ShigaTravel

View the Crimson Armor of the Ii Clan and the Noh Stage, Learning the 350,000-Koku History of the Ii Family

About this spot

A museum housed in a reconstructed front palace (Omotegotenmon) that served as both the administrative center and residence of the Hikone domain, displaying precious art crafts, calligraphies, and historical documents handed down through the Ii family. What catches the eye most is the "Crimson Armor of the Ii" (井伊の赤備え)—lacquered armor in striking red that even children interested in warring states history cannot help but gaze upon. A Noh stage handed down from the Edo period stands at the center of the museum, and in the wooden-reconstructed palace sections you can quietly admire the living quarters, tea rooms, and gardens where the domain lords once spent their time. Experiencing the history of the Ii family's 350,000-koku domain through both the exhibits and the building itself, this offers a serene learning experience distinctly different from the castle keep's steep stairs—perfect for all three generations.

Tips

Located at the base of the bridge at the castle's main gate, conveniently positioned to visit before or after viewing the keep. If planning to tour the keep, garden, and museum together, a combination ticket (general admission ¥1,200) offers better value than purchasing separately. The wooden palace sections are viewed barefoot on tatami mats, making them perfect for the older generation to catch their breath between climbing the keep's stairs.