Castle & Palace · Hikone
Sawayama Castle Ruins 佐和山城跡
Hilltop site of Ishida Mitsunari's castle overlooking Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa.
HoursAlways open
PriceFree
Getting thereJR Hikone Station, 20 min to trailhead
Time needed1-2 hours
AddressFurusawacho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0007
About
Sawayama Castle was the seat of Ishida Mitsunari, leader of the western army at Sekigahara; after his defeat the Ii clan abandoned it and built Hikone Castle with its stones. A 30-40 min trail from Ryotanji Temple leads to the summit for views of Hikone Castle and the lake.
Highlights
- Ishida Mitsunari's castle
- View of Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa
- Easy add-on to Hikone
Tips
- Trail starts near Ryotanji Temple; 20 min walk from Hikone Station
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11
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