Hikone Castle, nestled in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is categorized as a hirayama-jiro, a castle strategically built on a low hill with the surrounding flatlands integrated into its design. Remarkably, it stands as one of Japan's twelve castles with its original tower keep intact, proudly holding the distinction of being one of only five designated as National Treasures. The castle's inception dates back to 1603, commissioned by Ii Naomasa.
Originally, the Hikone region fell under the control of Ishida Mitsunari, who fortified his main castle on nearby Mt. Sawayama. However, following his defeat by Tokugawa Ieyasu at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the Ishida domain faced turmoil, with Sawayama suffering partial destruction. Seizing the opportunity, Ieyasu bestowed the strategically vital lands upon his trusted ally, General Ii Naomasa. Disdainful of the associations with Ishida Mitsunari, Naomasa opted to build a larger, more formidable castle closer to Lake Biwa's eastern shores, a decision that birthed Hikone Castle.
Though Naomasa passed away before its completion in 1602, his sons, Naotsugu and later Naotaka, oversaw the twenty-year construction period. Given the ongoing military conflicts, many structures within Hikone Castle were repurposed from other castles, exemplifying resourcefulness amidst turmoil. For instance, the main keep of Hikone originated from Otsu Castle, dismantled after the Battle of Sekigahara. Hikone's keep, adorned with 18 sets of hafu (triangular roofing devices), stands as a testament to its architectural magnificence.
Renowned for its defensive prowess, Hikone Castle boasts ingenious features to thwart potential attackers. The sloping path leading to the central bailey, although appearing gentle, is deliberately designed with varying step dimensions to impede momentum and balance. The castle's Rokabashi Bridge, collapsible and strategically positioned, further deters intruders, enhancing the stronghold's impregnability.
Moreover, Hikone Castle harbors hidden secrets within its walls, including a small triangular-shaped chamber within the hafu. This clandestine room, accessible through a discreet hatchway, is believed to have been designed for ritual suicide in dire circumstances, ensuring the lord's dignity in defeat.
Beyond its defensive fortifications, Hikone Castle's allure extends to its picturesque surroundings, including the tranquil Genkyu Rakuen gardens and the historic Keyaki Goten palace residence. A visit to the castle museum offers insights into the legacy of the Ii clan, showcasing original artifacts and weaponry used by the family.
Shiga Prefecture's National Treasure, Hikone Castle, stands as a testament to Japan's feudal heritage and architectural prowess, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and timeless beauty.
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Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle, originally built by the Owari Domain in 1612 during the Edo period, stands on the site of an earlier Oda clan castle from the Sengoku period. It became the centerpiece of Nagoya-juku, a significant castle town on the Minoji road, which connected two major Edo Five Routes: the Tokaido and the Nakasendo. In 1930, ownership of the castle was transferred to the city by the Imperial Household Ministry, establishing it as the focal point of modern Nagoya. Although partially destroyed in the Pacific War in 1945, the castle has undergone continuous restoration and preservation efforts since 1957.
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Matsushiro Castle
Matsushiro Castle, originally known as Kaizu Castle, is located in what was once Matsushiro town, now part of Nagano City. The site is recognized as a National Historic Site of Japan. Situated on the northern Shinano flatlands between the Chikuma River and a former riverbed that serves as a natural outer moat to the north, the castle and its surrounding town were prone to flooding due to their location.
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Fushimi Castle
Fushimi Castle, also known as Momoyama Castle or Fushimi-Momoyama Castle, is located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto. Originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi between 1592 and 1594 as his retirement residence, the castle was destroyed by the 1596 Keichō–Fushimi earthquake and later rebuilt. However, it was demolished again in 1623, and its site now houses the tomb of Emperor Meiji. A replica of the castle was constructed nearby in 1964.
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Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle, located in the city of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a reconstructed historical site with roots dating back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333). The current donjon (main keep) was rebuilt using reinforced concrete in 1960 on the stone foundation of the original structure, which was dismantled between 1870 and 1872 during the Meiji Restoration.
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Shinpu Castle
Shinpu Castle was a Japanese hirayama-style fortress from the Sengoku period, situated in what is now Nirasaki, Yamanashi Prefecture. It served as the main stronghold of warlord Takeda Katsuyori. Designated as a National Historic Site in 1973, the castle occupies a strategic position on a mountain with steep cliffs, overlooking the Kamanashi River to the west of Kofu, where Takeda Shingen’s Tsutsujigasaki Castle once stood.
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Takato Castle
Takato Castle, located in the city of Ina in southern Nagano Prefecture, Japan, was a notable stronghold during the Sengoku period. By the end of the Edo period, it was the residence of a cadet branch of the Naito clan, the daimyo of the Takato Domain. Also known as Kabuto Castle, it was originally constructed in the 16th century and is now mostly in ruins.
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Takatenjin Castle
Takatenjin Castle was a yamashiro-style fortress from Japan's Sengoku period, situated in the Kamihijikata and Shimohijikata districts of Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture. Designated a National Historic Site in 1975, with an expanded protected area in 2007, its ruins remain a significant historical landmark.
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Yoshida Castle
Yoshida Castle is renowned worldwide, particularly through the intricate woodblock prints by Edo Period artist Hiroshige. His famous series, depicting the 53 stages of the Tokaido—the historic route between Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo)—includes the 34th print, which shows workmen repairing a castle overlooking a wooden bridge crossing a wide river. This scene captures the Toyokawa River at Toyohashi in southeast Aichi Prefecture, and the castle is Yoshida Castle.
