is a baby word for cat. Hiko-nyan's appearance schedule is here.194 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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Nichiren statue is next to the giant stone monument.193 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 1960.193 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. 193 views
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Enter Takeshima192 views
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Chrysanthemum looking like Hiko-nyan.192 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.191 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.190 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.187 views
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View of Takeshima186 views
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Omotezaka Path to castle tower. Not good for wheel chairs or those who don't like to climb stairs.186 views
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From the Iroha pine tree road, you will see this Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.186 views
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Biwa instrument displayed in Hikone Castle Museum.186 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.185 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.185 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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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.184 views
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During 1957 to 1960, this castle tower was disassembled and repaired.183 views
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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.182 views
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Omotemon Bridge182 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181 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.181 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 Minist181 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.181 views
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Inside Hikone Castle Museum are samurai armor exhibits.181 views
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Nichiren statue. Nichiren was the founder of the Nichiren Sect of Japanese Buddhism.180 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）180 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.180 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.179 views
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Almost no one in the boat178 views
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Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en fall colors177 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177 views
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Behind the Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.177 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.177 views
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Scale model shows the Omote Goten Palace.177 views
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177 views
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The Hikone Castle Museum replicated the daimyo's living quarters that included this tea ceremony room.176 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.175 views
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Omotemon Bridge and Gate 表門175 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.175 views
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We cannot cross this bridge.173 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.173 views
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The tenbin Yagura turret is said to have come from Nagahama Castle. (Important Cultural Property) 天秤櫓173 views
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Inside the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum in 2007, the castle's 400th anniversary.173 views
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Red dots indicate old castle sites in Hikone.173 views
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Entrance to Umaya Horse Stable. Open to the public, free admission.172 views
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Behind the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.172 views
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Noh play on the Noh stage inside Hikone Castle Museum.172 views
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Hikone Castle as seen from Lake Biwa.171 views
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Genkyuen entrance gate at night in autumn.171 views
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The stable is in remarkable condition, and the only one in Japan existing within a castle grounds.171 views
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Photography is allowed only in this room of the museum.171 views
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About the Ii clan's samurai armor. It was all red.171 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.171 views
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.169 views
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Map of Hikone Castle as it is today.169 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 1622.169 views
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret in spring.169 views
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and sakura169 views
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Ceiling structure inside Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.168 views
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View of the Iroha road as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret.168 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.168 views
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Time when Hiko-nyan (Hikone's official mascot) will appear today.168 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.168 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.)167 views
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Dummy horse in the horse stable.167 views
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Living quarters166 views
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The rear of the left-side and original Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret, before being opened to the public.166 views
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Tenbin Yagura166 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.166 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).166 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). 166 views
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Hiko-nyan, the King of yuru-characters in Japan, and Tawawa-chan.165 views
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Corridor165 views
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi.165 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret and cherry blossoms. Tamon yagura were long corridor-type turrets.165 views
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Omotemon Bridge and cherry blossoms165 views
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About the Umaya Horse Stable in English, Korean, and Chinese.165 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.165 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.165 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�164 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164 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 (�164 views
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Steps to Taikomon Gate.164 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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Corridor164 views
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View from Hikone Castle tower164 views
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The castle tower is not as large as Himeji or Matsumoto, but the construction on the inside is original.164 views
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Entrance to tower. There are a few very steep staircases. Wearing high heels and miniskirts are not recommended.163 views
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Right side of Tenbin Yagura turret in spring with cherry blossoms.163 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）163 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.162 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.162 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162 views
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The right side of the turret is now the Kaikoku Kinenkan museum.162 views
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Letter written by Ii Naosuke is also displayed in the Hikone Castle Museum.162 views
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To Takeshima161 views
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Behind the horse stable.161 views
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English information sign for Taikomon Gate.161 views
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160 views
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Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret160 views
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View of the other side of the rebuilt Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret (now a museum).160 views
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160 views
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Inside Taikomon Gate.160 views
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View from castle tower160 views
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Hikone Castle has bell-shaped windows at the top.160 views
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159 views
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159 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）159 views
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Under the bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret.159 views
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Tenbin Yagura turret on the left.159 views
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The rear of the castle tower.159 views
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Hikone Port158 views
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158 views
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Sign says Hikone Castle is one of the "Omi Hakkei" or Eight Views of Omi in spring.158 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).158 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. Map157 views
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157 views
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Iroha-matsu pine tree and banner.157 views
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Bridge to Tenbin Yagura turret157 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret now open to the public since 2007.157 views
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We can peer inside the rooms from outside, but cannot actually enter the building.156 views
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Caffy, mascot for Sports Recreation Shiga 2008. It was his final appearance, but he has been resurrected in March 2009 to serve as another official mascot of Shiga Prefecture. キャッフィー（滋賀）156 views
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Moat as seen from Ninomaru-Sawaguchi Tamon Yagura Turret. Iroha pine trees on left.156 views
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Left end of Tenbin Yagura turret.156 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.156 views
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156 views
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Inside Tenbin Yagura turret, looking toward the left turret.155 views
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