Hikone Travel Guide (2025)

15/01/2025

✨"Hikone Welcome Campaign"✨
-Hikonyan goods will be given away by lottery-
https://trip.hikoneshi.com/en/cp2025/

Hikone City, one of Japan's representative castle towns, is easily accessible, just about 50 minutes by train from Kyoto.
Long ago, after one of Japan's largest battles, the national treasure Hikone Castle was built, shaping the history of Hikone around its significant landmarks such as numerous temples, shrines, and historic streets. This history continues to be passed down to the present day.

This time, we will give away popular local character goods by lottery so you can enjoy the feeling of sightseeing in Hikone City!
Please apply before enjoying sightseeing in Hikone City.

Please let us know in the comments and photos the spots you would like to visit next time or the spots for your good memories in Hikone City.

・Application period: January 15, 2025 to February 9, 2025
・Prize: Hikonyan goods
・Number of winners: 10 people in total
・Winning announcement: February 21, 2025 (Schedule)
・Prize shipping: February 28, 2025 (Schedule)
Click here for more details
https://trip.hikoneshi.com/en/cp2025/

10/01/2025

The digital map of Hikone Castle is now complete!
This digital map allows you to comfortably explore Hikone Castle, offering descriptions of each spot and enabling you to check your current location using GPS.
As the tourism season approaches with plum and cherry blossoms blooming, we highly recommend using this map when you visit Hikone Castle.

By clicking on the map and then selecting "more maps" at the bottom, you can choose various display formats and access guidance in multiple languages.
Why not give it a try while strolling around Hikone Castle?
https://www.hikoneshi.com/information/article/3470

06/01/2025

Happy New Year!
Did you know that in Japan, there is a tradition of sending New Year’s greeting cards (nengajo)?
This year, Hikone City’s popular mascot, “Hikonyan,” is featured on nengajo cards, spreading New Year’s greetings across the country. If you’re a fan of Hikonyan, be sure to pick up one of these cards at a Japanese post office!

We will continue to share tourism information about Hikone City with you throughout the year.
When you travel to Japan in the near future, be sure to visit Hikone City, where you can experience unique aspects of Japanese culture. It’s sure to become an unforgettable part of your journey.

May 2025 be a wonderful year for you!
https://trip.hikoneshi.com/en/

27/12/2024

What kind of year has this year been for you?
In Japan, we're soon to welcome the New year by ringing a Joya-no-kane (Bell on New Year's Eve). The tradition of visiting shrines and temples in the New Year is called "hatsumode," and it is a familiar sight for Japanese people.
Hikone City is home to many historic shrines and temples. You can go on a pilgrimage to notable places such as "Daishiji Temple", which is famous as the temple of Japan's greatest Nekobo-san, and "Saifukuji Temple", which is famous for the Hikone Great Buddha.

Please come and visit Hikone next year.
You’re sure to discover something new and exciting you haven’t experienced yet!

https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/?sightseeing_ch%5B%5D=temples-shrines&s=&post_type=plan_your_visit

20/12/2024

Do you know the culture of "Toshikoshi soba" that has been passed down since ancient times in Japan?
It refers to eating soba noodles on New Year's Eve, and the culture still remains today.

There is a theory about the origin of the name, it is said that soba noodles are thin and long, so it means a wish for life extension and longevity. And there is also another theory saying that people started to eat soba to "ward off the misfortunes of the year" because soba is easier to cut than other noodles.

Here in Hikone City, you can enjoy Soba made with a focus on quality and water.
Please enjoy Soba along with the good old culture.
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/plan_your_visit/restaurants/other/tsurukian-local-ibuki-soba-noodles/

13/12/2024

Do you know Japanese Yokai?
Yokai (supernatural creatures in Japanese folklore) which frequently appear in popular anime and manga in recent years, have been passed down since ancient times as stories of mysterious powers and extraordinary phenomena.

In Hikone City and the Koto area around Lake Biwa, an exciting AR Stamp Rally is being held. This rally allows participants to enjoy sealing yokai while visiting various yokai spots in the region.
Event Period: Until January 31, 2025 (Friday).

By visiting the yokai spots and presenting the sealed yokai screen on your smartphone at the Hikone Tourist Center, you can receive special rewards. We encourage you to join in and have fun!
(A smartphone is required to participate in the Stamp Rally. Please note that information for this event is only available in Japanese.)

For details, visit:
https://www.hikoneshi.com/megrinko/2024yokai/

06/12/2024

When you visit Hikone City, the vehicle you should definitely try is the rickshaw.
Hikone City has many tourist spots and highlights that are surprisingly unknown.
Why not explore the hidden gems and scenic spots of Hikone, which are not typically found on maps or brochures, by taking a rickshaw ride and immersing yourself in Japanese culture?
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Hikone's charming streets with an experienced rickshaw puller who knows the city well.

