History & Culture
1Learn the history at Hikone Castle, Genkyuen Garden, Hikone Castle Museum.
Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle cannot be ignored in order to learn the history and culture of Hikone. Hikone Castle, a Japanese national treasure soars with its chalky castle tower of three layers. There are restored palace fronts along with numerous valuable cultural assets to be fascinated with within the castle. For those wishing to explore the interior of the castle tower, please come in clothing that is comfortable to move around in as there are steep steps.
More details about history of Hikone CastleLocation : 1-1 Konki-cho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0061MAP
TEL : 0749-22-2742
Opening Hours : 8:30 - 17:00 Open all year round
Genkyuen Garden (Japanese Garden)
Genkyuen Garden is a Daimyō Garden located in the northeast of the castle, with 9 bridges over islands and coves of lakes, making it a garden rich in change that is best enjoyed sauntered. Take in the view as you stroll or drink matcha in front of the Daimyō Garden to have a quaint time. The garden expresses the Samurai’s sense of beauty during the Edo period and is designated as the national site of scenic beauty.
Location : 3-40 Konki-cho, Hikone, ShigaMAP
TEL : 0749-22-2742
Opening Hours : 8:30〜17:00 Open all year round
Hikone Castle Museum
The museum building is a reconstruction of the castle’s Omote Goten (front hall), which used to be the Hikone fief office during the Edo period (1615-1868). The Collections related to the Ii family – the former daimyo family which governed the Hikone fief for several hundred years – comprises more than 45,000 items; ranging from arms and armor (typical of a warrior’s household) to various types of art objects – which include calligraphies and paintings, Noh masks and costumes, Gagaku musical instruments, tea ceremony utensils, and pieces of furniture.
Location : 1-1 Konki-cho, Hikone, ShigaMAP
TEL : 0749-22-6100
Opening Hours : 8:30 - 17:00(Enter by 16:30)
WEBSITE：http://hikone-castle-museum.jp/en/
2Enjoy the atmosphere of a castle town at Yume Kyōbashi Castle Road.
Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road
With the street located in Hikone Honmachi, the town has a history of flourishing as a castle town at the same time the Hikone Castle was built in 1603. You can experience the atmosphere of a castle town during the Edo period from the townscape unified in a townhouse manner with white walls and black lattice. Why not find a restaurant to have lunch at while taking in the charm?
Location : 1-7-1 hon-cho, Hikone, ShigaMAP
Tripadvisor Review3Experience a Samurai life in the Warring States Period at the bog-wood house.
Umoregi-no-ya
The bog-wood house is a simple Samurai residence, with the room in which the15th feudal lord of Omi-Hikone, Ii Naosuke lived for 15 years between the ages of 17 to 32. Ii Naosuke was born as the 14th man of the 11th lord and became the chief minister of the Tokugawa Shogunate on April of 1858 (Ansei 5). In June of the same year, he signed the “Japan-US Treaty of Amity and Trade” was opened Japan to the world.
Location : 1-11 Osue-cho, Hikone, ShigaMAP
TEL : 0749-23-5268
Opening Hours : 9:00 - 17:00(Enter by 16:30)
Closed : Mondays, December 20th to the end of Februrary
Admission Fee : Adult: 300 yen / High School & University Student: 200 yen / Elementary & Junior High Student: 100 yen
4Stroll along streets with traditional atmospheres.
Former Ashigaru-gumi Residence of Zenri (Guard House)
As you walk through Yumekyōbashi Castle Road from the bog-wood house, you will find the “Former Ashigaru-gumi Residence of Zenri (Guard House)”, which is a mansion for those who protected the castle known as Ashigaru. They watched over who entered the castle.
Location : 2-2-32 Seribashi, Hikone, ShigaMAP
Tripadvisor Review
Keyaki Street
Along the Seri River flowing near the “Former Ashigaru-gumi Residence of Zenri (Guard House)”, there is “Keyaki Street”. Old trees such as the Japanese Zelkova over the age of 400 are lined up beautifully. It is a promenade full of beauty and healing with sakura in the spring and refreshing greenery from fresh leaves.
Location : Gosanjo-cho, Hikone, ShigaMAP
Kawaramachi, Serimachi, Preservation District of Important Traditional Buildings
“Kawaramachi, Serimachi, Preservation District of Important Traditional Buildings” is relatively close from Hikone-Serikawa Station with a traditional townscape extending from the east of Kyūza-no-Tsuji. The atmosphere of merchants are retained along with the feel of the old castle town.
Location : Serimachi, Hikone, ShigaMAP
Tripadvisor Review5Enjoy a peaceful time at a quaint garden in Ryōtanji.
Ryotan-ji Temple
The Zen Buddhism Dormitory was relocated and modified in 1601 and was built as a specialty dojo for the Zen monks by the feudal lord, Ii Naomasa. The gardens built for the purpose of monks to have training still remains and is known to be a temple of gardens. “Fudaraku-no-niwa”, a Hojo South Garden with 48 stones stacked in white stand and Sansui Tei-en of Mt. Horai which is designated as Hikone’s cultural asset is well-known.
Location : 1104 Furusawa-cho, Hikone, ShigaMAP
TEL : 0749-22-2777
Opening Hours : 9:00 - 17:00 (Until 16:00 from Mid-November to the end of February)
Admission Fee : Adult(over High School Student) 400 yen / Elementary & Junior High Student: 150 yen
6Lastly, taste Shiga gourmet such as sashimi and local sake!
Sushi "Ginsui"
Hikone Station is 1 minute away on foot. Enjoy original recipe of sushi made with fresh seafood. In addition, savor the taste of dishes with seasonal ingredients that complete the traditional multi-course banquet meal along with original dishes uniting ideas of the time and local sake of Shiga in relaxed atmosphere.
Location : 9-5 Asahi-cho, Hikone, ShigaMAP
TEL：0749-22-0919
Business Hours : Lunch 11:30 - 14:00 / Dinner 16:30 - 23:00（L.O.22:30）
※Sun&Public Holiday close 22:00
