Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle is one of Japan’s twelve original castles that have survived since the feudal era, making it a significant historical site. Located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, the castle is perched on a hill near the eastern shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. It is widely regarded as one of the country’s most beautiful and well-preserved castles, designated as a National Treasure.

Construction of Hikone Castle began in 1603 under the orders of Ii Naomasa, one of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s most trusted generals. The castle was completed in 1622 by his son, Ii Naotaka, and served as the seat of the Ii clan, a powerful daimyo family that remained influential throughout the Edo Period. Unlike many other castles that were dismantled or destroyed in the Meiji era, Hikone Castle was spared by imperial decree, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Hikone Castle’s compact but elegant main keep (tenshu) features a unique blend of architectural styles, including intricate gables and white plaster walls. Though relatively small compared to castles like Himeji, it retains a strong defensive structure with steep stone walls, moats, and strategically placed turrets. Visitors can climb to the top of the main keep for panoramic views of Hikone City and Lake Biwa.