Koencho

Founding and Early Mentions

The history of the city of Hikone is inextricably linked to the construction of its namesake castle, which is today considered a National Treasure of Japan. The actual beginning of the city's existence can be traced to 1603, when construction of the fortress began on Mount Hikone.

The project was initiated by the famous commander Ii Naomasa, one of the four "Heavenly Kings" of the Tokugawa shogunate. However, the plan had to be carried out by his sons, Ii Naokatsu and Ii Naotaka. The new city was intended to replace the previous regional center, Sawayama Castle, to erase the memory of former rulers and establish the authority of the new dynasty.

Key Factors in Its Establishment

Hikone's transformation into a prosperous castle town was driven by a combination of strategic and geographical advantages:

• Geography and Transport: Its location on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, provided access to vital waterways. This allowed for control over logistics between Kyoto and other regions.
• Political Power: The city became the seat of the Ii clan—loyal vassals (fudai daimyo) of the Tokugawa shoguns. Their high status guaranteed the city stable funding and protection throughout the Edo period.
• Road Control: Hikone was located in close proximity to the Nakasendo, one of the two main roads connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto, which encouraged the flow of travelers and merchants.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

From the beginning, Hikone developed as a classic jokamachi (castle town). Its layout clearly separated the residential areas for samurai, craftsmen, and merchants, creating a unique urban landscape that has partially survived to this day.

The economy of early Hikone relied not only on servicing the castle garrison but also on unique crafts. It was here that the tradition of making Buddhist altars (butsudan) originated, which later made the city famous nationwide. Hikone's craftsmen were renowned for fine wood carving and lacquering—skills that were originally applied to the creation of samurai armor and weapons.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1603 — Construction begins on Hikone Castle on Mount Hikone under the leadership of the sons of commander Ii Naomasa.
• 1622 — Completion of the castle complex, which becomes the administrative center for the province.
• 1677 — The fourth daimyo, Ii Naooki, commissions the picturesque Genkyu-en Garden at the foot of the fortress for receiving guests.
• 1860 — The assassination of Ii Naosuke, ruler of Hikone and an influential statesman, occurs in Edo, marking a turning point for the clan.
• 1871 — Following the Meiji Restoration and the abolition of the han system, the domain is transformed into Hikone Prefecture.
• 1878 — Hikone Castle is saved from demolition by a personal order from Emperor Meiji during his visit to the region.
• 1889 — Hikone Station opens on the main Tokaido line, linking the city with Japan's major centers.
• 1937 — Hikone officially receives city status (shi) after merging with several neighboring villages.
• 1952 — The castle's main tower is designated a National Treasure of Japan, confirming its historical value.
• 1987 — The Hikone Castle Museum opens, exhibiting armor, weapons, and artworks belonging to the Ii clan.
• 2007 — Large-scale celebrations mark the 400th anniversary of the castle and the creation of the popular city mascot, Hikonyan.

Key Stages of Transformation and Development

The city's history is a journey from a military fortress to a modern tourist and cultural hub. Below are the key stages that shaped Hikone's current appearance and economy.

• Formation of the Castle Town Structure (17th Century)
  The construction of the castle set the direction for urban development for centuries to come. The city was clearly zoned: districts for samurai, merchants, and artisans were separated by moats and streets.
  Significance: This layout has survived to this day, creating a unique historical atmosphere that is the city's main tourism asset.
• Emergence of the Lacquer Industry and Altar Production (Edo Period)
  In times of peace, craftsmen who once made armor and weapons retrained to create Buddhist altars (butsudan). Hikone became one of Japan's leading centers for this craft.
  Significance: The formation of a unique economic niche ("Hikone butsudan"), which ensured the city's prosperity beyond serving the samurai class.
• Transport Paradigm Shift (1889)
  The opening of the railway station on the Tokaido line, connecting Tokyo and Osaka. Until then, Lake Biwa had been the primary transport artery.
  Significance: Integrating the city into the national industrial network and accelerating modernization, which compensated for the loss of political influence after the fall of the shogunate.
• Preservation of the Castle as a Cultural Core (1878)
  During the Meiji era, when many feudal castles were being demolished, Hikone Castle was saved thanks to the intervention of the Emperor.
  Significance: This decision prevented the loss of the city's identity and laid the foundation for Hikone's future transformation into a museum-city and tourism center.
• Administrative Consolidation (1937)
  The granting of official "shi" (city) status and the merger with surrounding villages.
  Significance: Centralized management allowed for the integrated development of infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, turning Hikone into a comfortable regional center.
• The "Hikonyan" Phenomenon and Tourism Rebranding (2007)
  In honor of the castle's 400th anniversary, the mascot Hikonyan was created. He became a national sensation and sparked a boom in mascots (yuru-chara) across Japan.
  Significance: A powerful economic boost that attracted millions of new tourists and rejuvenated the image of the ancient city.

