2025 Hikone Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

#lake #Biwakoattractions #thebiggestlake #JapanTravel lake biwa Lake Biwa, located in the central area of ​​Shiga Prefecture, belongs to the first-class river "Yodogawa River System" and covers an area of ​​approximately 670 square kilometers, accounting for approximately one-sixth of the total area of ​​the prefecture. The amount of water injected from the Ibuki Mountains, the Suzuka Mountains, the Hira Mountains and the surrounding mountains with an altitude of more than 1,000 meters reaches 27.5 billion tons. It is the largest lake in Japan with the largest water storage capacity and the largest freshwater lake in Japan. It is also one of the only 20 ancient lakes in the world. I highly recommend the Shiga Prince Hotel. It has a large space and beautiful environment. It is perfect for walking around the lake in the morning and evening. #KYOTOShiga #ShigaPrince #First-grade river #100 ways to travel

#100 Ways to Travel Lake Biwa is located in Shiga and has a vast area. Mount Hira is a great place to enjoy Lake Biwa. From Kyoto, take a bus to Shiga Station, transfer to a bus and take the cable car to the top of the mountain, which is over 1,000 meters away. The cable car only takes 5 minutes! Immediately upon arrival you are greeted by a beautiful view of grass and blue! There are several restaurants on the mountain overlooking Lake Biwa. The venue is also very spacious. You can take the free cable car in the picture. It is very stable and can even be used by children. And there are many recreational facilities, such as grass skiing, swings, and recreational games. Children and adults have a lot of fun! The scenery is really beautiful, but it was very windy that day and the temperature on the mountain was only about 15 degrees. You must bring a jacket because it was too windy and I only stayed for more than an hour🤣 Tips: 1. Check the weather. Lake Biwa Cable Car has an official website where you can check the weather map on the mountain in real time. The cloudy sky should be really gray... 2. The mountain cable car costs 3,500 yen for a round trip. I heard that it is cheaper if you pre-order online. 3. After purchasing the ticket online, you have to go to the spot to redeem it. I didn’t redeem it first and queued for the cable car team again, but it didn’t take long. 4. Bring a coat and a girl with a hairdo that won’t mess up the hair, otherwise it will blow too much and make it impossible to take photos. 5. The scenery at Shiga Station is beautiful! After getting off the bus, I saw an unforgettable view on the platform! Hayao Miyazaki style! 🤣 #日本Travel #ibiwa湖

#100 Travel Style The illuminated cherry blossoms at Hikone Castle were so beautiful★Hikone Castle Sakura Festival 2023 is currently being held. Smartphone photos are taken at the end. Location: Shiga. Title: Hikone Castle Sakura Illumination 2023 Spot name: Hikone Castle Address: 1-1 Kanagicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture Opening hours: 18:30-20:45 (illuminated) Tips for taking photos: Anyone can easily take the first photo with a smartphone Note: The first composition is prohibited from tripods and sitting down There was a photo spot at the outer moat I was walking around the inner moat (((((*==) but there was nothing! I thought I should go home, but then I found a photo spot The smartphone photo is in the 6th photo, so please use it as a reference (tsu) The photo was taken on 3/30, so please hurry (=__)9 #HikoneCastle #SakuraSpot #ShigaToco #ShigaTouristSightseeing #ShigaTourism #Sakura #ShigaPrefecture #ShigaSakura

Shiga Prefecture - Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival The Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival is a summer tradition in Shiga Prefecture! The fireworks display at Japan's largest lake is grand and breathtaking.👏 ☑️ This fireworks festival features 10,000 fireworks✨ ☑️ The launch site is right in front of the Lake Biwa Hotel! ☑️ A powerful fireworks festival! ☑️ Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, offers stunning reflections of the fireworks on its surface. ☑️ The venue, Otsu City, and Kusatsu City, where the fireworks can be seen, are easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto, even though they are in Shiga Prefecture! 📍 Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival

Club Harie Hikone Mihorinoya in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, sells Club Harie's Baumkuchen, a popular Shiga souvenir, and has a cafe on the second floor. It's located near Hikone Castle, so you can easily stop by while sightseeing. In the same building, you'll also find Taneya, a Japanese confectionery store that sells Club Harie, making it a popular spot to buy both Western and Japanese confectionery that represent Shiga. 📌Club Harie Hikone Mihorinoya 📌 1-2-33 Honmachi, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture 522-0064 📌It's located next to Hikone Castle, so it's recommended to visit it in conjunction with sightseeing at the castle🏯. 📌 Popularity ★★★☆☆ #Domestic travel #Shiga prefecture #Shiga #Club Harie #Taneya #Hikone Castle #Hikone City #Hikone #Cafe #Western sweets #Japanese sweets

