彦根城
Hikone Castle
Présentation
Hikone Castle is a National Treasure built to fulfill the dying wish of Ii Naomasa, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Tokugawa. Perched on Mount Konki overlooking Lake Biwa, its three-story tower — adorned with karahafū gables and katōmado windows — is counted among Japan's five National Treasure castles. The Ii clan, famous for their fearsome 'Red Devils' armored corps, produced the influential Chief Minister (Tairō) Ii Naosuke, who opened Japan to foreign trade in the Bakumatsu period. Numerous Important Cultural Properties remain, including the Tenbin Turret and Taiko Gate Turret. The view of the tower from the Genkyū-en Garden is celebrated as one of Japan's finest castle vistas.
Lien avec les sabres
The Ii clan, famed for their 'Red Devils' armored corps, were fierce warriors — founding lord Naomasa led the vanguard at the Battle of Sekigahara. Alongside their iconic red armor, the Ii preserved numerous exceptional swords through generations. As daimyō of Ōmi Province, successive Ii lords were enthusiastic sword collectors. Ii Naosuke, the Bakumatsu-era Chief Minister known for the Ansei Purge, was also an accomplished martial artist who founded the Shinshin Shinryū school of iaijutsu (sword-drawing art). The Hikone Castle Museum displays an extensive collection of Ii-clan swords and red-lacquered armor, offering visitors a chance to appreciate both the celebrated armory and blade collection of this storied warrior house.
Points d'intérêt
- National Treasure tower (three stories)
- View of the tower from Genkyū-en Garden
- Hikone Castle Museum (Ii clan swords and red armor)
- Tenbin Turret and Taiko Gate Turret (Important Cultural Properties)
- Hikonyan (castle mascot character)
* Les horaires d'ouverture et les tarifs sont susceptibles de changer. Veuillez consulter le site officiel avant votre visite.