Hikone Castle

Information

Hikone Castle was built in 1622 by Ii Naokatsu (Naotsugu) as the main castle for the Ii family who ruled as Daimyo domain lord over Hikone. It took about 20 years to complete the entire castle. Since much of it is original, Hikone Castle is rightly considered one of the finest remaining castles in Japan. There is a great view across the Lake Biwa-ko from the upper stories of the castle's Tenshu-kaku (dongon) which was completed in 1607. Today, the building is designated as a national treasure. The castle is surrounded by more than 1,000 cherry trees, making it a popular spot for Hanami (cherry blossom watching) activities in the spring.
Next to the castle's main gate is Hikone Castle Museum. Items on display came from the Ii family and include armor, Noh costumes, pottery and calligraphy.
The north side of the castle is Genkyu-en Garden. The beautiful Japanese garden expresses Omi-Hakkei - The best eight scenic views in Omi Province (today's Shiga prefecture). Entry to this garden is included in the admission ticket for the castle.
Hikone Castle is also famous for its mascot character called Hikonyan. The cute cat-based character wearing the Ii family's red helmet was born in 2007 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the castle. Hikonyan is one of the most popular Japanese "Yuru-chara" mascot characters.

Opening Hours

8:30 - 17:00

Closed

No closing days

Price / Entrance Fee

Castle and Garden: 600 yen (General, Adult)
Castle and Garden: 200 yen (Child)
Museum: 500 yen (General, Adult)
Museum: 250 yen (Child)

Access / Public Transport

15 minutes walk from JR Hikone Station

Address / Location

1-1, Konkicho, Hikone-shi, Shiga, 522-0061

Tweets

Chris Biagini @HonestJuiceBox - 2020-01-26: Kicking things off with the adorable Hikonyan.

Created by the city gov of Hikone, Japan to mark the 400th anniver… https://t.co/xAZw4zGOnj
Sébastien + Japan @sebastienplus - 2020-01-25: Free tour on 29-30 January: 2 seats still open. Japanese theatre, castle, cruise, tea ceremony, Buddhist activities… https://t.co/lQ9FfNLEEk
Hiroko Furukawa @sakayanyc - 2020-01-23: Celebrity Cat vs. Leave-me-Alone Cat at Hikone Castle. #hikonyan #hikonecastle #shiga https://t.co/xDwscqNUM0
eggry @eggry - 2020-01-23: Hikone Castle #Hikone #Shiga #彦根 #滋賀 https://t.co/ncxEHutzuY
eggry @eggry - 2020-01-23: Hikone Castle #Hikone #Shiga #彦根 #滋賀 https://t.co/yGlc1rRmnK
mai&kiki魔女の宅急便 @maikiki30056067 - 2020-01-22: @Dusanka52843486 This building has been designated a National Treasure
Hikone Castle
るぐらんドゥミ with ネコ&ひよこ @Aime_tan0000000 - 2020-01-22: 【#Topics①Around the #Country】
#Radioshow

09:16～
Today, we are featuring Shiga (#滋賀). Let's have a look at some oth… https://t.co/CnA0Q2p6BB
るぐらんドゥミ with ネコ&ひよこ @Aime_tan0000000 - 2020-01-22: 【#Topics②】following a fire that destroyed Shiri Castle (#首里城) in Okinawa (#沖縄), southern Japan in October, 2019. Hi… https://t.co/JNP02TVvR9
るぐらんドゥミ with ネコ&ひよこ @Aime_tan0000000 - 2020-01-22: 【#Topics③】which is the inner stronghold of the castle.

