Hikone Travel Guide

17/11/2023

If you're traveling through western Japan, why not make a stop in Hikone and immerse yourself in its rich history?

After visiting Nagoya Castle, you can conveniently take the Shinkansen and reach Hikone Station in just about 30 minutes from Nagoya Station. Here, you can explore the tranquil Genkyuen Garden and the Hikone Castle Museum, where you can physically connect with a history that spans over 400 years.

In Hikone's castle town, you'll have the opportunity to experience Japanese culture, unwind and savor delicious local cuisine. As you continue your journey westward, you can depart from Hikone Station and, without changing trains, make your way to Kyoto as well.

For more information, please visit:
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/tripideas/from-other-cities/from-nagoya/

15/11/2023

"Hikone Welcome Campaign"
-Hikonyan goods will be given away by lottery-

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: November 15, 2023 to January 31, 2024
・Prize: Hikonyan goods
・Number of winners: 10 people in total
・Winning announcement: February 10, 2024 (Schedule)
・Prize shipping: February 28, 2024 (Schedule)
Click here for more details
https://trip.hikoneshi.com/en/cp2023/

10/11/2023

The former lord of Hikone, the "Ii family," created the grand feudal lord's garden "Genkyuen," which is a garden feathering a circular walking trail around the pond that showcasing the extravagance of Edo culture.
Each corner of the garden is named such as "Hoshodai," "Rinchikaku," and "Gyoyakusho," with trees adorned in vibrant shades of red and yellow.
The enchanting reflection of these trees on the tranquil pond's surface is truly mesmerizing and captivates all who gaze upon it. We invite you to experience the distinct radiance of Hikone during late autumn.

Event Period: November 18, 2023 (Saturday) - December 3, 2023 (Sunday)､2023
Location: Genkyuen
Admission Fee: Adults: 700 yen / Elementary and junior high school students: 350 yen
For more details, visit:
https://www.hikoneshi.com/event/article/c/kinshu

Hikone Travel Guide is the official page of Hikone-city.

Explore fascinating atmosphere of deep history and culture, fantastic food and sake and wonderful events of Hikone on this page and our website https://trip.hikoneshi.com/en/

03/11/2023

Do you know Japanese Yokai?
Yokai (means monster in Japanese) frequently appear in popular anime and manga in recent years.
Its story has been told since ancient times as a mysterious power and an unusual phenomenon.

In the Koto area of Hikone City and Lake Biwa, there's an exciting AR Stamp Rally taking place. This rally allows you to enjoy sealing yokai by visiting various yokai spots within the area.
Event Period: Until December 24, 2023 (Sunday)

When you visit the yokai spots and present the sealed yokai on your smartphone screen at "Yonbancho Dining," you can receive the "Goyoin" of the sealed yokai on a first-come, first-served basis. If you manage to seal all 10 yokai, you can get the "Goyoincho (a book of sealed yokai)."
We invite you to join in on the fun!
(A smartphone is required to join in the stamp rally）
https://www.hikoneshi.com/megrinko/yokai-spot2/

27/10/2023

Autumn foliage season has arrived in Hikone City.
Matsubara Shimoyashiki (Ohama Goten) is a spot where you can enjoy a beautiful autumn garden with colored maples and ginkgo trees.
The garden is open to the public twice a year (spring and autumn) for a limited time only.
The garden of the Matsubara Shimoyashiki was created using excellent landscaping techniques and making full use of the water of Lake Biwa and the nature of the mountains.
In the center of the garden is a pond that changes its wave-like shape in conjunction with the water level of Lake Biwa, making it a rare garden in Japan.

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

Hikone Travel Guide is the official page of Hikone-city.

Explore fascinating atmosphere of deep history and culture, fantastic food and sake and wonderful events of Hikone on this page and our website https://trip.hikoneshi.com/en/

20/10/2023

Hikone's representative autumn event, the 'Hikone Castle Festival Parade,' is set to take place. This lively parade, which spans approximately one hour, features hundreds of participants, including a marching bandg of local students, a procession of children portraying feudal lords, a charming children's 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 acts by the Hikone Town Fire Brigade.

