~ Hikone Castle ~ Photographed from the 4th floor hallway of our hotel

National Treasure Hikone is located about 10 minutes by car from our hotel.

Can you see Hikone on top of a small hill?

Hikone, which is considered one of the world's famous castles along with Himeji Castle, was built by Naotsugu and Naotaka over a period of about 20 years.

It was completed in 1622. Stone walls and lumber from Sawayama Castle, Azuchi Castle, Nagahama Castle, and Otsu Castle were used. Hikone floating in the moonlight is beautiful.

It is counted as one of the eight views of Lake Biwa. You can take a walk inside the castle and admire the magnificent appearance of Hikone, which survived the Meiji era castle abolition ordinance and war damage.

Also, Hikone 's other name, Konkijo, derives from the fact that before Hikone Castle was built, a statue of Kannon riding a golden turtle was enshrined in a temple on Mt. Hikone.

It is said that.It is a special historical site designated by the country.