Sawayama Castle Ruins

These castle ruins sit on the 232.5m-high Mt. Sawa, north of JR Hikone Station. It was built by Lord Sasaki, who ruled over the Omi area in the late 12th century. In 1595, Ishida Mitsunari, who served Toyotomi Hideyoshi, became the lord. In those days, the main castle was surrounded by other outer castles, each with a five-story castle tower. Within the moat, a town was said to have been built.

However, after Ishida Mitsunari was defeated in the Battle of Sekigahara, Ii Naomasa became the lord. When Hikone Castle was being built in 1607, it was closed, and the parts of the castle were used for Hikone Castle. Now, a little stone wall remains by the stone monument denoting the Sawayama Castle ruins where time quietly flows on.

A 30-min hiking course is laid out from Hikone Station to the mountain top by the ruins of the west castle, the main castle, a cut-through road on the north side of Sawayama Castle, and the small corner stone walls. From the mountain top, you can enjoy the reward of a hike - the panoramic grandeur of Hikone Castle, the cityscape, and Biwa Lake.