Hikone Castle Festival Parade
Date: November 3, 2023 (Friday, National Holiday) 13:30 - 15:00
Location: In and around Hikone Castle
For more details, please visit:
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/events/hikone-castle-festival-parade/
https://www.hikoneshi.com/event/article/c/parade

13/10/2023

Would you like to savor local cuisine in Hikone?

Begin your day with the refreshing ambiance of Lake Biwa, indulge in a juicy Omi beef lunch, and then explore through Hikone Castle and its charming castle town...
Among the world-famous Wagyu beef varieties, do not miss the opportunity to taste Omi Beef, a beloved classic with a rich history!
When you visit Japan, be sure to relish flavors that are unique to this country. Moreover, Hikone offers convenient access to Osaka, the food capital.

For more details, click here:
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/tripideas/from-other-cities/enjoy_local_eats/

06/10/2023

The "Local Character Expo," a festival where local characters from all over Japan gather, will take place in Hikone, a holy land of for local characters.
This time, the event will be held at a new venue within Hikone City.
If you're a fan of iconic characters like Hikonyan, and other beloved characters, this event is an absolute must-see!
Don't miss out on this opportunity and join us.
*Photos featured are from previous events.

Date: October 21st (Saturday) and 22nd (Sunday), 2023
Location: Proceed Arena HIKONE
For more information, please visit：
http://gotouchi-chara.jp/hikone2023/

29/09/2023

Why not take a stroll through Hikone Castle and the Sawayama Castle Ruins?

From renowned castles to lesser-known, nature-rich spots in Hikone, we present a model course that offers a chance to delve into the unique history of Hikone.

At Hikone Station, which is not far from Kyoto, you'll be welcomed by a bronze statue of Naomasa Ii, the military commander who built Hikone Castle.

Within temples offering tranquil rock gardens and stunning ink paintings, as well as the magnificent castles, Japanese gardens evoking history and tradition, and the charming streets of the castle town, you'll find Hikone's traditional Japanese sweets, gourmet delights, and souvenirs.

If the timing is right, you might even have the opportunity to encounter Hikonyan, Hikone City's beloved character.

https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/tripideas/within_hikone/explore-hikone-castle-the-former-site-of-sawayama-castle/

22/09/2023

An event called the "Hikonyan Gourmet Rally" will be held, where Hikone City's popular character "Hikonyan" will visit eateries and cafes that “he might have dropped by on his days off.”

Taking place between September 15th and October 29th, the event will occur on designated days such as Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at various eateries within Hikone City. During this time, participants can enjoy meals and sweets, and even acquire Hikonyan-themed merchandise at souvenir shops.
Additionally, at the designated venues, an exclusive "original menu that Hikonyan might have ordered" will be available solely for participants.
If you're familiar with Hikonyan, who frequently appears on this account, why not take the chance to experience Hikonyan in person?

*To take part, the purchase of a coupon ticket in advance is required.
https://hikonyan-osanpo.jp

Hikone Travel Guide is the official page of Hikone-city.

Explore fascinating atmosphere of deep history and culture, fantastic food and sake and wonderful events of Hikone on this page and our website https://trip.hikoneshi.com/en/

15/09/2023

Hikone Castle, with its magnificent 400-year-old structure, is one of five castle towers designated as a national treasure. With white plaster on the stone exterior walls, the three-story chalk castle tower still boasts a noble and majestic appearance that awakes emotion in visitors through the seasons.
In the Hikone Castle area, you might also be able to meet Hikone City's character "Hikonyan!"
How about visiting Hikone Castle, a castle that isn't only beautiful on the outside but also perfectly displays the functionality of a true Japanese castle!

