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(1) |
Hikone Castle was constructed as the fortified home of the Ii family. The head of the Ii family was a chief vassal of the Edo military government. The main tower is a national treasure. |
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(2) |
The main tower offers a good view of Hikone. |
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(3) |
This end tile on the roof is decorated with the Chinese character for "well." It is the first character of the name of the Ii family. |
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(4) |
Tenbin Yagura was a guard tower and armory that protected the southeast flank of the castle. |
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(5) |
This bell still announces the time in Hikone. It is struck five times a day, and has a wonderful resonance. |
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(6) |
Ote-mon-bashi Bridge across the inner moat. |
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The castle's three-storied main tower is 21 meters high. The steep stairs inside are a challenge. |
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(8) |
The slope leading up to Tenbin Yagura from the front gate. |
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(9) |
Ii Takeo is the 18th head of the Ii family. He works in Hikone's municipal office for the collation of historical archives. He says, "Our city has plenty to offer the history buff. When you stroll along the streets you feel close to the past." (Photo taken at the Hikone Castle Museum) |
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(10) |
This old-fashioned bus takes tourists to points of interest in the castle town. |
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(11) |
Kids going to their school, which is inside the castle compound. |
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(12)(13) |
At the teahouse in Genkyu-en Garden, you can drink
matcha
green tea while enjoying the beauty of the castle and garden. |
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