#Japan Attractions Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture is near Nagoya and Kyoto, but its lack of bright and dazzling fame gives Hikone Castle a more peaceful and beautiful atmosphere. If you don't like hustle and bustle or want to find a small town suitable for meditation, Hikone Castle is worth staying in for a while. The castle tower is one of only five remaining in Japan and has profound historical value. When you come to this town and enjoy the leisurely atmosphere around you, remember to go up to the top floor of the castle to overlook Lake Biwa and the entire city and feel the aura of the town! #castle #meditation #town #yoga #yoga retreat #vertebral arch fracture #isthmus fracture #sadhguru #historical value #classical beauty

#Japan Attractions If many people travel to Kansai, they usually go to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe. There is no denying that the tourism development in these cities is relatively complete, and the tourist information, transportation information, and various food, drink, and entertainment information are relatively complete. After visiting Kansai several times, I began to want to slowly explore the small towns in the suburbs near Osaka. This time, I chose Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture! Hikone Castle has a first-class river and the beautiful Lake Biwa. From Kyoto Station, you can reach Minami-Hikone Castle Station in just one hour by JR train! Walking leisurely from Minami-Hikone Station towards Lake Biwa, leisurely walking through the main streets of the town, enjoying the simplicity of the small town, and smiling at the locals are really the most beautiful memories of the trip! IG: meditation_me_time #town #tranquility #lake biwa #yoga #yoga retreat #meditation #meditation #yoga #ヨガ　 #vertebral arch fracture treatment

#Japan Attractions Hikone Castle Tower is the landmark of Hikone Castle. It is very convenient to take the JR railway line from Kyoto Station to Hikone Station, so you can depart at any time. The opening hours of Hikone Castle Tower are from 8:30am to 5pm, which is the opening time of the moat gate under the castle. There are three ticket entrances to the castle: Otemon Bridge, Omotemon Bridge, and Kuromon Bridge. It is worth noting that no matter which ticket entrance you go through, it is a long way to get to the castle tower. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the castle tower on the top of the mountain to the main entrance ticket office. The last admission to the castle on the top of the mountain is 4:30pm, so it is recommended to enter before 2pm. The bird's eye view of Hikone Castle from the castle tower is really beautiful, it's worth it no matter how tiring it is! #Hikone Castle #castle #meditation #yoga #yoga retreat #vertebral arch fracture #isthmic arch fracture #sadhguru #castle tower #Hikone station #moat

#Japan Attractions Wandering around downtown Hikone is a great way to explore. The town hall and specialty shops on the main street are so attractive that you can't help but stop and take a look. The town hall is a building with a nice design. We passed by a plus-size clothing store which also looked nice to shop at and buy some oversized coats as spring wear. It was getting dark when we reached Hikomoto Town. Watching the afterglow of the sunset shining on the roofs and wooden walls of the quaint Japanese white wooden buildings, against the backdrop of the incomparable beauty of spring, Hikone Castle is an ancient town that can calm people and calm their minds. IG: meditation_me_time #AncientTown #HikoneCastle #Honmachi #Yoga #YogaRetreat #Sadhguru #Spring #SlowLife

#日本景点 Shiga Prefecture in Japan has sufficient natural conditions to become an agricultural prefecture. Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture is the largest freshwater lake in Japan. With such abundant water and nutrients, the soil and farms here receive the best nutrients. Take a stroll along the Inukami River, a first-class river, and look at the endless fields, waiting for the arrival of spring, sowing seeds all over the ground, and then waiting for the harvest. At the same time, you can also go to the nearby Huangshenshan Park to overlook the nearby rural scenery. It is a good place for tourists who like slow living to relax. IG: meditation_me_time #Hikone Castle #Lake Biwa #Farmland #Garden #First-class River #Yoga #Yoga Retreat #sadhguru #Inner Engineering #Detachment #metime

