Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle is a Japanese castle located in the city of Hikone, Shiga prefecture. The castle was built by the Ii clan, a general under Tokugawa Ieyasu, in the early 17th century. The castle was strategically built near lake Biwa, and was designed to have strong defenses. The castle was built using materials scavenged from other fortifications in the area, including a three-story tenshu from Otsu Castle and a gate with watchtowers from Nagahama Castle. The castle has two concentric water moats, and the inner bailey is divided into three sections. The castle was protected by stones and dry moats, and originally had a west-facing front gate but later the main gate facing southeast was added. The castle is considered one of the most well-preserved castles in Japan and a National Treasure.