At the beginning of the 17th century, Lord Naomasa Ii, who had distinguished himself in battle, was given territory to govern by the Tokugawa Shogunate, so he and his family moved to Hikone. Today, his land, castle, and garden belong to the city of Hikone.

This garden was built in the "Hourai" style in order to bring prosperity to
the Ii family. If you stroll around the pond, you can enjoy the beautiful
scenery.

This building was made in the "Sukiya" style. We can imagine Lord Ii himself, entertaining honored guests here, enjoying tea ceremonies, moon watching, and watching the rising sun. Of course they might also have gone for boat rides on the pond!

Nowadays, during September, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, at night we can be poled across the pond in an old-style boat and listen to music played on traditonal musical instruments while viewing the beautifully lit-up garden.