#Japan Attractions Hikone Castle's Genguen Garden and castle tower are famous local cultural heritages. When you come to Hikone Castle, it is recommended to take at least a whole day and afternoon to feel the aura of this ancient monument and the temperament of the park. There are multiple entrances to the historic site, and we chose to enter the park from the Black Gate entrance of Jingui Park. The entrance fee is 800 yen. There are different trails in the park where you can walk slowly in the woods, listen to the birds singing, and feel the phytoncides of spring. When I walked into the castle tower, I was shocked by the internal architectural structure! The staircase is designed vertically! As soon as I entered, I saw several elderly people walking down the vertical stairs without fear, and I was immediately filled with awe. It was truly admirable! IG: meditation_me_time #Hikone #castle #innerengineering #reverence #sadhguru #yoga #meditation #yogaretreat

#Japan Attractions Hikone City, an ancient town that sounds both familiar and unfamiliar. Hikone Castle is about 85 kilometers away from Kyoto Prefecture, and it takes about an hour to reach the ancient town of Hikone by JR railway. There is a landmark in the town, which is also an ancient castle - the castle tower. The castle tower's moat, the nearby Lake Biwa, and the elegant atmosphere of the ancient town complement each other. In modern times, the castle tower has become a national heritage site, and the surrounding area has also been regulated and developed. Kinki Park is one of the leisure areas next to the castle. After enjoying the cherry blossoms or feeling the tranquil atmosphere near the castle, you can slowly move to the Kuromon entrance of Kinki Park Castle Tower to buy a ticket and explore the castle tower on the mountain! IG: meditation_me _time #Hikone Castle #Castle Tower #Yoga Retreat #Sakura #Yoga #Sadhguru #World Heritage

Hikone Castle in spring has a blue sky and is very refreshing! This time we plan to stay in Hikone Castle for a week. On a sunny day, I decided to go out and explore this ancient town. There must be many shrines in the ancient town. Kasumori Inari Shrine, a small shrine next to the commercial district. With its dazzling orange torii gate, it’s hard to miss this small shrine. Tanshou means to protect the believers from getting sores; and Tanshou Inari means to hope that the crops will not fail. Sit on a bench at the peaceful Kasumori Inari Shrine, meditate quietly and feel the spiritual energy around you. Everyone, when you come to Hikone Castle, remember to check in! #Shrine #Torii #Orange

Leave Kanazawa City and drive 2.5 hours to Yangen City. The parking fee at Yanken Castle is 1000 yen Tenshu + Garden Tickets are 800 yen, if you have to walk around the museum add 400 The antique wooden castle in Japan is well preserved, although not as magnificent as Himeji Castle. But on the castle tower you can overlook the scenery of Lake Biwa, which is worth recommending! #YanganCity

Yumekyobashi Castle Road is a spot near Hikone Castle where you can enjoy Shiga gourmet food 🥩 Along this street, you can eat delicious Omi beef at Omiya ✨ The Omi beef tataki bowl set is characterized by the egg roll with Hikonyan on top! It was a cute-looking bowl that looked great in photos 🐱 Of course, the Omi beef was also delicious! Access: 1-6-25 Honmachi, Hikone, Shiga Prefecture #Shiga #ShigaTourism #Hikonyan #OmiBeef

Hikone Castle, built by Ii Naotsugu and Naotaka, is a castle designated as a special national historic site 🏯 It's a small castle, but once inside, there are a series of steep stairs, so it was a bit difficult to get to the top floor 🤣 This castle is famous for being able to meet Hikonyan, the king of mascot characters 💕 A show by Hikonyan is held every day, so I recommend you check it out! It was a cute and relaxing show ✨ 📍1-1 Kanagicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture (15 minutes walk from Hikone Station) #Shiga #ShigaTourism #HikoneCastle #Hikonyan

#2023travelwish This is the Hikone castle situated in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. It takes approximately an hour train ride from Kyoto station. Hikone is a small and quiet town, an off-beaten path. The castle can be reached within 15 minutes in foot. I really love the castle as the mascot is so cute and it does small performances too! The castle is three-storey tall and there is also a garden to explore~ There is also a mountain view to enjoy. I love it so much that I’ve visited twice! 😂 I wish that I can visit more castles in the future ~

Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture is one of the five national treasures, and its existing castle tower is also known as Kinki Castle. It was built over a period of 20 years by Naotsugu and Naotaka, sons of Ii Naomasa. Currently, Hikonyan, a white cat modeled after Naotaka, is very popular, and you can see Hikonyan at Hikone Castle every day. In autumn, the garden is lit up, and you can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves and the shining white castle. 📌Visited on November 25th #AutumnTrip #HikoneCastle #Shiga #AutumnFoliageSpot #AutumnFoliageViewing #LightUp #CastleTour

