Hikone

Hikone (彦根) [1] is a city at the northeastern edge of Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture, central Japan.

Travel to Hikone - Visa Requirements

By train

Hikone is on the Tokaido Main Line between Osaka and Tokyo and makes an interesting stopover. Shinkaisoku rapid trains take 50 min (¥1110) from Kyoto and 80 min (¥1890) from Osaka. The Shinkansen does not stop at Hikone, but the nearest station Maibara is just one local train stop away.

By ferry

Ferries connect Hikone to the islands of Chikubu and Okishima in Lake Biwa.

Tours and Getting around Hikone

Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden are a 15-20 minute walk along the main road from Hikone Station.

Hikone tourist attractions and sightseeing

• Hikone Castle (彦根城 Hikone-jō). Hikone Castle is an original castle dating back to 1622, instead of the usual 60s-era concrete reconstruction. The castle tower is an official National Treasure and that a number of the turrets have been classified as Important Cultural Properties. Admission ¥500, including entry to Genkyu-en.

• Genkyu-en Garden (玄宮園). Hikone's number two attraction is the garden at the foot of the castle. The park contains a sprawling villa built in the Chinese Tang Dynasty style in 1677 for Naooki Ii, the fourth lord of Hikone. The best thing to do here is to pause at the teahouse for a cup of matcha (ceremonial green tea), a Japanese sweet and some quiet contemplation for ¥500.

Hikone city tours

Hikone souvenirs and shopping

Taking the JR regular [non-express] train to the next stop, along the Biwako-sen, you will stop at Minami-Hikone. Get off at this stop and there is VivaCity, a large shopping area that is the only mall in Hikone. There are many shops, some restaurant, karaoke, and a movie theatre here. Fans of traditional Japan will enjoy the Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road running from the southwest side of the castle park, with a number of souvenir shops and craft shops located in traditional-style wooden buildings. However, keep in mind the non-express trains from Minami Hikone to Hikone run twice an hour during the day.

Fans of modern Japanese craziness, on the other hand, may enjoy all sorts of souvenirs plastered with the mug of Hiko-nyan, Hikone Castle's official samurai-helmeted cat mascot.

Hikone Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

The road from the station to the castle is lined with an array of restaurants and souvenir shops. The Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road also has a number of restaurants.

• Sennari-tei, [2]. Local Omi beef specialist. 

Hikone nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Hikone is home to JCMU, the Japanese Center for Michigan Universities. If you're interested in meeting some foreigners studying Japanese, head down to Sugimotos (a small sushi shop by Hikone Castle Hotel). Every Wednesday around 9 pm it becomes a bar for students and foreigners in the Shiga area. In southern Hikone you will find Yab's Sports bar, which in recent times has become a prevalent stop for JCMU students as well.

Hikone cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Get out

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