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Before you go
Your trip to Hikone.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Hikone – Shiga Destination Hikone and Lake Biwa
How to get there
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Aeroporto Internacional Chubu Centrair (NGO) Tokoname · 114 km
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Estação de Hikone 1 km
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Porto de Hikone 3 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Hikone is on the JR Biwako Line, about 50 minutes from Kyoto and about 5 minutes from Maibara, the Tokaido shinkansen station. The castle is about a 15-minute walk from Hikone Station. Buses from the station serve the port for boats to Chikubu.
How many days
One day: the castle and Genkyu-en in the morning and Chikubu Island in the afternoon. With two days, add Omihachiman.
When to go
In early April the castle’s roughly 1,200 cherry trees usually bloom. Spring and autumn are pleasant for walking. Summers are hot and humid; in winter the castle can be snow-covered and boat services are less frequent.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The castle and Yume Kyobashi Street are within walking distance of the station, and buses connect the station to the port. Rental bicycles make it easy to reach the lake shore.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Hikone
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Morning
Hikone Castle
Climb up to Hikone Castle through the gates and stone walls and enter the main keep.
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Afternoon
Genkyu-en
Descend to the Genkyu-en garden, with views of the keep over the lake, and have lunch on Yume Kyobashi Street.
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Late afternoon
Chikubu Island
Take the boat from Hikone’s port to Chikubu Island and visit the temple and shrine.
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Evening
Omi beef
Back in Hikone, dine on Omi beef near the station.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Hikone?
Visit the original castle and Genkyu-en garden, stroll along Yume Kyobashi Street, and take the boat to Chikubu Island.
What is Hikonyan?
The city mascot, a white cat wearing a red samurai helmet, inspired by a legend of the lords of Hikone. The mascot often appears at the castle at announced times.
Is Hikone near the shinkansen?
Yes. Maibara, the Tokaido shinkansen station, is about 5 minutes away by local train.
Where to eat in Hikone?
On Yume Kyobashi Street and at Yonbancho Square near the castle, offering Omi beef, soba, and sweets.
Beyond the guide