#greentrip #greentravel #japan With the recent news of Japan set to open up soon by October, there will soon be a lot who will be looking forward to visiting Japan soon. On our last Japan trip, we had mostly used the train, which is considered as one of the sustainable & eco-friendly ways of traveling around. Do you know that electric trains emit a lot less CO2 as compared to road & air travel? Traveling by train can be around 10 times less CO2 emissions as compared to traveling by air. Traveling by train is also more efficient as a lot more people can board a train than other public transportation such as buses & cars. In addition to these, it's also more enjoyable as you can admire the scenery while the train brings you to the different cities. We had bought the JR West Pass & used the trains to go to Kyoto, Nara and Hikone, where we then walked quite a fair bit around the different attractions, temples, parks and Hikone Castle. With the cool spring weather, walking while taking in the beautiful scenery is recommended, and of course a much more eco-friendly way of travel too. Just make sure that you travel light and have a water bottle/reusable bottle.

This is Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture. I drove to Hikone Castle, and there was a parking lot nearby, which was convenient. There was also a cute mascot character, Hikonyan. As for the castle itself, it was interesting to see all sorts of intricate details. There are also plenty of restaurants, so it's a recommended tourist spot.

Besides the super popular Cherry Blossom 🌸 that most will travel to Japan around end March/early April, there's also the beautiful Plum/Ume Blossom in Japan which bloom around February/March period. Hikone Castle too has a plum grove in the castle area which usually blooms around mid to end March. We were there around early mid March, & the 400 over pink/white plum blossoms in the Plum Grove were almost near full bloom. It was so amazing and beautiful. Walking through the Plum Grove was simply a lovely and pretty sight, and definitely a must-visit. The weather was still cold as it rained before that and also it's only the beginning of spring. #createwithtrip #naturewonder #japan

Hikone Castle is located in Shiga Prefecture. It is one of the few remaining castle towers in Japan and has important historical value. Built in the 17th century, the castle is famous for its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens and is a designated historic site of Japan. The castle tower is well preserved. Walking into it, you can feel the atmosphere of the former samurai and appreciate the exquisite decorations and historical relics inside the castle. From the height of the castle tower, you can overlook the entire city of Hikone and the surrounding natural scenery, with lakes and mountains interweaving into a beautiful picture. Hikone Castle is not only a castle, but also a window to understand Japan's Warring States history. Visitors can leisurely stroll inside and outside the castle, enjoy this ancient cultural heritage, and experience the depth and charm of history. Useful information: Hikone Castle is about a 15-minute walk from Hikone Station and has convenient transportation. The entrance fee is about 600 yen. It is recommended to check the opening hours in advance, respect the regulations within the castle, and enjoy this historical journey. #MarchGoodPlaces2025

Avoid the crowds in Kyoto! The cherry blossoms in Hikone are now in full bloom. I would call Hikone the most surprising stop on this trip. Cherry blossoms, lake view, ancient castle, and blue sky in the same frame. 🚄Transportation: Take the JR from Kyoto for less than an hour and get off at JR Hikone Station. It is a 15-minute walk from the train station to Hikone Castle. 🎫Tickets: It is recommended to buy a 1,500💴 pass. Includes the museum + Hikone Castle + garden. Of course, if you are short on time, you can only buy a ticket for Hikone Castle. 📷Photo Tips: 1️⃣Be sure to climb to the top of Hikone Castle's keep, where you will see Lake Biwa and a sea of cherry blossoms in the same frame. 2️⃣After exiting the castle keep, walk towards Lake Biwa and you will find a sea of cherry blossoms. 3️⃣At the end of the sea of cherry blossoms, there is a watchtower that you can climb to the third floor. ⌚️Time: If you are just going to Hikone Castle, it will take about two hours. I bought a pass because I liked it so much here. I played for about four hours. 🍜Food: Be sure to try the Omi beef. Even people from Inner Mongolia think it's delicious. 🧲Tips: 1️⃣There is a tourist information center on the left side of the station where you can get a free Chinese map with some route and attraction explanations. 2️⃣There are also some smart explanations in this scenic spot. You can download them to your 📱 when you buy your ticket and listen while you watch. 3️⃣Don't miss the museum if you like history.

