Hikone and Sekigahara

Last weekend I went on a field trip to Hikone and Sekigahara, which are a castle and a battlefield, respectively. The trip there via the JR line went as smooth as could be expected. It was a long trip, yes, but I got to sit across from my Professor who pointed out attractions along the way (such as points through which the old trade road passed and the Suntory Whiskey distillery). Upon arriving at Hikone station, we immediately went to a smaller train line to go, you guessed it, back the way we came. This was so we could walk to the castle via the same route by which the old road went. This was pretty neat because we got to look at some old buildings and get lots of historical side notes. We also stopped by a place that made and sold shrines for you to heep in your house. They ranged from about $60 to about $1,000,000 depending on how big and elaborate you want.

Anyway, the castle itself, as I could tell from the get go, was designed so that the invading armies would break their ankles bafore reaching the main keep. The stairs were TERRIBLY designed (but not as bad as they could have been. keep reading). Some of the steps didn't even lead anywhere! Fortunately all of those wicked stairs paid off, for at the top of this giant hill was one of the most spectacular views I've ever seen. I could see all of Hikone city and across Lake Biwa there was snow falling on the mountains. I have some pictures that will be down farter in this document. Inside the castle there were more stairs. In this case, when I say "stairs," I mean "protruding ladders." After climbing two flights of those things, we decided that the other flights really weren't worth it. At the base of the hill was a large garden, which too was beautiful. Big pond in the fading light. Oh, and there were Sakura trees that were blooming! I thought that they all blossomed in the spring and that I would miss it, but apparently this one species blossoms late! Wooo!

Then we were off to Sekigahara to stay at a traditional Japanese hotel. It was pretty chilly and there were more of us than the pace was made to handle, but the food was great and the futons were SOOOO comfy. At this point I should probably mention that last weekend was rather chilly and that the legal drinking age in Japan is 20. With supper we had hot sake and beer. Now, I don't know what you people are thinking when you tell me that sake is nasty, because the stuff is pretty dern tasty. Apparently good sake isn't really sold in the States. I'm beginning to believe that.

Anyhoo, the next day we actually started looking around the city to see the historical sights. First was the Head Mound, where there is a giant tree which is planted on top of a big ol' pit of severed heads from the Enemy soilders. That is why the tree is so big! Afterwards we went to where the losing army's commanders were stationed. It was a great big ol' hill. Now, after climbing this hill I decided that I could die happy if I never saw a stair again in my life. The memory is too painful, so moving on. From the hill I was treated to another amazing scenic vista. A picture is to follow. You'll recognise it by the awesome farmland we got to walk through. We took the scenic route through the area before heading back to the station, where we unofficially disbanded. I still wound up sitting near the professor on the train back.

Well there's a good big update for you. I hope you enjoy reading it as I have written it in leu of a History paper. There is plenty more to the story, but I'll tell ya later. Bye now.