We have a new
It took 20 years of work to complete the entire castle. The Important Cultural Property keeps going though, four of the other towers hold the designation. The whole castle area became a Special Place of Historical Interest in 1956.
Once you pass the horse stables (another Important Cultural Asset), the first thing that you will come across is the bailey walls at the bottom.
Unique Features of Hikone Castle
“Vertical” walls being something unique to this one. As well as the variety of gables unique to this castle. Bell shaped windows usually used in temple structures round out the uniqueness. Construction of this one is also unique in that there are no through pillars.
The uphill stone walls are called 登り石垣 or Nobori Ishigaki. Literally, climbing stone walls. Again, we’re very original with our names! There are five of them at Hikone Castle.
Stamp Rally
As one of the original 12 castles, she is also apart of the 100 finest castles in Japan. Don’t forget your stamp!
Genkyu Rakurakuen Gardens
Down below the hill you have the beautiful Genkyu Rakurakuen Gardens. Some of the most spectacular I’ve seen in Japan. The gardens are part of the grounds for the Keyakigoten, or Keyaki Palace, which is now referred to as the Rakurakuen Goten or Palace. The new name came from a poem most likely. I’m still trying to figure out why this isn’t counted as one of the “original” palaces as its been in place since 1677.
As best I can tell though, its because it was a subsidary residence for the lord. Meaning that he had another palace up in the baileys somewhere. Does it count as a vacation home if it’s literally a few hundred meters from your actual home?
Getting to Hikone Castle
Getting to Hikone Castle is quite easy. Just a quick walk to the grounds from Hikone Station, the long part will be getting you there. There is a shinkansen option, but there is also a Super Rapid JR train that will save you about 3000 yen but cost you thirty minutes. If you have a rail pass, and don’t mind making the transfer, I’d take the shinkansen.
Once there, they also have a loop bus but it was a beautiful day and we were in a rush.
Looking for other things to do while you are in Hikone? I wasn’t there long enough but their city website has a wealth of information.