Hikone Castle: One of Japan's 12 Remaining Original Castles

Located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Hikone Castle was built in 1604 by Naotsugu, the son of Ii Naomasa, a hereditary daimyo under the Tokugawa shogunate. The construction took approximately 20 years to complete, and the castle served as a crucial stronghold for stabilizing Tokugawa rule in western Japan. Today, Hikone Castle is one of Japan's 12 surviving original castles and one of the five designated National Treasure castles. It retains its complete castle structure, including turrets, gates, stone walls, and moats, making it a site of significant cultural and historical value. The castle is about a 15-minute walk from JR Hikone Station. 🕰️ Operating Hours: Hikone Castle area: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) 💰 Admission: Hikone Castle + Museum Combo Ticket: Adults ¥1,200