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

#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

#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

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

#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 ~

#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.

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

Lake Biwa is a favorite cherry blossom spot for seasoned travelers to Japan. Compared to Kyoto, there are fewer people here, and there are many attractions around the lake that are perfect for in-depth travel. To get to Lake Biwa, you usually go to Otsu first, which is the capital of Shiga Prefecture and very close to Kyoto. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Biwako Line to Otsu Station, which takes about 10 minutes. Otsu has the third most historical sites and Buddha statues in Japan, after Nara and Kyoto. Here, the World Heritage Site "Enryaku-ji Temple" on Mount Hiei, the "Ishiyama-dera Temple" that inspired "The Tale of Genji," and the Sanno Shrine Hiyoshi Taisha are all must-see attractions. If you've been to the Rurikoin Temple in Kyoto but were put off by the crowds, you should definitely visit the Old Chikurin-in Temple next to the Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Otsu, which is just as beautiful. In addition, there are three islands in Lake Biwa, and Chikubu Island is the most worth visiting. In Takashima, there are two must-see places: the Torii Gate in the lake at Shirahige Shrine and the Metasequoia Avenue. About 500 metasequoia trees are planted along the Metasequoia Avenue, which is beautiful in all seasons and perfect for taking photos. Omihachiman is an ancient city on the shores of Lake Biwa, where you can feel the full Edo period Japanese style. Of course, food is also an important part of travel. When you come here, you must not miss Omi beef, one of the three major Wagyu beef in Japan. In addition to sightseeing and food, the Lake Biwa cruise is also worth a try. There are three Lake Biwa cruise itineraries: the Michigan cruise, the Chikubu Island cruise, and the Lake Biwa Island cruise. In addition to lake sightseeing, the Michigan cruise also offers live concerts and onboard dining, which is perfect for those who like lively activities. In addition, taking the cable car to the top of Mount Horai is also very special, and you can take stunning videos.

📍Address:Nagoya

🏖️Facilities: Hikone Castle is a flat castle built in the first half of the Edo period. It was built by the Ii clan👹, known as one of the Tokugawa Four Heavenly Kings, and the castle tower has been designated a national treasure🈯️. Various other facilities have also been preserved in very good condition. You can feel the atmosphere of the Edo period. 💞Reasons why we recommend it: Hikone Castle is a building that is expected to become a World Heritage Site🌍 in the future. We just happened to stop by the castle, but it was a much more impressive castle🏯 than we expected. The moat💦 in particular is solid, and the contrast with the stone walls is beautiful. You can also see Lake Biwa👀 from the castle tower. You might even meet Hikonyan. 📍Location: 🏣1-1 Kanagicho, Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, 522-0061 📍Access: 🚃About 15 minutes walk from JR Nagahama Station 🚙10-15 minutes from Hikone IC #Domestic travel record #Hikone Castle #Hikone sightseeing

Uohiro is a fish shop, but it has a dining space next door where you can enjoy fresh seafood bowls! The most popular dish is the 'Sakonyan Set Meal,' which includes a seafood bowl, tempura, small dishes, pickles, miso soup with fish, and fried items. You can even get a large serving of rice for free, all for just 1100 yen, making it an unbeatable deal! There are also various other bowls and set meals, such as the salmon and ikura (salmon roe) parent-child bowl! The interior has a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere, and you can enjoy your meal in a calm setting with friendly service! This is a hidden gem that you rarely see introduced, so be sure to check it out! 📍 2-2-2 Kawara, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture 🕰️ 11:00-14:00, closed on Sundays 💰 Budget: 1100 yen

This diner has been around in Hikone for a long time, and its exterior is incredibly flashy, reminiscent of the Showa era! Inside, there are old posters and other decorations that made me feel nostalgic, even though I was born in the Heisei era! The menu offers a variety of dishes including noodles, rice bowls, set meals, and desserts, with large portions available! The specialty Chinese soba was simple and very delicious! Additionally, the katsudon was crispy and absolutely exquisite! I highly recommend everyone to visit! 📍6-1 Ginza-cho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture ⏰11:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Closed on Thursdays 💰Budget: 1200 yen

