Odani Castle Ruins

Built in a deep mountain valley between two ridges, Odani Castle fell in 1573 after Toyotomi Hideyoshi scaled the mountain with a small force and flanked the Azai clan against Oda Nobunaga's army. Before surrendering, Azai Nagamasa entrusted his three daughters, Chacha, Hatsu, and Gō, to Hideyoshi. All three went on to shape the following era of Japanese history. Only stone wall remnants survive today, accessible via hiking trails to the summit. The views from the top extend over Nagahama and, on clear days, reach Chikubushima Island in Lake Biwa.