Before going to Hikone Castle, I visited a grave and climbed up to the ruins of Sawayama Castle. 
It was my first time climbing Sawayama despite there being a grave there. 
It was more of a mountain than I expected! 
The view was great, with Hikone Castle visible in the distance.

I climbed to the summit from this point. 
Though I saw a few people coming down which made me feel somewhat reassured, I didn't encounter anyone else until I reached the top. 
There was a slight feeling of tension, which provided good physical stimulation.