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Description
The castle in the city where I live and work right now, Hikone-jyo. In all of Japan, there are only four castles that are the original buildings, with all the original wood preserved. Hikone is such a castle, and so is designated a national treasure. It is rather small compared to the castle at Himeji, Hikone-jyo is only three floor tall, but is still very beautiful, sitting on its hill above the city, looking out over lake Biwa. From the top you can see for a very long distance.

The castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu after he defeated a rival lord in one of Japans greatest battles. The castle was built here because it was a good position to control the roads from the north leading to Kyoto, the capital at the time. In charge of the castle was placed Naosuke Ii, who would later become famous as the man who signed the treaty with Admiral Perry and the US which opened Japan to foreign trade. Because he made this bold move without permission, Ii was later assassinated.

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Description
The castle in the city where I live and work right now, Hikone-jyo. In all of Japan, there are only four castles that are the original buildings, with all the original wood preserved. Hikone is such a castle, and so is designated a national treasure. It is rather small compared to the castle at Himeji, Hikone-jyo is only three floor tall, but is still very beautiful, sitting on its hill above the city, looking out over lake Biwa. From the top you can see for a very long distance.

The castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu after he defeated a rival lord in one of Japans greatest battles. The castle was built here because it was a good position to control the roads from the north leading to Kyoto, the capital at the time. In charge of the castle was placed Naosuke Ii, who would later become famous as the man who signed the treaty with Admiral Perry and the US which opened Japan to foreign trade. Because he made this bold move without permission, Ii was later assassinated.

Download for best view.