castle_castle2

this is hikone castle, which overlooks the city.

castle_castle1

imposing.

castle_garden1

the castle gardens were expansive and quite beautiful.

castle_garden2

... though it was a bit overcast that day.

castle_swans

there were swans in the moat around the castle. i only got two in this picture.

castle_screens

here are some screens inside the castle museum.

castle_kimono

and some kimono. why did i use the flash?!

castle_stage

this is a stage used for performances to entertain the royals.

castle_tatami

a cool little tatami room. i'm not sure about the hole in the floor. the sign says "heaven's light room" or something.

castle_steps

some steps we had to jog up.

hikone_city2

ok. here we overlook part of hikone. follow the furthest line of trees to the left until you see the vaguely phallic tower. the long green roof to the right of that is the school/dorm i stayed at.

hikone_city7

here is hikone city proper. the red square right in the middle is a heiwado... like a japanese supermarket/department store. these places are awesome. i spent half my trip in this one.