Hikone Castle
Admire one of Japan's most beautiful and best-preserved original castles
Hikone Castle was completed in 1622 by the Ii clan, who ruled the region for over 250 years until the Meiji Restoration. Construction began in 1603 under Ii Naokatsu, incorporating parts from older castles including Otsu Castle and Sawayama Castle. The strategic location overlooking Lake Biwa and the Nakasendo highway made Hikone a crucial defensive position for the Tokugawa shogunate, protecting Kyoto and controlling travel routes from eastern Japan.
The castle is one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan and one of only five designated as National Treasures (along with Himeji, Matsumoto, Inuyama, and Matsue). Unlike most Japanese castles which were destroyed during the Meiji period or World War II, Hikone Castle survived largely due to an imperial visit by Emperor Meiji in 1878, which saved it from planned demolition. The castle's unique three-story keep features a complex roof structure with multiple gables and is considered one of the finest examples of castle architecture from the early Edo period.
Today, Hikone Castle remains remarkably well-preserved, with its original donjon, three turrets, and several gates still standing. The castle grounds include Genkyu-en Garden, a traditional daimyo garden created in 1677 that offers tea ceremonies with views of the castle. The castle's mascot, Hikonyan, has become nationally famous and appears daily for photo opportunities with visitors. Together with the adjacent Hikone Castle Museum (housed in the former residence), the site provides comprehensive insight into samurai culture and castle architecture.
Key Highlights
- One of five National Treasure castles with original 1622 keep intact
- Three-story castle keep featuring complex architectural details and steep stairs
- Genkyu-en Garden offers traditional tea ceremonies with castle views
- Museum exhibits include samurai armor, noh theater masks, and Ii clan artifacts
- Hikonyan mascot character performs daily (times vary, check schedule)
- Cherry blossoms in spring (1,200 trees) create spectacular viewing
- Overlooking Lake Biwa with panoramic views from the keep
- Free English audio guides and volunteer guides available
Access Information
Location
1-1 Konki-cho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0061
Nearest Stations
- • Hikone Station (JR Tokaido Line) - 15-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride to castle entrance
Opening Hours
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM daily (no holidays). Genkyu-en Garden: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Museum: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Note: The castle keep may close temporarily due to congestion during peak seasons.
Admission Fee
Castle & Genkyu-en Garden: Adults ¥800, Elementary-Junior high ¥200, Under elementary age free. Combined ticket (Castle, Garden & Museum): Adults ¥1,500. Audio guide: Free (deposit required).
How to Get There
From Kyoto
Take JR Tokaido Line (Special Rapid) to Hikone Station (50 minutes, ¥1,170), then walk 15 minutes north or take community bus to castle (5 minutes, ¥210)
50 minutes
From Osaka
Take JR Tokaido Line (Special Rapid) to Hikone Station (90 minutes, ¥1,690), then walk or bus to castle
90 minutes
From Nagoya
Take JR Tokaido Line (Special Rapid) to Hikone Station (60 minutes, ¥2,420), then walk or bus to castle
60 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Best Times to Visit
Early morning (8:30-9:30 AM) for fewer crowds and best photography light. Avoid weekends during cherry blossom season (early April) when wait times to enter the keep can exceed 60 minutes. Autumn foliage (late November) is also beautiful.
Photography Spots
Classic castle view from Genkyu-en Garden with pond reflection. From inside the keep, photograph Lake Biwa through windows. The moat area with cherry trees in spring. Hikonyan performances (11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM) offer fun photo ops.
Castle Keep Stairs
The stairs inside the keep are extremely steep (60-degree angle) and narrow. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Use the provided rope handrails. Not wheelchair accessible. Climb slowly and wait for descending visitors at narrow points.
Museum & Garden
The combined ticket is worthwhile if visiting all sites. Genkyu-en Garden offers paid tea ceremony experiences (¥500 with matcha). The museum displays remarkable Ii clan artifacts including noh masks and samurai armor. Allow 2.5-3 hours total.
Hikonyan Appearances
The beloved mascot performs 3 times daily (typically 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM but times vary - check the official website). Performances last about 30 minutes. Arrive early for front-row positions. Hikonyan doesn't speak but poses for photos.
Walking Route
From station, walk through the castle town area (Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road) with traditional shops and restaurants. Enter castle grounds, visit museum, climb to keep, then relax in Genkyu-en Garden. Total circuit takes 2-3 hours.
Dining & Specialties
Yume-Kyobashi street near the castle has restaurants serving Omi beef (wagyu), Lake Biwa specialties, and traditional sweets. Try funazushi (fermented fish - very unique flavor) or stick to safer Omi beef bowls. Several cafe options available.
Combine with Lake Biwa
Hikone is on Lake Biwa's eastern shore. Combine castle visit with a lake cruise, or continue north to Nagahama's historic district. The Michigan paddle wheeler departs from Otsu Port (40 minutes south by train).
FAQ
How steep are the stairs inside the castle?
The stairs are very steep, nearly ladder-like with 60-degree angles. Handrails are provided but climbing requires reasonable mobility and fitness. Visitors with knee problems, small children, or those uncomfortable with heights may find it challenging. The ascent takes about 10 minutes of careful climbing.
How long should I plan for visiting the castle?
Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore the castle keep, museum, Genkyu-en Garden, and castle grounds. Just the castle keep interior takes 30-45 minutes including waiting time and ascent. Adding the garden and walking the grounds extends the visit. Peak times may require queuing to enter the keep.
Is Hikonyan the mascot always at the castle?
Hikonyan appears three times daily at specific times (typically 10:30, 13:00, and 15:00) but schedules vary and are posted at the entrance. Appearances last about 30 minutes. Check the official website or information desk for current times. Hikonyan does not appear on some days, so confirm beforehand if this is important.
Can I take photos inside the castle keep?
Photography is permitted inside the castle including from the top floor windows. However, be mindful of other visitors in the narrow spaces. Tripods are not allowed. The views from the top floor over Lake Biwa and the town are particularly photogenic.
When are the cherry blossoms at their peak?
Cherry blossoms typically peak in early to mid-April, varying by 1-2 weeks depending on weather. The castle is designated one of Japan's best cherry blossom viewing spots with about 1,200 trees. The moat area and castle grounds become very crowded during this period. Visit weekday mornings for fewer crowds.
Is the Genkyu-en Garden included in the ticket?
The standard castle admission ticket includes both the castle keep and Genkyu-en Garden. The garden is located across the moat and easily reached by a short walk. It's worth visiting for its pond views with the castle as backdrop, especially during cherry or autumn foliage seasons.
Are there English explanations available?
English pamphlets are provided at the entrance, and some signage has English translations. An English audio guide app may be available for download. The castle museum has limited English descriptions. Volunteer guides sometimes offer free English tours on weekends, but availability is not guaranteed.
What should I wear for visiting the castle?
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip as stairs are steep and floors can be slippery. Dress in layers as the castle interior can be cold in winter and hot in summer. Avoid long skirts or dresses as the steep stairs make climbing difficult. You may need to remove shoes in some areas.
Can I use the same ticket for re-entry?
No, tickets are single-entry only. If you plan to leave and return, you'll need to purchase a new ticket. Most visitors complete the entire circuit (castle, museum, garden) in one visit. Plan accordingly if you want to take a lunch break outside the castle grounds.
Nearby Attractions
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Lake Biwa
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