Click here for details
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/castle/the_castle/

*For those who want to know more about Hikone Castle, there is an app which you can enjoy learning about Hikone Castle through videos and playing games. (Supports Japanese, English, Chinese Simplified Chinese, and Chinese Traditional Chinese)
[Android]
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.xeen.hikone&hl=ja&gl=US
[iOS]
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1546436357?fbclid=IwAR0Hvt9w_jKGeIuk6D2Eca7Pv5WbQKPCiaK_DmLe4dGOwIobXJnxS-dEQn4

08/09/2023

Kangetsu-no-yube Moon-Viewing Evening

"Genkyu-en Garden" is a strolling garden with pond and paths, exemplify the greatest extravagance of Edo period culture.
An extraordinarily beautiful sight of both the moon above and the National Treasure of Hikone Castle is the pride of the gardens.
Genkyu-en Illuminations on the Mid-Autumn Festival night give you an opportunity to enjoy a rich Daimyo garden experience.
Period: September 17th (Sat) to October 9th (Mon), 2023,
　10 days on weekends and holidays, every day 18:00-21:00
Location: Genkyu-en
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/events/moon-viewing-evening/

Click here for details of Genkyu-en
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/plan_your_visit/sightseeing/culture-history/genkyu-en-garden/

01/09/2023

At Hikone Castle, a special event called the 'Autumn Color of Hikone Castle Night Special Opening' will be held from September 16th (Saturday) to December 9th (Saturday), limited to specific dates.
Visitors might enjoy a different atmosphere compared to the daytime. The Hikone Castle ruins and the castle keep within the special historic site area will be open to the public.
As the cooler season approaches, why not consider an evening or nighttime outing?

Event Period: September 16th, 2023 (Saturday) - December 9th, 2023 (Saturday)
Event Dates: Every Saturday, as well as September 17th (Sunday), October 8th (Sunday), November 3rd (Friday/public holiday) , 19th (Sunday), 23rd (Thursday/Holiday), 24th (Friday)

Event Time: 18:00 - 20:00 (*Last entry is until 19:30.)
Admission Fee: 600 yen for adults, 200 yen for children
For more details, please visit:
https://www.knt.co.jp/ec/2023/hikone_night_tour/

26/08/2023

We would like to introduce a model course where you can spend a day appreciating the quiet, and lush green of zen temples, as well as the magnificent nature.

In Hikone City, which is close to Kyoto, there are spots where you can experience tranquility, such as Ryotan-ji Temple, as well as places where you can take a leisurely ride through the old-fashioned castle town of Hikone on a rental bicycle. You can even enjoy a picnic on the edge of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake.
Would you like to go on a trip where you can feel the healing of nature?
【A Relaxing Journey from Kyoto】
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/tripideas/from-other-cities/a-relaxing-journey-from-kyoto/

19/08/2023

Hikone City, one of Japan's representative castle towns, is located about 50 minutes by train from Kyoto.
The history of Hikone has been handed down to the present day, emphasizing on the National Treasure of Hikone Castle, which was built after one of Japan's largest battles, also temples, shrines, and old townscapes.
Please take a trip and experience the culture and rich history of Hikone Castle, Temples & Shrines ...
https://trip.hikoneshi.com/en/

23/12/2022

Do you know the culture of "Toshikoshi soba" that has been passed down since ancient times in Japan?
It refers to Soba noodles eaten 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/

16/12/2022

Hikone City's popular character "Hikonyan"
It is characterized by the maneki-neko, which is said to beckoned at the front of the temple gate to save a military commander from a thunderstorm in the old day, and the akazonae helmet which originated from this area.
The name "Hikonyan" was chosen from 1,167 entries.

In Hikone City, the sacred place of local mascots with such famous characters, the other day, a "local mascot expo" was held where local mascots gathered from all over the country to promote their hometown.
There was also a Hikonyan stage, and many characters gathered from all over the country.

Hikonyan likes taking a walk around Hikone Castle. Would you like to come and meet it?
https://hikone-hikonyan.jp/
http://gotouchi-chara.jp/hikone2022/

09/12/2022

Hikone Castle, a national treasure, is open to the public at night for a limited time as an opportunity to experience the traditional atmosphere of Hikone Castle.
Finally, tomorrow, on December 10th, will be the last day of the night special admission.
On the final day, you can also see Hikone City's mascot, Hikonyan, taking a walk at night time!
Please enjoy the "authentic castle" at night, which is rare to open to the public.

[Date and time]
December 10th (Saturday) 18:00-20:30 (Last entry is 20:00) *The admission may be cancelled due to bad weather.
In case of cancellation, we will inform you on the Hikone Castle official website (official Twitter) by 17:00 on that day.

