Hikone Castle stands proudly on a hill overlooking Lake Biwa , preserving its original Edo-period main keep, one of Japan’s National Treasures. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the moat; in autumn, colored leaves softly wrap the stone walls—seasonal scenery that warmly welcomes every visitor.
This article provides a complete travel guide to Hikone Castle, covering top highlights, access routes, ticket info, and time needed for sightseeing. It is tailored for international travelers and solo tourists, offering clear and practical information, even for short visits.
Why not add a quiet historical walk to your travel plans? Here’s everything you need to explore the charm of Hikone Castle.
Contents
How to Visit Hikone Castle for the First Time
Check the latest weather forecast before your visit: [weathernews ]
By Train
Kyoto Station / Osaka Station (Same Route)
Board the JR Tokaido Line (Special Rapid Service)
Direct to “Hikone Station” (Approx. 50 mins from Kyoto / 80 mins from Osaka)
Walk approx. 15 mins from Hikone Station to the castle
Total travel time (from Kyoto): approx. 65 mins
Total travel time (from Osaka): approx. 95 mins
Nagoya Station
Take the JR Tokaido Line “Tokubetsu Kaisoku” (Special Rapid) to “Maibara Station” (Approx. 55 mins)
Transfer to JR Biwako Line, 1 stop to “Hikone Station” (Approx. 5 mins)
Walk approx. 15 mins to the castle
Total travel time: approx. 1 hr 15 mins
One Point Tip
Hikone Castle｜Hours, Tickets & Location Info
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Open year-round (except for temporary closures during repairs)
Admission: Hikone Castle & Genkyu-en combo ticket – ¥1,200 (adults) / ¥350 (children)
Nearest Station: JR Hikone Station (approx. 15 mins on foot)
Official website: https://visit-omi.com/poi/article/hikone-castle/
Top Things to Do at Hikone Castle
Main Keep｜Explore an Original Edo Castle
Designated as a National Treasure , the main keep of Hikone Castle is one of just 12 original surviving keeps from the Edo period. Its striking white exterior and elegant silhouette are balanced with a defensive structure designed for real battle. Inside, steep wooden stairs lead to a panoramic view of Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei—a reward for those who reach the top. The air of quiet tension from its samurai past offers a rare chance to experience “real time” in a preserved historic setting.
Duration: 30–40 minutes
Admission: Included in the Hikone Castle + Genkyu-en combo ticket (¥1,200 adults / ¥350 children)
Hikone Castle Museum｜Inside Daimyo Culture
Reconstructed on the site of the former Omote Palace , this museum displays heirlooms of the Ii family, including armor, Noh masks, and tea ceremony utensils. It’s more than a history exhibit—it invites you to feel the aesthetic values of Japan’s warrior elite. Visitors take off their shoes and walk through a traditional tatami setting, enhancing immersion. Bilingual labels ensure foreign visitors can appreciate each item with ease, and the peaceful layout is ideal even on rainy days.
Walking Time: Approx. 5 mins from the main keep
Duration: 40 minutes
Admission: Included in combo ticket
Genkyu-en Garden｜Castle Views in a Peaceful Garden
Located just north of the main keep, Genkyu-en is a daimyō garden known for its stroll-style design around a central pond. As you walk the path, the scenery subtly shifts—stone bridges, tea houses, and trickling water all working in harmony. On still mornings or quiet evenings, the castle’s reflection in the water resembles a painted scroll. Seasonal flowers and soft sounds create a healing space away from urban noise.
Walking Time: Approx. 5 mins from the main keep
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission: Included in combo ticket
Hikone Day Trips & Nearby Places
Yume-Kyobashi｜Historic Town Street Walk
Just a 5-minute walk from the castle, this area recreates an Edo-period merchant district . White-walled buildings with lattice facades line the streets, which host specialty beef restaurants, artisan craft shops, and quiet cafés. The ambiance blends naturally into the historic setting, making it an ideal stop for an afternoon stroll. Around one hour is enough to enjoy the district at a relaxing pace.
Kurokabe Square｜Art & Retro Architecture
About 35 minutes by train from Hikone Station, followed by a 10-minute walk, this area features Meiji-era architecture with modern artistic flair. Glassblowing studios, antique stores, and art galleries invite visitors to explore at their own pace. You can try hands-on experiences or simply soak in the retro atmosphere with a coffee in hand. Spend 1.5 to 2 hours discovering this unique cultural blend.
Omihachiman｜Canal Town with Historic Charm
Roughly an hour by train south of Hikone, Omihachiman welcomes you with canals and white-walled merchant houses still in use. A 15-minute walk from the station brings you to Hachiman-bori, a preserved canal lined with stone paths and small boats drifting by. With 2–3 hours, you can take in historical architecture, explore peaceful streets, and enjoy local sweets at renowned shops—all at a relaxed pace.
Hikone Castle｜Travel FAQs
How much time should I allow to visit Hikone Castle?
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main keep, museum, and garden at a comfortable pace.
When is the least crowded time to visit?
Weekday mornings before 10:00 AM are usually quieter.
Can I enjoy the castle on a rainy day?
Yes, the museum and other indoor spaces make it enjoyable regardless of weather.
Is the castle suitable for visitors with small children?
The stairs inside the main keep are steep, but rest areas and stroller parking are available around the grounds.
Is Hikone Castle barrier-free?
The main keep is not barrier-free, but the museum and some nearby areas are partially accessible.
Hikone Castle｜Summary & Travel Ideas
Cherry blossoms in spring, vivid foliage in autumn, sweeping views from the main keep—Hikone Castle offers a refined blend of history and natural beauty. With clear paths and options to avoid crowds, even first-time visitors can enjoy a comfortable and satisfying experience.
The castle’s appeal lies not only in its architectural heritage but also in the way it reflects the changing seasons. Encounters with Hikonyan, the castle mascot, and peaceful garden strolls provide both delight and calm.
Next, how about exploring more of Shiga’s scenic wonders—like the nostalgic streets of Omihachiman or the artistic charm of Nagahama?