#springwander Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful and historic castles, is a must-visit destination, especially during the cherry blossom season. The combination of the iconic castle and its stunning sakura trees creates a breathtaking view. Walking around the castle grounds with the delicate pink blossoms surrounding you is an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere is peaceful, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic under the cherry trees. What makes this place even more special is that it’s not just about the flowers. The castle itself, with its impressive structure and rich history, adds to the charm of this location. If you’re visiting in spring, don’t miss the chance to see this iconic site at its most beautiful. Why You Should Visit: ✔ The combination of the historic castle and stunning cherry blossoms makes for an unforgettable view. ✔ Great for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of nature. 📍 Address: 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0061 #HikoneCastle #CherryBlossoms #Sakura #SpringInJapan #Shiga #Japan

In spring, the area around Lake Biwa is dotted with many famous cherry blossom viewing spots, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms decorating the lakeside🌷🌊. A stroll while watching the cherry blossoms blooming together with the natural beauty of Lake Biwa is sure to soothe the soul🌼✨. Photos of cherry blossoms taken with the lake in the background are as beautiful as a painting, and perfect for social media📸. Particularly famous cherry blossom spots include the area around Nagahama Castle in Nagahama City, the shores of Lake Otsu in Otsu City, and Hikone Castle in Hikone City🏯. The rows of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the lake and the collaboration of the castle and cherry blossoms are exquisite, making you feel the arrival of spring🌸🌳. 📍Basic information (check the official website for the latest information) ✴︎Address: Otsu City, Nagahama City, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture ✴︎Access: About 10 minutes by car from JR Otsu Station, Nagahama Station, Hikone Station ✴︎Fee: Free (however, some tourist spots may require an entrance fee) ✴︎Best time to see: Late March to early April (varies depending on the region) Travel TIPS It is often crowded when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or on weekdays⏰. Especially in tourist spots like Nagahama and Hikone, if you go early to avoid the crowds, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at your own pace. We also recommend spending some time relaxing by boat or at a lakeside cafe🚣♀️☕. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa along with the cherry blossoms and enjoy a moment of spring🌞🌸. #Spring0yentrip #Domestictravel

If you’re in Kansai during autumn and want to experience something a little magical, Hikone Castle’s night light-up is a must. The whole place transforms into an autumn dream—glowing leaves, serene gardens, and gentle reflections dancing on the pond. The best part? Adorable Hikonyan lanterns lighting the way, adding a touch of whimsy to the night. Pro tip: go on a windless night if you can—the reflections on the water are incredible. Honestly, this was one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve had in Japan. Peaceful, beautiful, and just the right amount of magical. Don't sleep on this! Time: Mid-Late November Location: Genkyu-en Garden, Hikone Castle Direction: 15 minute-walk from Hikone Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line #discoverjapan #shigaprefecture #hikonecastle #autumninjapan #autumnnight #japan

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 The Lake Biwa Observation Deck is located next to the beautiful Lake Biwa. In winter, it is a ski resort, attracting many ski enthusiasts. However, as March approaches and the snow melts, this place becomes ideal for a stroll. In spring, you can take a leisurely walk along the extensive trails and admire the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The observation deck offers an excellent view, allowing you to stroll while admiring the magnificent Lake Biwa below, the lake water sparkling in the sunlight, which is refreshing. The air here is fresh and the scenery is pleasant, making it a great place to relax. Whether you are traveling alone or with family and friends, you can enjoy this beautiful natural scenery. Useful information: It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. Come to the Lake Biwa Observation Deck and enjoy this relaxing time! 🌅🚶♂️🌼✨

Hikone Castle, a landmark of Shiga Prefecture The castle tower, built during the Edo period, is designated a national treasure, and many other buildings are important cultural properties, making it one of Japan's leading castles with a high historical heritage value. The spring scenery of Hikone Castle is the approximately 1,200 cherry trees surrounding the moat. The daytime view is beautiful, but the cherry blossoms lit up at night during the cherry blossom viewing season are a spectacular sight. On windless, sunny days, the clear reflections on the surface of the moat make it even more mystical. As a result, the area around the moat during the cherry blossom viewing season is bustling with photographers. Date: March 28th - April 16th, 2025 *May vary depending on the cherry blossom blooming situation Time: 18:00 - 20:45 Expected full bloom of the cherry blossoms themselves: Around April 9th #Seasonal places in Japan #Shiga Prefecture #Famous cherry blossom spots #Breathtaking views