[Place]
Hikone Castle (front gate ticket office ⇒ Kanenomaru ⇒ Tenbin Yagura Turret ⇒ Taikomon Yagura turret ⇒ Tenshumae Hiroba Square ⇒ Tenshu (castle tower) ⇒ Nishinomaru Hiroba Square)
Except for the castle tower, you cannot see the inside of indoor structures such as yagura (turrets).

[Night viewing fee]
Adults (high school students and above): 600 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen

[Entrance]
Only at the front gate (Omotemon) ticket office. Entry may be restricted depending on the entry status.
Otemon and Kuromon Gate will be closed, so you cannot enter from here.

[Event]
"Hiko-nyan" night walk on December 10th (Saturday) 19:30-19:45

[Others]
In order to allow visitors to experience the 400 years ago of Hikone Castle, we intentionally turn off the lights to preserve the appearance of that time.
Some places might be dark, so we recommend bringing a flashlight.
https://www.city.hikone.lg.jp/kakuka/sangyo/2/2/20361.html

02/12/2022

"Autumn Hikone Nigiwai Market" is held during the autumn leaves season of Hikone Castle.
There are a variety of “Made in HIKONE” items such as specialty Omi beef, lake fish tsukudani, funazushi, Japanese sweets, and Hikonyan goods.
After exploring around suurounded by red and yellow autumn leaves, make sure to stop by and find a special Hikone souvenir at this Nigiwai market?

Period: Until Sunday, December 4th, 2022
Hours: 9:30-17:00
Location: Hikone Castle Ninomaru Parking Lot
https://www.hikoneshi.com/information/article/3117

27/11/2022

Autumn foliage season has arrived in Hikone City.
Matsubara Shimoyashiki (Ohama Goten) is a spot where you can enjoy a beautiful autumn garden with colored maples and ginkgo trees.
The garden is open to the public twice a year (spring and autumn) for a limited time only.
The garden of the Matsubara Shimoyashiki was created using excellent landscaping techniques and making full use of the water of Lake Biwa and the nature of the mountains.
In the center of the garden is a pond that changes its wave-like shape in conjunction with the water level of Lake Biwa, making it a rare garden in Japan.

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

18/11/2022

Not only castles, Hikone also has many old mansions built in the Edo period that have been designated cultural properties by Hikone City.
The "Kyu-Hikone Hanashigaru Kumiyashiki Virtual Museum'', which can be viewed on the Internet, has recently opened, and you can now see the interior of the old-fashioned building.

Tsujibansho is a detached house with a garden that keep up the apperance of a samurai residence, and it is a historical heritage site where you can experience and learn about the Edo period through materials and items which used in everyday life.
Please stop by when you come to Hikone.

Click here for a 3D walkthrough of the virtual museum
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=nxppCvyyqvJ

Click here for cultural and historical spots in Hikone City
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/?sightseeing_ch%5B%5D=culture-history&s=&post_type=plan_your_visit

11/11/2022

Do you know what are "Daruma"?
A Daruma is a doll with the face of the Buddhist saint "Daruma-daishi" painted on it that stands up on its own even if it falls down. It is popular as a lucky charm which will help you to fulfill your wishes.

In Hikone City, there is Ryotanji Temple, also known as "Dharma Temple".
Every year on April 1st and 2nd, the Daruma Festival is held and you will be able to see about 5,000 of self-righting daruma dolls lined up that pray for good fortune and ward off bad luck .
Please look forward to the next cherry blossom season.
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/plan_your_visit/sightseeing/temples-shrines/ryotan-ji-temple/

04/11/2022

The contemporary art exhibition "BIWAKO Biennale", which is held once every two years, is now being held until November 27, 2022 in Hikone City and neighboring municipalities. Historical buildings in the Hikone and Omihachiman areas will be transformed by an artist's art exhibition, and you can see them at about 35 venues spread around Lake Biwa.
The theme this time is "Kigen ~ ORIGIN".
The history of the land and the charm of the space shine through art.
You can see past works from the following sites.
https://energyfield.org/biwakobiennale/en/

28/10/2022

For visiting around Hikone's castle town, there is the loop bus service as the recommended transportation.
When you get on the bus with the design of Tachibana, which is also the family crest of the Ii family, the bus stops at major stops, such as Hikone Station - Hikone Castle - Yumekyobashi Castle Road - Yonbancho Square.
While riding on the bus, you can enjoy the view of the city.
Original castle stamps are sold inside the bus.
How about going around the castle town of Hikone by bus?

