Hikone

About Hikone

Hikone Castle, built in 1622, is one of only twelve original unrestored castle keeps in Japan. The city mascot Hikonyan (a white cat) is one of Japan's most beloved local characters.

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  Hikone Castle

  Popular

  ★4.3(20,565)

  Historic 17th-century castle featuring a scenic garden, on-site museum & public tours.

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• 

  Taga Taisha

  ★4.4(6,753)

  This 7th-century Shinto shrine dedicated to Izanagi & Izanami features gardens & a stone bridge.

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  Taneya

  ★4.1(2,435)

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  Genkyuen Garden

  ★4.3(1,716)

  Landscaped 17th-century garden with a trail linking islands & pavilions around a tree-lined pond.

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  Shosakai Park

  ★4.1(671)

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  Shiga Prefecture Gokoku Shrine

  ★4.1(554)

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Getting around Hikone

Getting around Hikone is straightforward thanks to the JR Tokaido Shinkansen and local JR lines that connect the castle town to Kyoto and Osaka, while buses operated by Hikone Kyobus and Community Bus systems serve attractions throughout the city and around Lake Biwa. Payment is easiest with IC cards like ICOCA or Suica, which you can load at station machines or convenience stores; alternatively, purchase individual paper tickets at stations or consider a one-day bus pass (around ¥700) if planning multiple journeys. The compact castle district and waterfront are very walkable, making it simple to explore the historic streets on foot, and bicycle rentals are available near the station for around ¥1,000 per day - ideal for reaching lakeside trails and temples beyond the center. Taxis are readily available but rarely necessary given the efficient bus network and pedestrian-friendly layout, though they're handy for reaching outlying shrines or nature spots if time is limited.

Best time to visit

Spring, particularly late March through early April, ranks as the ideal season to explore this castle town, when cherry blossoms frame the iconic keep and mild weather encourages castle grounds exploration. Autumn, typically October through November, offers a close second with vibrant maple foliage and comfortable temperatures perfect for lakeside walks. The Hikone Matsuri festival, usually held in early November, celebrates the castle's history with parades, traditional performances, and food stalls drawing visitors across the region. Avoid the rainy season from June through mid-July and typhoon season in late summer, when humidity peaks and outdoor sightseeing becomes unpleasant. Similarly, August's extreme heat and summer holiday crowds can overwhelm the town's quieter charm. Shoulder seasons like May and early September offer advantages too - fewer tourists than peak periods, pleasant weather, and the chance to experience local life without festival-season congestion.

Where to stay

The castle district around Hikone Castle offers the most atmospheric base, with several traditional ryokan and smaller hotels within easy walking distance of the main keep and lakeside gardens. For a more modern experience, the station area near Hikone Railway Station concentrates business hotels and chain accommodations, typically ¥8,000 - 15,000 for a double room, with convenient access to local buses heading toward the castle and Lake Biwa's northern shores. The lakefront neighborhoods around Biwa Lake provide a quieter alternative, favoring vacation rentals and small family-run guesthouses where rates generally range from ¥6,000 - 12,000 per person with meals included at ryokan. Most lodgings sit within a 15 - 20 minute walk or short bus ride from Hikone Castle, while the lake's hiking trails and scenic viewpoints remain accessible via local transport or rental bicycles. Business hotels dominate the station precinct, whereas the castle district blends ryokan with modest inns, making it ideal for visitors seeking historical immersion.

What to eat

Hikone's culinary scene reflects its castle-town heritage, with funazushi - a pungent fermented crucian carp dish - standing as the city's most iconic offering, alongside fresh lake fish preparations that showcase Lake Biwa's bounty. The historic Kurogane shopping street and the atmospheric covered market near Hikone Castle offer ideal spots to sample local specialties, from grilled ayu (sweetfish) to regional vegetables, with meals typically ranging from ¥800 - 1,500 per person. The area has earned recognition for its sake brewing tradition; several breweries welcome visitors for tastings and tours, allowing you to experience how local craftsmanship pairs with the region's water quality. For budget-conscious travelers, standing ramen shops and casual udon stalls throughout the castle district serve satisfying bowls for under ¥1,000, while convenience stores stock reasonably priced onigiri and bento featuring local ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hikone Castle original?▾

Who is Hikonyan?▾

What is the Hikone Castle area ticket?▾

What is the Genkyuen Garden?▾

When does Hikonyan appear?▾