Hikone Castle

Hiko-nyan, the adorable mascot of this 400 year-old castle, is reason enough to visit Hikone Castle. The white cat proudly bears a samurai helmet styled after those of the Ii clan, who constructed the castle here. Hikone is one of only five castles listed as national treasures in Japan. From the original keep, survey the lands and take in the view of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. Hikone Castle is particularly beautiful when its cherry trees are blooming over the moat, when the fall leaves are at their peak, and when the trees are illuminated at night.