A National Treasure Castle Standing by Lake Biwa

Located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, on the eastern shore of Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle is a rare castle complex that has preserved its early Edo period appearance almost completely intact. Among Japan's 12 surviving original castle keeps, only 5 are designated as National Treasures. Hikone Castle stands as one of these precious five, conveying over 400 years of Japanese history and culture to the present day.

Built on Mount Hikone (also known as Mount Konki) at an elevation of 136 meters, this castle's construction began after the Battle of Sekigahara through the achievements of Ii Naomasa, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa. Construction started in 1604 (Keicho 9) and took approximately 20 years to complete, finishing in 1622 (Genna 8). Since then, it has served as the residence of 14 generations of the Ii family, symbolizing the 260 years of peace during the Edo period.

Reasons for National Treasure Designation - Fusion of Architectural Beauty and Historical Value

Hikone Castle's keep was designated a National Treasure due to its outstanding architectural beauty and excellent state of preservation. The three-story keep stands at approximately 21 meters tall - not particularly large, but its roof composition is remarkably ingenious. The combination of various gable styles - irimoya-hafu, kirizuma-hafu, and kara-hafu - creates a jewel-box-like splendor in architecture.

Particularly noteworthy are the flower-shaped windows (katomado) installed on both the second and third floors. Originally a feature of temple architecture, having these windows on consecutive floors is extremely rare and has become a distinctive characteristic of Hikone Castle. The top floor also features a surrounding veranda and balustrade, indicating its high status.

Another remarkable point is that Hikone Castle was the "ultimate eco-construction." The keep was relocated from Otsu Castle, the Tenbin-yagura turret from Nagahama Castle, and materials from other abandoned castles in the area were skillfully reused. This enabled the completion of the keep construction in less than two years, which would normally take much longer.

Abundant Castle Architecture to Explore

The appeal of Hikone Castle extends far beyond just the main keep. Along with the National Treasure-designated attached turrets and connecting galleries, Important Cultural Properties including the Tenbin-yagura turret, Taiko-mon turret, Nishinomaru three-story turret, horse stables, and Sawaguchi tamon-yagura are preserved in exceptionally good condition from the Edo period.

The Tenbin-yagura turret, named for its beautifully symmetrical appearance resembling balance scales, presents a magnificent view from the corridor bridge below. The "climbing stone walls" (nobori-ishigaki), which can only be seen at a few locations in Japan, are also notable as precious remains demonstrating Hikone Castle's high defensive capabilities.

Within the castle grounds lies the nationally designated scenic spot "Genkyuen and Rakurakuen Gardens," where visitors can enjoy seasonal beauty in this daimyo garden modeled after the Eight Views of Omi. In spring, approximately 1,200 cherry trees bloom in full glory; in summer, white lotus flowers open in the middle moat; in autumn, colored leaves paint the castle grounds; and in winter, visitors can admire the spectacular view of the snow-covered keep with Lake Biwa.

History of the Ii Family and Hikone Domain

Hikone Castle played an important role in Japanese history as the residence of the Ii family. From the first lord Ii Naotsugu through 14 generations, the Hikone domain ruled by the Ii family supported the Edo Shogunate as the foremost hereditary vassal.

Particularly famous is Ii Naosuke, the Great Elder during the final days of the Shogunate. He spent 15 years from age 17 to 32 at "Umoreginoya" (Buried Wood Residence), dedicating himself to both literary and martial arts. This residence is still preserved in its original state today, allowing visitors to reflect on Naosuke's youth. While known for the Ansei Purge and the Sakuradamon Incident, Naosuke was also the person who signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United States, opening the path to Japan's modernization.

Challenge for World Heritage Registration

Hikone Castle is currently aiming for UNESCO World Cultural Heritage registration. In October 2024, it received a preliminary assessment from ICOMOS, UNESCO's advisory body, stating that it "has the possibility of World Heritage registration," marking significant progress.

Hikone Castle is being evaluated as a World Heritage site as "the castle that best represents the daimyo governance system of the Edo period." While Himeji Castle was recognized as the perfect form of a military fortress, Hikone Castle is attracting attention as a precious heritage that tells the story of the political system during 260 years of peace. If things proceed smoothly, World Heritage registration is expected in 2027.

Access and Tourist Information

Access to Hikone Castle is convenient, about a 15-minute walk from JR Hikone Station. From Kyoto Station, it takes about 50 minutes via JR Tokaido Main Line, and about 80 minutes from Osaka Station by rapid train. From Kansai International Airport, you can arrive in about 2.5 hours via Kyoto Station on the Haruka limited express.

Opening hours are 8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30), open year-round. Admission is 800 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students, with combination tickets available including Hikone Castle Museum. There is an elevation difference of about 50 meters to the keep with steep stone steps, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

The castle's mascot character "Hikonyan" appears three times daily within the castle grounds, entertaining visitors. In the castle town's "Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road," visitors can enjoy local cuisine including Omi beef dishes and traditional Japanese sweets.