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Castle · Hikone, Shiga
Hikone Castle
The Ii family’s castle, completed in 1622, on a hill beside Lake Biwa, with the original main keep, a national treasure, Edo-period towers and gates, and about 1,200 cherry trees.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Hikone Castle in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle was built between 1603 and 1622 by the Ii family, close allies of the Tokugawa, on top of Konki Hill next to Lake Biwa. To speed construction they reused stones, timber and structures from older regional castles, such as Ōtsu. The family governed the Hikone domain from here until the end of the Edo period, and one of its members, Ii Naosuke, was the shogunate’s chief minister in the mid-19th century.
The main keep, a small, ornate three-story tower with roofs of varied shapes and arched windows, is original and one of five castle keeps designated a National Treasure. Inside, nearly vertical steps connect the floors, and the beams and floors reveal the period’s construction techniques. From the top floor you can see Lake Biwa and the city.
The approach up the hill passes moats, stone walls and gates, and the Tenbin Tower, which has a symmetrical shape that resembles a balance scale, and the Taikomon Gate—both Important Cultural Properties. At the foot of the hill is the Hikone Castle Museum, a reconstruction of the old palace, exhibiting the Ii family’s red armor, nō masks and costumes, and objects from the domain.
In early April, the roughly 1,200 cherry trees on the grounds usually bloom around the moats, and sightseeing boats run along the inner moat. In autumn, maples color the adjacent Genkyū-en garden. The city mascot, the cat Hikonyan, often appears at announced times.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours; add 1 hour if you visit the museum.
Best time
In the morning, before the tour groups. In early April for the cherry blossoms there are lines to climb the keep. Check the keep’s hours and access rules.
How to get there
About a 15-minute walk from Hikone Station, along the avenue that leads to the main gate.
Tip
Buy the combined ticket with Genkyū-en and the museum. Bring socks: you enter the keep barefoot or in socks.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hikone Castle
Is Hikone Castle original?
Yes. The main keep, completed in the early 17th century, is original and one of five castle keeps designated a National Treasure.
How long does a visit to Hikone Castle take?
About 1.5 to 2 hours including the climb and the tower. The museum at the foot of the hill requires an additional hour.
When is the cherry blossom season at Hikone Castle?
Cherry trees usually bloom in early April. The exact date changes each year.
Can you see Lake Biwa from Hikone Castle?
Yes. The top floor of the tower offers views of the lake and the city.
Beyond the guide