Japan has just 12 remaining castles with the wooden keep, t… https://t.co/SCTOQcJkK8
るぐらんドゥミ with ネコ&ひよこ @Aime_tan0000000 - 2020-01-22: 【#Topics⑤】Hikone City says its fire fighting capabilities might be insufficient, if a fire were to break out at the… https://t.co/1f7eqKYVjo
PLEN Robotics @PLENRobotics - 2020-01-21: #PLENCube@#Hikone catsle built in 1622. As a national treasure, this hilltop castle is one of only 12 castles with… https://t.co/itl97qno0v
Japan Rail Pass @jrailpass - 2020-01-11: #HikoneCastle and city #TravelGuide https://t.co/42AmNnp3lS Don't miss this well-preserved castle! #jrailpass… https://t.co/gPyjzVSXG3
Stephen Dilks @stephen_dilks - 2020-01-11: Hikone castle and the surrounding city. The history of this city is amazing. https://t.co/ywaYTYE5H6
Aaron @aaron_smart - 2020-01-10: @Buoysel @mondomascots Usually yes, and usually the reply also includes a discount for entry to Hikone Castle
中東梓 @18bai_bai_kin - 2020-01-05: I went to Hikone Castle. It is a castle built by Sengoku daimyo, Naotsugu Ii. The clear sky and dignified air ... i… https://t.co/du9jYN81Vn
ZeroReq011 @ZeroReq011 - 2020-01-03: Arrow suitable & gun sized murder holes I found at Hikone Castle. https://t.co/IByCGdevmR
ZeroReq011 @ZeroReq011 - 2020-01-03: Hikone Castle, previously home to the Ii clan from Edo period one, one of the four foremost general & closest advis… https://t.co/CC5sMebyxy
Shiga Headlines @ShigaHeadlines - 2019-12-31: In the wake of the fire at Shuri Castle in Okinawa, Hikone is considering the installation of a sprinkler system in… https://t.co/dQk3HwyVlE
J-hoppers Lake Biwa Guesthouse ジェイホッパーズ琵琶湖ゲストハウス @jhoppers_biwako - 2019-12-30: #jhoppersbiwako #jhoppers #hikonecastle #lakebiwa #biwagochikitchen #biwalake #biwako #castlelife #wintergarden… https://t.co/GMWuV3xdPs
Supakrit Ngamdeevilaisak @mr_supakrit - 2019-12-30: Day 4: Hikone Castle

🏰 Visiting the Japanese Castle in rainy days... ☔️
But... we have survived in the rain... 🌧… https://t.co/DhBwNKDzUm
Borderlink, Inc. @Borderlink - 2019-12-25: 【#Hiring Full-time #teaching in #Hikone #Starting April 2020】
Located North East of Kyoto, Hikone is known for it's… https://t.co/V8btpBfC3G
Tsukamo @Tsukamo12 - 2019-12-23: Gardens and buildings in Hikone castle in December in Japan https://t.co/25Q77WwQRF
BIWAKOビエンナーレ @biwako_biennale - 2019-12-20: Hikone which will be the new venues of BIWAKO BIENNALE. The charm is not only the castle but also the old town, the… https://t.co/54VdyOFEAL
Being Kansai @BeingKansai - 2019-12-16: Hikonyan pounding that mochi in front of Hikone castle! 🏰 🐈 #shiga #hikone #hikonyan #Kansai #Japan j https://t.co/6EHU1D1hSx
Kendal James @MissKendalJames - 2019-12-16: Just over a week ago, I went to Hikone at night to walk around the castle with a friend... Catching Pokemon. I have… https://t.co/LX1OXJjFkz
Home Decor @homedecostore99 - 2019-12-14: 💎【Famous Architecture Projects】Hikone Castle Sketchup 3D model https://t.co/BSbb08mtyA https://t.co/Vbue6jtPdd
Architectural CAD Drawings @FcoinU - 2019-12-13: 💎【Famous Architecture Projects】Hikone Castle Sketchup 3D model https://t.co/NUgoGotx0J https://t.co/naOy8x5GSC
Home Decor @homedecostore99 - 2019-12-13: 💎【Famous Architecture Projects】Hikone Castle Sketchup 3D model https://t.co/wQHhttm2zC https://t.co/xzyR7dCMLn
Yokan-Iwate(いわて/岩手) @Yokan112 - 2019-12-13: Hikone castle in Shiga prefecture in autumn. November 2014 https://t.co/EJqwtk5iDk
Natalie @0hinoki0 - 2019-12-11: Hikone castle. The inside has incredibly steep stairs and there were lots of tourists🏯🐱🏰 #hikone #hikonyan… https://t.co/FGAPbkUblO