Hikone Castle: A Jewel of Japanese History
Explore Hikone Castle, a National Treasure of Japan, where rich history meets stunning architecture and breathtaking views of Lake Biwa.
Hikone Castle, a stunning historical site located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is a must-visit for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Japan's rich cultural heritage. This magnificent castle, built in the early 17th century, offers breathtaking views of Lake Biwa and features beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and an impressive collection of artifacts. Visitors can explore the castle tower, wander through the scenic grounds, and learn about its historical significance, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.
A brief summary to Hikone Castle
- 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Konkicho, Shiga, 522-0061, JP
- +81749-22-2742
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during cherry blossom season for breathtaking views of the blossoms against the castle backdrop.
- Consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance and hidden stories of the castle.
- Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the castle grounds involves walking on uneven surfaces and stairs.
- Check the castle's opening hours before your visit, as they may vary seasonally.
- Don't miss the nearby Genkyuen Garden, which offers a beautiful escape and insight into traditional Japanese landscape design.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from Wakasa, head west on Route 8 towards Hikone. The journey is approximately 35 kilometers and will take around 40 minutes. Once you approach Hikone, follow the signs for Hikone Castle. Look for parking areas nearby, as there are several paid parking lots available. The parking fee is about 500 to 800 yen for a few hours.
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Train
For those using public transportation, start by taking a train from Wakasa to Hikone. You will likely need to transfer at Maibara Station. From Wakasa Station, take the JR Hokuriku Line to Maibara Station (about 20 minutes), and then transfer to the JR Biwako Line towards Omi-Hachiman. Get off at Hikone Station (about 15 minutes). From Hikone Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to Hikone Castle. Alternatively, you can take a local bus from Hikone Station to the castle, which costs around 200 yen.
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Bus
If you prefer to take a bus directly from Wakasa, check local schedules for routes that connect to Hikone. It may require a transfer at a major stop, such as Maibara. Buses may take longer than trains, so allow for at least an hour to reach Hikone. The price will vary based on the route but expect to pay around 800 to 1,000 yen.
Discover more about Hikone Castle
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Taga Taisha
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Saimyoji
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Ōmi Observation Deck
10.7 km
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Hiyoshi Shrine
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Shoro
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Shinshuotanihanagahamakyomusho
12.0 km
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Kongorinji
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Azuchi-eki Station Tourist Information Centre
18.4 km
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Suigo-no-sato Maruyama
19.4 km
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Omi-hachiman Association of Promoting Tourism & Local Products
21.1 km
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Haku'un-kan (White Cloud House)
21.1 km
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Hotel New Omi
21.7 km
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Ōmihachiman Station
21.8 km
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Comfort Inn Omihachiman
22.0 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Genkyuen Garden
0.2 km
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Yume Kyōbashi Castle Road
0.6 km
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Tenmangu Kitano Shrine
0.7 km
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Daishiji
0.9 km
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Daishiji Jizoson
0.9 km
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Ohmi Marine Hikone Port
1.1 km
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Sawayama Castle Ruins
1.6 km
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Seiganji
5.8 km
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Lake Biwa
10.6 km
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Museum of Wood Carving SAMEGAI
10.8 km
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Keiunkan
11.1 km
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Hō Park
11.1 km
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Nagahama City Tennis Courts
11.2 km
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Nagahama Tetsudo Square
11.2 km
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Nagahama Castle Historical Museum
11.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Sennari Tei Kyara
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Nagahama Roman Beer
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Ohmi Shonintei
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湖香六根 UKA ROKKON
15.7 km
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Mimatsu
19.7 km
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MARUTAKE Oumi-Nishigawa
21.1 km
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Masuzaki
21.4 km
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Ibuki
21.7 km
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近江八幡 日本料理ひょうたんや - Hyoutan-ya
21.9 km
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煌 近江八幡店 Omi Beef KIRAMEKI
22.4 km
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Morishima Omihachiman Honten
24.2 km
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Omi Beef Okaki Honten
27.5 km
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Grill & Dining G
31.8 km
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Imoko no Sato Restaurant
34.4 km
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R cafe at Marina
34.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kitekana JA Green Omi Farmers Market
20.5 km
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Club Harie Himure House
21.1 km
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AEON Omi Hachiman
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AEON OMIHACHIMAN SHOPPING CENTER
21.9 km
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Heiwado Wani
32.5 km
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Omi Beer
35.4 km
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Kokoiro
39.9 km
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Landscape Garden
43.5 km
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100円ショップ ワッツウィズ 三方ショッピングセンターレピア店
43.7 km
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Eco Farm Mikata Plum Liquor Plant
44.1 km
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25ris
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Roadside Station MIKATAGOKO
45.2 km
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Ardennes Kanamori
45.3 km
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Oh! Me Ōtsu Terrace
45.4 km
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ブランド買取専門店 BRAND OFF 大津テラス店
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Saba*Cafe
36.3 km
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art
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dining&bar amber
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Jiro
42.0 km
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Mikata Hidamari
43.9 km
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ももｈａｎａ
43.9 km
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Kirayama Chaya
43.9 km
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raito house
44.4 km
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Light
44.7 km
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Cocktail＆Whisky夜長
44.9 km
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Tama
44.9 km
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Sata Cafe
46.2 km
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Brick House
46.2 km
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Woody papa
46.3 km
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51Bar Uragawa
46.4 km
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