Click here for more details
https://www.ohmitetudo.co.jp/page.jsp?id=5253
Click here for travel plans
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/plan_your_visit/

21/10/2022

Hikone Castle, with its magnificent 400-year-old structure, is one of five castle towers designated as a national treasure. With white plaster on the stone exterior walls, the three-story chalk castle tower still boasts a noble and majestic appearance that awakes emotion in visitors through the seasons.
In the Hikone Castle area, you might also be able to meet Hikone City's character "Hikonyan!"
How about visiting Hikone Castle, a castle that isn't only beautiful on the outside but also perfectly displays the functionality of a true Japanese castle!

*For those who want to know more about Hikone Castle, there is an app which you can enjoy learning about Hikone Castle through videos and playing games. (Supports English .etc)

Click here for details
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/castle/the_castle/
https://hikonecastle.com/about.html

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.xeen.hikone&hl=ja&gl=US （Android）

https://apps.apple.com/app/id1546436357 （iOS）

14/10/2022

At Genkyuen in Hikone Castle, there is a place where you can enjoy matcha green tea while gazing at the beautiful Japanese garden.
You can spend a relaxing time in the tatami room.
Taking a break while enjoying the scenery of the four seasons is truly exceptional.
In the upcoming autumn leaves season, the trees will change into red and yellow, creating a beautiful scenery.
It is also recommended to take a walk around the pond that makes you feel free.
Click here for details
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/plan_your_visit/sightseeing/culture-history/genkyu-en-garden/

07/10/2022

Lake Biwa the largest lake in Japan, has islands that are known for their history, nature, and power spots.

Among them, the sightseeing boat Naomasa, which has a cool appearance, has a red armor motif that tells the history of Hikone.

The two-story ship has a capacity of 160 people, and you can enjoy cruising on the deck where you can feel the wind.
Along with visiting Hikone Castle, how about taking a tour of the lake on a sightseeing boat?

Click here for details
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/tripideas/from-other-cities/from_kanazawa/
https://www.ohmitetudo.co.jp/marine/cruise/ship/naomasa/

30/09/2022

Another place where you can feel the atmosphere of Edo.
Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road is designed to look like the streets of an Edo castle town, lined with a variety of shops that selling Japanese and Western sweets and many unique Hikone items.

This area is also known as a spot of Maki-neko(a beckoning cat), so you can buy Maneki-neko figures which will bring you lots of luck!

For more details, please check our website below :
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/plan_your_visit/sightseeing/culture-history/yume-kyobashi-castle-road/

22/09/2022

Japanese Wagyu is known worldwide for its high quality.
Among Wagyu cattle, Omi beef is known as one of the three major ones with an unrivaled history spanning 400 years.
Bred surrounded by mountains and by the natural beauty of Lake Biwako, Omi beef is known for its distinctive aroma, tenderness, and depth of flavor.
The marbling and the luster of the fat in each piece bring out the original freshness and juiciness of the meat for a completely unique food experience.
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/only-in-hikone/cuisine/

Restaurant information serving Omi beef
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/?restaurants_ch%5B%5D=omi-beef&s=&post_type=plan_your_visit

16/09/2022

Do you know Japanese Yokai?
Yokai (means monster in Japanese) frequently appear in popular anime and manga in recent years.
Its story has been told since ancient times as a mysterious power and an unusual phenomenon.

In the Koto area of Hikone City and Lake Biwa, we are holding an AR stamp rally where you can enjoy visiting the monster spots scattered in the area.

