🗺️ Sawayama Castle Ruins佐和山城跡

Located on the north side of "Hikone" Station, the ruins of Sawayama Castle stand at an elevation of 232.5 meters. It is said to have been built in the early Kamakura period by the Sasaki clan, who governed Omi. The lord of the castle was Ishida Mitsunari, a military commander of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, who was loyal to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. At that time, the castle featured a five-story tenshu (main keep) with two additional baileys, known as Ninomaru and Sannomaru, flourishing around the castle town. After Ishida Mitsunari's defeat in the Battle of Sekigahara, Iii Naomasa took over as the new lord of the castle and abandoned Sawayama Castle in 1607 to construct Hikone Castle. During this process, the stone walls and some building materials from Sawayama Castle were repurposed for Hikone Castle. As a result, only a few stone walls and a monument representing the site of Sawayama Castle remain today, surrounded by a tranquil and solitary atmosphere. From "Hikone" Station, there is a well-maintained hiking trail that takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit of Sawayama. Visitors can enjoy historical sites and scenic spots, starting from the ruins of Nishi-no-Maru and Honmaru, passing through the "Kiritō" on the north side of Sawayama Castle and a few remaining "Sumiishigaki" (corner stone walls). From the summit, one can also enjoy a breathtaking view of Hikone Castle set against the backdrop of Lake Biwa.

Located at an altitude of 232.5 meters, Mount Zoho is the site of the castle once ruled by Ishida Mitsunari. The stone walls are still preserved today. The hiking route, which takes about 30 minutes from Hikone Station, is quite popular.