During the period of the revolution in Japan known as the Meiji Restoration
in 1868, most of the castles in the country were destroyed. They were
considered as unwanted reminders of the feudal past. Hikone Castle, too,
was on the list for demolition. However, when Emperor Meiji visited the Hikone area,
he luckily decided to spare it thanks to the recommendation made by some of his staff.
When you visit Hikone, consider joining the castle tour (in Enlish), which takes you
through the castle’s grounds and lets you try some Japanese green tea and a confectionery. 
Photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org
Website: https://hikone-castle-museum.jp/en/guide/ in English
Address: 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga Prefecture 522-0061, Japan
Price: Museum only: adults 500 yen, children 250 yen.
Garden only: adults 200 yen, children 100 yen.
Castle, garden and Hikone Castle Museum: adults 1,000 yen, children 350 yen.
Opening times: daily, 8:30-17:00