Short Ride Course (10 minutes)
Price: 1 person: 1,000 yen, 2 persons: 2,000 yen
Around Hikone Course (30–60 minutes)
Price: 1 person: 4,000–10,000 yen, 2 persons: 6,000–12,000 yen

https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/plan_your_visit/activities/hikone-kirakusha-rickshaw/

29/11/2024

The "Special Night-Time Opening of Hikone Castle" is currently being held for a limited time.
To allow visitors to experience Hikone Castle as it was 400 years ago, no artificial lighting is used, enabling you to enjoy the traditional atmosphere, different from the daytime. How about taking a visit in the evening or at night?

Upcoming Dates:
・November 30 (Saturday), 2024
・December 7 (Saturday), 2024
・December 14 (Saturday), 2024
Event Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Last entry at 7:30 PM)

Open Area: Hikone Castle Ruins - Specially Designated Area
Admission Fees: Adults ¥800, Elementary and Junior High School Students ¥300

For more details:
https://www.knt.co.jp/ec/2023/hikone_night_tour/

Important Notes:
・Please follow the rules and manners to ensure everyone's safety and to protect the cultural property.
・As some areas may be dimly lit, we recommend bringing a flashlight.
・Since you will be climbing stone steps, we recommend wearing sneakers or other comfortable shoes.
・Please do not enter areas outside the designated public viewing area.

22/11/2024

This time, we will introduce a colorful day spent in Hikone,　showcasing its famous tourist spots, gourmet experiences, activities, and breathtaking views.

With its rich natural environment and historical heritage, Hikone has many attractions. You can enjoy a fulfilling time through various experiences, including visits to "Hikone Castle," "Genkyu-en Garden," breathtaking views of Lake Biwa, and Hikone's gourmet offerings.

Explore the city during the day and conclude your trip with a beautiful sunset, as we present a model course to fully enjoy the charm of Hikone.
Don't miss out on unique Japanese gourmet options like Omi beef, sushi, and wagashi!
https://www.hikoneshi.com/honmono-hikone-tourism/

15/11/2024

"Autumn Foliage Light-Up at Genkyu-en Garden" will finally begin tomorrow, featuring many exclusive highlights, including the appearance of Hikonyan. Why not come and fully enjoy an autumn like no other in Hikone?

◆ Tea Ceremony
A tea ceremony will be held at Hoshodai, built by the lord of Hikone to entertain guests. You can enjoy a blissful moment while gazing at the illuminated Japanese garden.
・Date and Time: During the Autumn Foliage Light-Up period, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Last entry at 8:20 PM)
・Location: Hoshodai / Fee: 500 yen for a serving (matcha and sweets) *No advance reservation required

◆ Light Art Exhibition
Works themed around the Sengoku period will be on display. Enjoy the space where historical architecture and art come together.
・Location: Hakkeitei / Fee: Free

◆ Hikonyan Appearance
・Date and Time: November 16 (Saturday) from 6:15 PM to 6:45 PM (Canceled in case of rain)
・Location: Musashino Square

"Autumn Foliage Light-Up at Genkyu-en Garden" will be held during the following period. Don't miss it!

・Dates: November 16 (Saturday) – November 30 (Saturday), 2024, from 18:00 to 21:30 (Entry until 21:00)
・Venue: Genkyu-en Garden
・Admission Fee: Adults: ¥900 / Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥450
*Please note that tickets purchased for Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden during the day cannot be used for entry at this event.
https://www.hikoneshi.com/event/article/c/kinshu

08/11/2024

Starting next week, from Saturday, November 16th, during the "Autumn Foliage Light-Up at Genkyu-en Garden," a smartphone-based mystery-solving event titled "Hikonyan and the Mysterious Colored Pencils" will be held simultaneously.
The mystery-solving adventure begins when Hikonyan encounters the mysterious colored pencils. Would you like to try solving the mysteries hidden in the illuminated Genkyu-en Garden?

Event Period: November 16, 2024 (Saturday) – November 30, 2024 (Saturday) 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Last entry at 8:30 PM)
Location: Genkyuen Garden
Content: Mystery-solving event (Playtime: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour)
Participation Fee: Adults: ¥1,500 / Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥1,000

*This includes the admission fee for the "Autumn Foliage Light-Up at Genkyu-enGarden" (Adults: ¥900, Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥450).
*Please note that tickets purchased for Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden during the day cannot be used for entry.
*Pre-registration is required. Please apply through the designated site.
*This event will be conducted in Japanese.

For more details, visit: https://www.hikoneshi.com/event/article/3443

02/11/2024

The Hikone Castle Festival Parade, an annual autumn tradition now in its 71st year, will be held this year. A vibrant parade will sweep through the entire area around Hikone Castle.
As a special guest, actor Masaya Kato will be joining the event and will play the role of Lord Naomasa Ii.

