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.
Reviews
5.0a month 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.
4.03 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.
5.02 months ago
Original castle from long ago. It is interesting to observe the interior and exterior architectural details. Now in November, there are nice winter sakura and beautiful momiji together.
5.02 months ago
Main attraction at Hikone. The entrance fee is 800yen for castle and garden. You can also paid an extra of 400 yen (1200yen in total) to enter Hikone Castle Museum. You have to hike a little to reach the castle, it is better to wear shoes. At the top, you will be rewarded with the view of the castles and Lake Biwa. Its beautiful.
5.0a month ago
Hikone Castle in autumn is the best. It's a good idea to check the appearance time of Hikonyan in advance.
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.