The Ii samurai family were ruled over what was once known as Hikone Domain, and their gardens here at Genkyu-en, complete with pond and paths, exemplify the greatest extravagance of Edo period (1603-1868) culture. At night, the extraordinarily beautiful sight of both the moon above and the National Treasure of Hikone Castle is the pride of the gardens, delivering the height of a particularly Hikone kind of luxury.