Period: Until November 19th, 2022
If you visit 3 or more Yokai Spots and make a Yokai emerge in AR, you will receive a postcard and gifts such as free admission to the current special exhibition "Omi no Yokai".
If you are interested in Yokai, please check it out.
(A smartphone is required to participate in the stamp rally, and information will be provided in Japanese.)
https://www.hikoneshi.com/megrinko/yokai-spot/

09/09/2022

Kangetsu-no-yube Moon-Viewing Evening
The Genkyu-en garden is an Edo-style strolling garden with pond and paths, exemplify the greatest extravagance of Edo period culture.
An extraordinarily beautiful sight of both the moon above and the National Treasure of Hikone Castle is the pride of the gardens.
Genkyu-en Illuminations on the Mid-Autumn Festival night give you an opportunity to enjoy a rich Daimyo garden experience.
Period: September 10th (Sat) to October 2nd (Sun), 2022,
10 days on weekends and holidays, every day 18:00-21:00 only.
Location: Genkyu-en
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/events/moon-viewing-evening/

Click here for details of Genkyu-en
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/plan_your_visit/sightseeing/culture-history/genkyu-en-garden/

02/09/2022

Hikone City, one of Japan's representative castle towns, is located about 50 minutes by train from Kyoto.
The history of Hikone has been handed down to the present day, emphasizing on the National Treasure of Hikone Castle, which was built after one of Japan's largest battles, also temples, shrines, and old townscapes.
Please take a trip and experience the culture and rich history of
Hikone Castle, Temples & Shrines ...
https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/only-in-hikone/culture/

Recommended historical and cultural spot information
https://trip.hikoneshi.com/en/course_history.html

25/03/2022

In Hikone, spring is an exciting time of year. Approximately 1100 cherry trees bloom around Hikone Castle, dying the area in a beautiful pink hue. When the cherry blossoms fall, the moat is covered with petals, creating a flower raft that offers a different but nonetheless stunning view of the pink petals.
During the peak, the cherry blossoms are illuminated at night, attracting many visitors! The pink flowers that seem to float in the dark night sky will captivate your heart with their bewitching beauty.

https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/events/hikone-castle-cherry-blossom-festival/

https://www.hikoneshi.com/jp/event/articles/c/sakuramatsuri

18/03/2022

Located in front of the Iroha pine tree, Hikone Castle Resort & Spa offers a luxurious location overlooking the graceful and majestic keep and turrets of Hikone Castle, a national treasure, while welcoming you with the elegance of the castle town and the warmth of Japanese hospitality!
At the hotel's restaurant Omi Dining Kisshou, guests can enjoy the local flavors of Hikone through the varied menu featuring high-quality Omi beef and seasonal ingredients.
In addition, the large public bath (Castle View Bath) offers a view of Hikone Castle's keep, so bathing while enjoying Hikone Castle lit up at night is the perfect time to wash away your physical fatigue.

https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/plan_your_visit/accommodation/hotels/hikone-castle-resort-spa/

https://www.hikoneshi.com/sightseeing/articles/castlehotel

&Spa

15/03/2022

Sawasen's traditional sweets have a nostalgic homemade taste. At Sawasen, they are committed to a careful and passionate production process that allows you to taste the flavors of freshly baked sweets.
All of their tasty homemade wagashi (Japanese sweets), such as kushidango, sake manju, and amazake, are made from 100% local rice!
You can spend a relaxing time in the store overlooking Hikone Castle, a national treasure, and savor the deliciousness of wagashi with matcha green tea or coffee.

https://trip.hikoneshi.com/en/course_gourmet.html

https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/plan_your_visit/local-goods/sawasen-japanese-sweets/

08/03/2022

The “Gojyoka Nigiwai Ichi (Bustling Market of the Castle Town)” is held every year during the cherry blossom season. Regional Hikone products such as Omi beef, tsukudani, funazushi, Japanese sweets, pickles, local sake, and Hikonyan goods are all gathered! Specialty products and hanami (flower viewing) bento boxes will be available in abundance!
After touring the castle blooming with spring flowers, make sure to stop by this exciting castle town market! You will surely find something special to remind you of Hikone!

https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/events/lively-castle-town-market/

25/02/2022

Hikone Castle has a stunning plum grove with about 450 red and white plum trees.
This plum grove used to be the location of a rice warehouse and was planted in 1950 to commemorate Hikone Castle being selected as one of the top 100 sightseeing spots in Japan. The plum trees are usually in full bloom from mid to late March, announcing the arrival of spring.
At Hikone Castle, you can see plum blossoms not only in the plum grove but also in front of the castle tower and by the stables.

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