In Japan, castles are preserved as some of the most magnificent remnants of history, and while there are over one hundred still standing today, the country was once dotted with as many as five thousand of them. But despite the large number of castles in Japan, only five have been designated as national treasures — one of them being Hikone Castle (彦根城/Hikonejō) in Shiga Prefecture.

Hikone Castle was completed in 1622 and used by feudal lords until 1868. For centuries the castle has been revered for its unique architectural design and impressive state of preservation, and its beauty can now be appreciated from a rare bird’s-eye view video. Produced by DJI, “Stunning aerial image of HIKONE CASTLE” captures stunning images that showcase this esteemed landmark from a new perspective.

The video shows the glory of the hilltop castle from high up above, revealing the many faces it wears throughout the course of the day. While the footage shows Hikone Castle standing tall during the serene winter season, the landmark is also a popular spot to enjoy the blooming of cherry blossoms in the spring.

See Hikone Castle in all its beauty: