Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle was built by Naotsugu and Naotaka Ii, lords of the Hikone domain, and completed in 1622. While castles all over Japan disappeared due to the abolition of castles in the Meiji era (1868-1912), Hikone Castle escaped the danger of demolition and became a valuable castle that still retains its original appearance. The castle tower is designated as a national treasure and is one of the "Five National Treasures".

Hikone, Koto

In the Koto area, the gentle mountains of the Suzuka mountain range stretch out beyond the rice paddies that color the fertile land of the Omi Basin. In Koto, there are many places of historical interest that have been around for a long time, such as the splendid Hikone Castle overlooking Lake Biwa, Taga Taisha Shrine, which attracted visitors from all over the country during the medieval and early modern periods, and the three main Koto temples, famous for their autumn foliage, stand quietly at the foot of the mountains, and you will find beautiful scenery that will soothe your soul.