Hikone Castle (彦根城), located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is a historic castle that holds great significance in Japanese history. It was built in the early 17th century, starting in 1603, by Lord Ii Naomasa, a prominent feudal lord who governed the Hikone Domain during the Edo period.
The castle is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, featuring a unique combination of different castle styles from various regions of Japan. The most notable feature is its three-story tenshu (castle tower), one of only twelve original castle towers remaining in Japan and designated a National Treasure. The castle complex also includes a large moat, stone walls, several yagura (turrets), and beautiful gardens, such as the Genkyuen Garden (玄宮園), a designated Place of Scenic Beauty.
Visitors to Hikone Castle can explore the extensive castle grounds and take guided tours of the castle’s interior, which exhibits artifacts and information related to the castle’s history and the samurai era. Visitors can also climb to the top of the tenshu to enjoy panoramic views of the city of Hikone and Lake Biwa.
One of the highlights of a visit to Hikone Castle is the annual Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, which typically takes place in late March or early April. During the festival, the castle grounds are adorned with thousands of cherry blossom trees in full bloom, creating a breathtaking sight. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese music and dance performances, as well as various other cultural events and activities.
The castle is not only a historical landmark but also a symbol of Hikone City. It attracts visitors from all over Japan and the world, who come to appreciate its beauty, history, and cultural significance.
Getting there
From Otsu Station to Hikone Castle:
| Train | Otsu Station ↓ Tokaido-Sanyo Line ↓ 52 minutes (16 stops) Hikone Station ↓ Walk about 11 minutes ↓ Hikone Castle (Cost 990 yen) |
Details
| Hours | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Adults: 800 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 200 yen |
| Phone | +81 749-22-2742 |
| Address | 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0061 |
| Official Website | https://hikonecastle.com/ |
