Recent topics on Hikone castle and beyond

I would like to show you the recent topics on Hikone castle and beyond area in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

First of all, this is the castle towers on the high stone wall.

Genkyuen is a former feudal lord's garden near Hikone Castle. I've been to Genkyuen many times this year, and recently I went again yesterday (11/30).

This is the Houshoudai teahouse, located on a hill in the garden. During the moon-viewing evening in September, a koto musical performance was also held.

During the day, you can enjoy matcha green tea and sweets (charge: 500 yen).

The tearoom is a purely Japanese style room, and you can see a large pond called Gyoyakusho through the windows.

Looking out the window, you can see a Japanese style boat being rowed by a boatman around the pond.

Passengers on board a boat listen to the boatman's commentary.

In fact, the guest ship that was used by feudal lords to entertain guests during the Edo period (1603～1867) has just revived. The launching ceremony was held on November 16th, and after the ribbon-cutting ceremony by the mayor of Hikone and others, this Japanese-style boat decorated with red and white lines only that time was sailed inside the pond.

 The members of a gagaku (ancient court music) musician wearing traditional white robes and eboshi hats played gagaku musical instruments (sho and hichiriki) on this Japanese style boat sailing inside the pond and created an elegant atmosphere. As a matter of fact, I found out about this ceremony after watching TV news. It's too bad that I could not see this ceremony on the site, especially Gagaku performances.

From the following day, November 17th, to November 30th, the boarding as a trial run was operated free of charge for those who made a reservation in advance. I also applied and experienced a free boarding that takes about 10 minutes (November 21st).

This sign indicates the location to board this Japanese style boat.

 

This is the view from the bow.

Although the photo is not sharp, this is the Houshoudai, the teahouse mentioned above.

You can see a wooden building called Rinchikaku in the background. Until very recently, this building had been used as a ryokan (Japanese-style inn) called "Hakkeitei."

The test run of the guest ship has ended on November 30th, but from next spring it will begin commercial operation for a fee.