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

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Akira Imamura @jp_amb - 2021-04-10: I just uploaded picture of Japanese Garden in Hikone Castle in Japan. I visited there just before I came to Georgia… https://t.co/Yvp2XcxXTY
Jan Arso 🇪🇺🇩🇪❤️🇧🇷🇯🇵 @ArsoJan - 2021-04-03: @AbroadInJapan @Enniol13 Biwa Lake Area is beautiful. I remember when I was on the way to Kyoto by train I decided… https://t.co/CM24fIPRxx
LoneStarAvenger @LoneStarAvenge1 - 2021-04-03: Hikone Castle's Samurai Gardens, Genkyu-en
Samurai were men of the sword. Trained warriors dedicated to the martial… https://t.co/mzTbB6unYs
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Japan Rail Pass @JRPass - 2021-04-02: Enjoying the #sakura at Hikone castle. This area is a lot less busy than other popular Sakura spots. https://t.co/U5DknCloR3
びすこんてぃ 2 @romabisco4d2u - 2021-03-30: ＃彦根城
National treasure Hikone Castle https://t.co/oXlNuFvXoN
AFS India @IndiaAFS - 2021-03-27: “These pictures are of two major castles in Japan , Himeji castle and Hikone castle. we explored the temples of t… https://t.co/HkFUgFwcv4
Car easy Buy & Rental @Careasybuyandr1 - 2021-03-27: Hikone castle is only 90mins away from Kyoto city. Rental car is the best way to get there from Kyoto.
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Sophia Cheng @SophiaC77580071 - 2021-03-26: @Astro_Soichi Lake Biwa, a large freshwater lake in Japan with wetlands, migratory waterfowl &Lake Biwa Museum.
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Jérémy Bourgouin 📷✈️🏃‍♂️ @jeremybourgouin - 2021-03-22: At ~50km of Kyoto, Hikone castle is one of the 12 authentic (unrestored) castles of Japan. As such, it is considere… https://t.co/MgK6bLnkZa
BearFlagEast @flag_east - 2021-03-17: Two years ago today at Hikone Castle.

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Saru @marsh_wolf - 2021-03-07: Note that it will be SAKURA TIME

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Sean Gold @SeanGoldPhotos - 2021-02-27: After visiting Hikone Castle and the gardens, I jumped back on the train to head to Matsumoto Castle, also known as… https://t.co/J6iDRjKvx1
近藤啓二 @ZePUNK - 2021-02-25: @archillect Hikonyan is more popular than Mickey Mouse, 😆lol!
I hope that one day you and your friends and family w… https://t.co/ylgKvBPt2e
近藤啓二 @ZePUNK - 2021-02-25: @archillect The bridge you can see behind this store is the one to enter Hikone Castle for sightseeing. A stuffed a… https://t.co/RpB7NHqbBR
近藤啓二 @ZePUNK - 2021-02-25: @archillect This is a store at Hikone Castle in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. The sign says, 'Souvenir of Hikone,… https://t.co/Y6uB0ypDQO
COOL JAPAN VIDEOS｜New site launched Sep 16, 2020 @cjv_en - 2021-02-24: Hikone Castle - A national treasure and treasure trove of valuable cultural assets in Shiga Prefecture! The castle… https://t.co/QGzPJ5ggy2
Makiko Itoh (伊藤牧子) @makiwi - 2021-02-22: Hikonyan, the official mascot of Hikone Castle in Shiga
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Aぇ! group v(°▽°)v Aぇ日です！ @aegroup_viva - 2021-02-18: This photo is from their trip to hikone castle! https://t.co/b9SQF4CjiT https://t.co/qoGEYPCsaq
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αnne 🎐 @chankapanne - 2021-01-26: Ahhhh Hikone Castle 🥺
It was a random spot I visited when I was in Japan back in 2015 but now the memory of it has… https://t.co/xEdyjmm5YV