Hikone Castle has “Tenshu”, a tower building within the castle, that has been existing since it was built more than 400 years ago. Throughout Japan there are 12 castles that have existing “Tenshu” since they were originally built and only 5 of them including Hikone Castle are registered as Japan’s National Treasure.
The lord of the castle was a major vassal of Tokugawa Shogun, Ii Family.
In about 30 min. from Hikone Castle there is another castle whose lord was Nobunaga Oda, a great ruler of Japan before Tokugawa. The castle is Azuchi Castle, which is far bigger than Hikone Castle because its owner was a Shogun, the ruler of Japan.
However there remain only ruins of the castle and replica of the top two floors of “Tenshu” is in the museum.
The real building of Hikone Castle which has been existing for over 4 centuries should have more historic values but a beautiful replica of the luxurious tower building of Azuchi Castle may worth a visit. They are located relatively close each other.