Additionally, after the parade, there will be a talk show featuring Mr. Kato on the Noh stage at the Hikone Castle Museum. This is a rare opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories from the dramas and films he has appeared in, so don’t miss it!
https://www.hikoneshi.com/event/article/c/parade

[Masaya Kato Premium Talk Show]
Doors open: 2:30 PM
Show starts: 3:30 PM (approx. 1 hour)
General Admission: ¥1,000
Elementary to High School Students: ¥500
https://www.hikoneshi.com/information/article/3439

01/11/2024

The feudal lord’s garden "Genkyuen", once belonging to the former Hikone domain lord, the Ii family, is a garden featuring a circular walking trail around the pond that showcases the extravagance of Edo culture.
Various spots within the garden, such as Hoshodai, Rinchikaku, and Gyoyakusho, are named, and the trees in each area are adorned in vibrant red and yellow hues. The breathtaking sight of these trees reflecting on the surface of the water truly captivates and draws you in with its beauty. Please come and enjoy the unique splendor of Hikone in late autumn.

Event Period: November 16, 2024 (Saturday) – November 30, 2024 (Saturday)
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last entry at 9:00 PM)
Location: Genkyuen
Admission Fee: Adults: ¥900 / Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥450
*Please note that daytime tickets for Hikone Castle and Genkyuen cannot be used for this event.

For more details, visit:
https://www.hikoneshi.com/event/article/c/kinshu

25/10/2024

Autumn foliage season is soon arriving in Hikone City.
Matsubara Shimoyashiki (Ohama Goten) is a spot where you can enjoy a beautiful autumn garden with colorful maples and ginkgo trees.
The garden is open to the public twice a year (spring and autumn) for a limited time only. The garden at Matsubara Shimoyashiki was designed using excellent landscaping techniques, making full use of the water from Lake Biwa and the natural features of the mountains. In the center of the garden is a pond whose shoreline changes in response to the water levels of Lake Biwa, making the garden itself rare in Japan.

Click here for details
https://www.hikoneshi.com/sightseeing/articles/matsubara-shimoyashiki

18/10/2024

"Hikone Castle Festival Parade," a representative autumn event of Hikone, will be held.
This vibrant parade, lasting about one hour, will feature hundreds of participants, including a marching band of local students, a procession of children dressed as feudal lords, a children's historical customs parade, and a procession of Hikone Town Fire Brigade. Be sure not to miss the matchlock gun performance by the Hikone Teppo-tai (gun corps) and the thrilling ladder-climbing performance by the Hikone Town Fire Brigade.

Hikone Castle Festival Parade
Date: November 3, 2024 (Sunday, National Holiday) 13:00–14:30 Location: In and around Hikone Castle
For more details, please visit :
https://www.hikoneshi.com/event/article/c/parade
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/events/hikone-castle-festival-parade/

11/10/2024

The annual "Local Mascots Expo 2024" will be held in Hikone, the holy land of local mascots.
Local mascots from all over Japan will gather here in Hikone to showcase their charm. This year, the event will take place near Hikone Castle, along the traditional and culturally rich Yume Kyobashi Castle Road. Hikone’s beloved mascot, Hikonyan, is also looking forward to welcoming you!

Event Dates: October 19 (Saturday) and 20 (Sunday), 2024
Location: Entire Yume Kyobashi Castle Road area
Details: https://gotouchi-chara.jp/hikone2024/

Introduction of Participating Mascots:
http://gotouchi-chara.jp/hikone2024/chara.html

04/10/2024

The "Special Night-Time Opening of Hikone Castle" is being held for a limited time.
Why not experience Hikone Castle as it was 400 years ago?
The event intentionally takes place without artificial lighting, allowing visitors to enjoy the castle in a different atmosphere from the daytime, with its traditional, historic ambiance. As the weather cools down, why not take an evening or nighttime stroll?

Event Dates: Saturdays from September 28, 2024 (Sat) to December 14, 2024 (Sat), as well as specified Fridays and Sundays during the period.
Event Time: 18:00–20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
Venue: Special area at the Hikone Castle Ruins
Admission Fee: Adults 800 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 300 yen
Details:
https://www.knt.co.jp/ec/2023/hikone_night_tour/

Notes:
・Please follow the rules and manners to ensure everyone's safety and protect cultural assets.
・We recommend bringing a flashlight as some areas may be dark.
・Since there are stone steps to climb, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes, such as sneakers.
・Please do not enter areas outside the designated public viewing area.

27/09/2024

Hikone City is a place where you can obtain a variety of local ingredients from both land and lake, such as juicy and exquisitely marbled Omi beef and fresh fish caught in the 4-million-year-old waters of Lake Biwa.
The long history of Hikone, blessed with abundant natural resources, has given rise to a unique food culture. Omi beef (Ōmi-gyū), the oldest of Japan's three famous wagyu beefs, is a highlight. Additionally, you can enjoy dishes made with freshwater fish from Lake Biwa, prepared using traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.
Be sure to try the various fish that can only be found in Lake Biwa.
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/only-in-hikone/cuisine/

There are many other foods associated with Hikone as well.
In Japan, many foods come into season during autumn. Please take the opportunity to savor the seasonal gourmet foods that can only be enjoyed here, including Japanese sweets, desserts, and Japanese tea.
https://www.hikoneshi.com/sightseeing/shopping/c/food

Hikone Travel Guide