Hikone Castle and Castle Town Stroll Course

Centered on the national treasure Hikone Castle with its original keep, this course wanders leisurely through gardens and old town streets. The keep, garden, and retro shopping streets all sit within walking distance, making for an easy half day to full day.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Hikone Castle It is about a fifteen minute walk from JR Hikone Station to the main gate. The castle opens at 8:30, and the earliest hours mean shorter waits on the stairs. Climb to the keep designated a national treasure, ascend the steep stairs, and enjoy the view of Lake Biwa from the top floor. The admission that covers the keep and Genkyuen garden is 1,000 yen for adults, with tickets sold at the entrance.

11:00 Stroll Genkyuen Garden This feudal lord garden spreads to the northeast of the keep. Walk along the edge of the pond, viewing the keep borrowed into the scenery. Because the Hikone Castle ticket also admits you to Genkyuen, you can stop by at no extra cost. The garden is flat and makes a fine rest after the climb to the keep.

12:00 Lunch on Yume Kyobashi Castle Road Along a street of white walled town houses with black lattice, savor Omi beef and local dishes. Restaurants and souvenir shops line the way, pleasant for a post meal stroll.

14:00 On to Yonbancho Square Adjoining Yume Kyobashi Castle Road, this shopping street is styled after the Taisho era. Browse cafes and delis and hunt for souvenirs to finish.

Highlights

The surviving keep of Hikone Castle, the scenic Genkyuen Garden, and the atmosphere of the old town are the draws. The keep is a precious structure remaining from the Edo period, with steep interior stairs and gable designs to admire. At Genkyuen the keep reflected on the water is lovely and changes with each season.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: Half a day to a full day for the keep, garden, and old town together. The keep alone takes about one to two hours.
• Getting around: JR Hikone Station is the base, and the main sites are walkable. The grounds have many slopes and stairs, so comfortable shoes help.
• Admission: Hikone Castle, which includes Genkyuen, is 1,000 yen for adults. The Hikone Castle Museum is charged separately. Opening is from 8:30, with entry basically until the late afternoon cutoff.
• Beating the crowds: When busy, the keep stairs back up. The morning right after opening is the sweet spot. Weekends in cherry blossom season are especially crowded.
• Budget sense: Admission, lunch, and souvenirs fit comfortably within a day trip.

Access and Tips

From the west exit of JR Hikone Station, the main gate is about a fifteen minute walk. Because the castle, old town, and garden all cluster within walking distance, the course is easy without a car. Wear comfortable shoes for the grounds.

A Quick Tip

When crowded, the keep stairs can back up. The morning right after opening is the sweet spot.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening hours (Hikone Castle and Genkyuen Garden): 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entry closes at 4:30 p.m., and since there can be a queue for the stairs inside the keep, it is safer to reach the Omotemon Gate by 4:00 p.m. at the latest
• If you visit Genkyuen Garden only: A separate fee of 400 yen for general visitors and 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students applies
• Hikone Castle Museum: Admission is 700 yen for general visitors and 350 yen for elementary and junior high school students. A combined ticket for all three sites with Hikone Castle and Genkyuen Garden costs 1,500 yen for general visitors and 550 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Opening hours change with the season: until September 30 it is 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., from October 1 to November 30 and from March 1 onward it is 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m. in both cases), and from December 1 to February 28 it is 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry 4:00 p.m.). About 20 closing days are set each year, so check the dates in advance
• Parking: Of the tourist parking areas around Hikone Castle, the Sakuraba lot holds 70 ordinary cars (1,000 yen per day for cars and 300 yen per day for motorcycles, 8:30-17:00), the Otemae lot holds 25 ordinary cars (1,000 yen per day for cars, 8:30-17:00), and the Kyobashiguchi lot holds 160 ordinary cars and 10 large vehicles (for ordinary cars, 400 yen for up to one hour and then 100 yen per additional 30 minutes, capped at 1,000 yen beyond 4 hours; ordinary cars can use it 24 hours a day)
• Inquiries: 0749-22-2742 (Hikone Castle Operations and Management Center), 0749-22-6100 (Hikone Castle Museum), 0749-30-6120 (Hikone City Tourism Exchange Division)
• Official information: The Hikone Castle visitor guidance on the Hikone City official website, the Hikone Castle Museum official website, and the official website of the Hikone Tourism Association

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.