The Hikone castle, one of the four Japanese castles declared National Treasures and one of the 12 castles surviving in their original form, was last renovated in 1996, when the roof and the walls were refurbished. It looks today as strong and beautiful as it was during the Edo period, when it was owned by the Ii clan, one of the most powerful families in Japan.

Hikone Castle, Hikone

EXIF Info:

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Shinmon Dori, Izumo