Urban Planning and Architectural Identity

The architectural landscape of Hikone was formed around its main landmark—the feudal castle. The urban structure, laid out in the early 17th century, has been remarkably well-preserved, making the city a living textbook on Edo-period urban planning. The city's development radiated outward in a spiral from the castle moat, with each ring designated for a specific social class.

Key Architectural Eras and Styles

In Hikone’s appearance, authentic antiquity and stylized modernity intertwine. Several key periods can be identified that defined the city's face:

• Azuchi-Momoyama and Early Edo Periods (17th Century)
  Style: Japanese Castle Architecture, defensive construction.
  This was the era of the city's founding. Buildings are characterized by massive stone foundations, white plastered walls, and complex roof systems with curved gables (karahafu). The style combines military functionality with an aesthetic designed to demonstrate the clan's power.
• Edo Period (17th–19th Centuries)
  Style: Machiya (traditional townhouses) and Buke-yashiki (samurai residences).
  This represents the city's residential development. The houses of rank-and-file samurai (ashigaru) and merchants were built of wood with clay walls and tiled roofs. Hikone is characterized by narrow building facades facing the street and long rooms extending deep into the block.
• Taisho Era (1912–1926)
  Style: "Taisho Roman" (a blend of Western Art Nouveau and Japanese traditions).
  The period of modernization brought brickwork, gas lamps, and elements of Western classicism to the city. This style is actively used in the modern renovation of shopping districts to create a nostalgic atmosphere.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

Hikone's architectural heritage is concentrated not only in the castle complex but also in the adjacent historical districts, which have been carefully restored or preserved.

• Hikone Castle (Main Keep) — A benchmark of early 17th-century castle architecture. The building's uniqueness lies in the variety of gable styles and windows (katomado), which give the stern fortress an elegant appearance.
• Yume Kyobashi Castle Road — An example of modern urban reconstruction in the Edo style. The building facades are designed in a traditional black-and-white color scheme with latticed windows and roof tiles, concealing modern shops and cafes within.
• Yonbancho Square — A shopping district stylized after the Taisho era. Eclecticism prevails here: a combination of red brick, gray plaster, and Art Deco decorative elements, contrasting with the purely Japanese style of the castle-adjacent zone.
• Umoreginoya Residence — The modest house where Ii Naosuke spent his youth. The building is a classic example of middle-class samurai residential architecture with a thatched roof and a simple, ascetic interior.

Historical Figures and Rulers

Hikone's history is inextricably linked with the Ii clan, whose representatives not only ruled the region but also influenced the fate of all Japan.

• Ii Naomasa (1561–1602)
  Role: Founder of the Ii clan in Omi Province, military commander.
  Significance: One of the closest associates of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. It was he who received these lands after the Battle of Sekigahara and planned the construction of Hikone Castle, laying the foundation for the future city.
• Ii Naotaka (1590–1659)
  Role: Second daimyo of the Hikone Domain.
  Significance: Completed the construction of the castle and established the city plan that remains to this day. His name is associated with the legend of the "beckoning cat" (maneki-neko), which later inspired the creation of the city's mascot, Hikonyan.
• Ii Naosuke (1815–1860)
  Role: 13th daimyo of Hikone, Tairo (Chief Councilor to the Shogun).
  Significance: The city's most famous historical figure. He spent his youth at the Umoreginoya residence in Hikone, studying tea ceremony and Zen. As a statesman, he signed the treaties that opened Japan to the West, which led to his assassination by radical samurai in the Sakuradamon Incident.

Modern Cultural and Sports Figures

In recent history, Hikone natives have brought fame to the city on the national and global stage, particularly in the fields of journalism and professional sports.

• Soichiro Tahara (born 1934)
  Role: Journalist, political commentator, TV presenter.
  Significance: One of post-war Japan's most influential journalists. Known for his sharp debates and critical approach to politics. He is an honorary citizen of Hikone.
• Yoshihide Kiryu (born 1995)
  Role: Athlete (sprinter).
  Significance: The first Japanese athlete to run the 100 meters in under 10 seconds (9.98 s). Silver medalist at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games (2016) in the 4×100 meter relay.
• Yui Ohashi (born 1995)
  Role: Professional swimmer.
  Significance: A hero of the Tokyo Olympic Games (2020), where she won two gold medals in the individual medley at 200 and 400 meters, becoming the pride of her hometown.