Hikone Castle4.1
Hikone Castle, built in early 17th century, is one of the few castles in Japan that retains many of its original buildings. Although the interior of the Castle Keep is relatively small and the wooden steps are very steep, a magnificent view of Lake Biwa from the top is rewarding. There are a guardhouse, a three-story watch tower, and a museum that are worth visiting.
This is a beautiful castle to visit in any season, but spring is the best with more than 1,000 cherry trees laden with blossoms. Visitors will perhaps meet the castle's mascot "Hikonyan", a cat sporting a samurai helmet.
Access : a 15-min walk from Hikone Sta.
Purposeexperience,knows a lot about Japan,art,sightseeing
Airport/Sta.Hikone Sta. (about 1.1km) Google Transit
We guide this spot.
Hiromi
Kazu
Kenji
MITSU
Tomo
H.Shimazaki
Tomoko
Henry
Tomy
Miho in Chubu
Jun
T.SANUKI
Junko
Mori
Yoshi
Akira
R.Suenaga
N.Munemasa
Kenji
K.EGI
Nob
samurai joe
Y.Hirotoh
Nao
Mitchy
MayReviews
Roz's Cycling Adventures3.03 months ago
The castle itself is beautiful and is a national heritage site. It is a Yamajiro or mountain Castle as it was on top of a hill. The view is magnificent as the whole area can be seen. But be prepared to climb it. There is nothing in the interior of the castle and climbing all 6 floors (one way only) is a waste of time.
Sarah R.5.06 months ago
Amazing. Five stars, two thumbs up, cannot possibly recommend highly enough. If possible, try to get a guided tour! The history of the castle and technique that went into readying it for battle are fascinating.
Louis Canedo5.02 months ago
One of the best castles and museums that we’ve visited. Definitely worth the ¥1000 to park then ¥1200 for the castle and museum. I think I liked the museum even more than the castle grounds because there was some English explaining the historical pieces.
Alan Myrold4.08 months ago
Hikone castle gives you a nice view of the city. The ladders inside to climb up floors are quite steep, not so great for those with young kids or elderly folks with disability. As a solo tourist, I liked all the different explanations and the staff was friendly.
Jin Z5.03 months ago
Underrated castle.
Definitely way better than Osaka Castle .
One of my top locations for Cherry Blossom 🌸.
Spot Reviews (2)
（Highlights of this tour) ・Visit beautiful Hikone's castle keep (National Treasure), turrets (Important Cultural Assets), and see magnificent stone walls and deep moats ・Stroll around a feudal lord's garden which boast...
（Highlights of this tour)
・Visit beautiful Hikone's castle keep (National Treasure), turrets
(Important Cultural Assets), and see magnificent stone walls and deep moats
・Stroll around a feudal lord's garden which boasts a breathtaking beauty
・Visit the Hikone Castle Museum
・Explore the old Hikone castle town and visit the temple complex and local shrines
・Shop and eat on the street called "Yume (Dream) Kyobashi Castle Road"
Genkyuen Garden: If you visit Hikone castle, please do not miss going Genkyuen Garden. This gargen is one of the typical traditional landscape gardens. It was designed so that visitors can enjoy the view while walking around the pond.
Genkyuen Garden:
If you visit Hikone castle, please do not miss going Genkyuen Garden.
This gargen is one of the typical traditional landscape gardens. It was designed so that visitors can enjoy the view while walking around the pond.