This ramen shop is located on the east side of Hikone Station! They offer a variety of ramen including seafood, salt, miso, and garlic ramen! They also have rice dishes such as chashu don, tuna don, and shirasu don! There are both counter and table seats, and you order by scanning a QR code at your seat! All the ramen is very delicious, the staff is courteous, and it is a very comfortable ramen shop! Everyone should definitely give it a try!! 📍 20-11 Ekihigashimachi, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture 🕰️ 11:30-14:15, 17:30-22:15 (closes at 21:00 on Sundays) Closed on Mondays 💰 Budget: 1200 yen

Hikone Castle is located in Hikone, Inukami District, Omi Province. During the Edo period, it served as the administrative center of the Hikone Domain. The main keep, attached turret, and Tamon turret are designated as National Treasures, and the castle ruins are a Special Historic Site as well as a Type 1 Special Area of Biwako Quasi-National Park. It is one of the five castles whose main keep is designated as a National Treasure. It is also selected as one of the Eight Views of Hikone and the Eight Views of Lake Biwa. Access [From Maibara Station to Hikone Station] JR Biwako Line: About 5 minutes [From Hikone Station] On foot: About 15 minutes [To Hikone Station] From Kyoto Station Shinkaisoku: About 46 minutes From Osaka Station Shinkaisoku: About 80 minutes [From Hikone Station] On foot: About 15 minutes

#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

#Fritabi #Shiga #Hikone #HikoneCafe #LakeBiwa #LakeBiwaDrive #Cafe #CafeHop #Coffee 📍 Inside VOID A PART, 218-1 Yanagawa-cho, Hikone-shi, Shiga Prefecture 🕰️ Weekdays 8:00-17:30 (Mondays only until 16:00) Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 8:00-17:00 Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and irregular holidays While driving around Lake Biwa, a cafe called "Kimito Coffee" appeared along the road. The gorilla sign was cute, and it seemed to be crowded with many people, so I thought "It must be a delicious shop," and went in. They only sold specialty coffee. You could choose the coffee you liked, such as a lightly roasted fruity coffee or a darkly roasted coffee with a rich flavor and bitterness. I ordered a lightly roasted coffee. It had a refreshing taste and was easy to drink and delicious. Inside the store is the "HACOMIDORI" atelier, which sells original goods and combines recycled glass and plants, so it was fun to look at the miscellaneous goods.

🏯✨ Explore the history and food of Hikone Castle ✨🏯 Located in Shiga Prefecture, Hikone Castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles in Japan, but also listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site! The castle is famous for its spectacular keep and well-preserved walls, and is especially beautiful when it comes to cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn. 🤤Must-try food: - Omi beef sushi: The smooth and tender meat will keep you eating. - Hikone Rice Crackers: Crunchy and absolutely addictive. - Carp cuisine: Fresh local sashimi, enjoy the bounty of the lake. - Green tea ice cream: The refreshing taste will cool you down in the hot summer. 🤤Recommended restaurants: - Yusong: specializes in hot pot and barbecue of Omi beef. - Ryujin: A variety of Omi beef dishes to choose from, making you salivate. 🐱💖 Mascot Introduction: Hikone Cat is the cute mascot of Hikone Castle, inspired by the local cats. This lively cat is not only cute, but also symbolizes the city's luck. It has attracted countless tourists to take photos with it, adding a lot of fun to the journey! 🚙Self-driving information: - Route suggestion: Starting from Kyoto, drive along the famous Shinto Expressway, which takes about 1 hour. - Parking: There are many public parking lots around Hikone Castle, which is convenient for friends who drive. - Navigation Tips: Use GPS navigation system to easily find restaurants and attractions in Hikone Castle and nearby areas. 🎆Travel Tips: - Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the most charming seasons. - Comfortable clothing: It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city. Come to Hikone Castle and experience the unique charm and deliciousness of this city! #100TravelWays #HikoneCastle #OmiGyu #FoodTour #HikoneCat #Self-DrivingTour #Travel #Japan

Because I had to go to Lake Biwa to watch the fireworks display in the evening, I added this trip to noon. Take the Biwako Line from Kyoto directly to Otsuko Port. Basically, there are instructions along the way to get on the boat. Because we booked the boat ticket + buffet lunch package in advance on the official website of Michigan Cruise, we arrived at the port. Just show your confirmation email and pay on the spot to pick up your tickets. There was a host welcoming us before boarding the ship, but I really didn't understand it completely. In fact, the ship itself is not very big or luxurious, but the European style decoration is quite romantic. There are not many styles in the buffet, but it tastes good and can fill you up. I especially recommend the Taiyaki. It is really good to heat it in the oven! The cruise takes about 90 minutes. After you have eaten, you can go to the deck to enjoy the breeze and enjoy the scenery of Lake Biwa. There will also be performers singing in the banquet hall to add to the fun. It’s equivalent to more than 300 Hong Kong dollars per person, so you can still give it a try~~ #萵琶湖 #KyotoFeatures

#DomesticTrip If you ask people from other prefectures what is a great view in Shiga, I'm sure there are many people who will introduce "that bench"! The reason for 71% is because July 1st is "Lake Biwa Day"😌Many people from other prefectures come to that bench to take photos🤭Since Lake Biwa is right nearby, there are many people who take photos on the bench, rest, and confess their love☺️♡As you can see in the winter version in the 4th picture, you can also see Mt. Ibuki😊🗻If you haven't been there yet, it's a spot that I definitely want you to go and see🤭┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈📍Name of the spot: That bench Address: 1331 Ishidera-cho, Hikone-shi, Shiga Prefecture Parking: There seems to be a free parking lot Recommended time: Sunset Photo date: 6/24 Photo time: 18:00 A little trivia ✨ This is the second generation of the current bench ☺️✨ 7/1 is Lake Biwa Day Things to note If you search for "that bench" on your iPhone map, you can get there, but if you go with Google Maps, you'll be taken to a grave 🙃👻┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ #Shiga trip #Shiga date #Kansai outing spot #Kansai date spot #Shiga sightseeing #that bench #Travel with me #Photogenic spot #Kansai trip

During the cherry blossom season, Hikone Castle is surrounded by thousands of cherry blossom trees. The cherry blossoms are reflected in the moat of Hikone Castle, which drives photographers and tourists crazy. The flowering period is from late March to early April. There are also night cherry blossom lighting activities during the cherry blossom festival, and the pink and white cherry blossoms are more prominent in the dark. Transportation: JR Hikone Station is about a 15-minute walk (JR Kyoto Station ➔ JR Hikone Station is about 47 minutes) #Spring Good Place 2024 #Sakura

Hikone Castle has a history of over 400 years, having been planned and built by Ii Naomasa, one of the four great retainers of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Warring States period. It was fortunate to be removed from the demolition list by influential figures after the castle abolition edict was issued in 1873 during the Meiji period, preserving it to this day. Its castle tower has been designated as a national treasure. Hikone Castle, along with Aomori Prefecture's Hirosaki Castle, Hyogo Prefecture's Himeji Castle, and Nagano Prefecture's Matsumoto Castle, is listed as one of the four great castles that remain from the Edo period. Located on a small hill, surrounded by a moat that draws water directly from Lake Biwa, the castle is truly beautiful with the cherry blossoms in bloom.

👀 I finally saw the 'Xingcai' mentioned in the Book of Songs; the tender yellow Xingcai gently swayed with the soft waves of Lake Biwa. 😍 📍Location: Lake Biwa 🎫Admission: Free 🅿Parking: You can navigate directly to 'Lake Biwa Parking Lot'. Normally, parking costs 15 yuan per time, 40 yuan per time on weekends, and 60 yuan per time during holidays such as National Day and Chinese New Year.

Tsukimi Beach is the most surprising accidental discovery, and travel is just so enchanting, with surprises often hidden in the unknown. It wasn't originally planned to come here, but it seems destined to arrive. Location: Tsukimi Beach in Lake Biwa National Park (bang). Transportation: If you're coming from Kansai, take the JR to JR Omi-Maiko, and it's a 2-minute walk towards Lake Biwa from the station. Experience: Enjoying the entirety of Lake Biwa alone, in peace and tranquility, is probably what they mean by 'a serene distance.' Niche: I deliberately included a live, all with sound, the clear lake water, the waves one after another, lapping against the fine sand on the shore, gentle and kind, really just empties your mind in an instant~ It turns out that compared to the sea, the lake is so shy~ Maybe because the weather is good, it also calms down to enjoy.

#cherryblossom2024 The complex has castle, plum orchard, garden, museum, (free) park including kids playground. All these with beautiful view of lake biwa attached to them. We visited last week and sakura flowers 🌺 had bloomed in one of the trees facing the castle.🏰 There was a long queue before entering the castle. Probably because it’s weekend and we had good time 🕰️ 🤩

#fallishere Location: Hikone Station 彦根駅 Hikone Train Station, situated in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1889. Initially serving as a crucial transportation hub for the local community, the station has evolved over the years to become a vital gateway connecting travelers to various destinations. Hikone Station underwent significant renovations and modernizations to keep pace with the advancing railway technology and growing passenger needs. With its strategic location, the station facilitates access to Hikone Castle, a designated National Treasure, and other cultural landmarks in the region. The station's architecture blends traditional and contemporary elements, offering a distinctive aesthetic appeal. Over time, Hikone Train Station has not only served as a transportation hub but also contributed to the cultural and historical identity of the city, making it an integral part of Hikone's heritage. #trip #2023travel #2023trip #2023travelwish #2023旅行願望 #timetotravel #tripblazers

#fallishere Location: Genkyuen Garden 玄宮園 9-3 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0061, Japan Genkyuen Garden, situated at 9-3 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0061, Japan, is a picturesque landscape that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). Constructed in 1677 by Naotaka Ii, the fourth lord of the Hikone domain, the garden reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics and design principles. Originally built to entertain guests and showcase the lord's power, Genkyuen has evolved into a historical gem. The garden features a central pond with small islands, teahouses, and meticulously manicured landscapes, embodying the essence of Japanese stroll gardens. Visitors can explore the intricacies of the flora, stone bridges, and iconic structures, such as the two-story Kikugetsu-tei teahouse, which offers panoramic views of Hikone Castle. Surrounded by lush greenery, Genkyuen harmoniously integrates with nearby parks, enhancing the overall experience for those exploring the cultural richness of Hikone in the present day. #trip #2023travel #2023trip #2023travelwish #2023旅行願望 #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage

#fallishere Location: Hikoneshi Konki Park 彦根市金亀公園 2-3030-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0061, Japan Wandering through Hikoneshi Konki Park on a serene Saturday morning was a poetic experience. The air carried the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms, whispering tales of nature's timeless beauty. Towering trees stood as guardians of tranquility, their branches creating a natural canopy above. As I strolled along the meticulously manicured paths, the rhythmic sounds of a distant stream harmonized with the melodic calls of birds. The park, nestled in Konkicho, Hikone, unfolded its wonders—a hidden oasis in the heart of Shiga, Japan. Vibrant koi glided gracefully in the pond, their colors reflecting the subtle hues of dawn. Stone lanterns dotted the landscape, preserving the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetics. The quietude was interrupted only by the occasional rustle of leaves, creating a symphony that echoed through the historical precincts. Under the gentle embrace of sunlight, Hikoneshi Konki Park revealed itself as a sanctuary, inviting a profound connection with nature and a moment of serene introspection. #trip #2023travel #2023trip #2023travelwish #2023旅行願望 #timetotravel #tripblazers

#fallishere Location: Rengeji 蓮華寺 3-64 Chuocho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0063, Japan Rengeji, located at 3-64 Chuocho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0063, Japan, holds a rich history dating back to its establishment. The temple, officially named Rengeji, is renowned for its cultural and spiritual significance in the Shiga Prefecture. Originally founded in [insert year], it has witnessed centuries of cultural evolution and societal changes. The architecture of Rengeji reflects a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese design and spiritual symbolism, making it a captivating destination for both locals and tourists. Throughout its history, the temple has undergone periods of renovation and preservation, ensuring the continuity of its heritage. Rengeji is not only a place of worship but also a cultural treasure, attracting visitors with its serene surroundings and historical artifacts. Its strategic location in Hikone adds to its allure, as the city itself is steeped in tradition and historical charm. Today, Rengeji stands as a testament to Japan's enduring spiritual and cultural legacy. #trip #2023travel #2023trip #2023travelwish #2023旅行願望 #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage