Hikone
Lake Biwa's Castle and its Japanese garden
Hikone is a small Japanese town located on the shores of Lake Biwa, in Shiga Prefecture, 75 kilometers north-east of Kyoto. The gem of the city is Hikone Castle, or Hikone-jo, a medieval castle and its garden Genkyu-en, featuring the epitome of Japanese landscape.
Parts of the stone wall Komegura Suimon collapsed due to typhoons Mekkhala and Higos (n°7 and 8) in the end of June 2026. However, the castle remains open to the visit.
Hikone is a quick and easy half-a-day escape from Kyoto or Osaka. Fifteen minutes’ walk from Hikone Station, you will find a large area with the 400-year-old Hikone Castle 🏯 and its beautiful Japanese garden.
The grounds of Hikone-jo Castle is home to a 3-stories keep that has recently been opened to the visit (with temporary closings for maintenance however). Except for a few parts that have been renovated or rebuilt, most of the original castle remains, Hikone Castle is indeed one of the last 12 authentic castles, and also a National Treasure of Japan, a title that it shares only with only 3 others Japanese fortresses: Himeji, Matsumoto and Inuyama. In September 2026, the Japanese government has selected Hikone Castle to submit its application to 2028's UNESCO World Heritage List.
Those who are interested in the warriors’ daily life can enjoy Hikone Castle Museum, its reconstructions of the lord’s living quarters, and a Noh theater stage built during the Edo period (1603-1868).
As impressive the castle may be, don’t forget to admire the view on Lake Biwa.
Northeast to the castle, is the Japanese garden Genkyu-en, built at the end of the 17th century. The traditional scenic views "Eight Views of Omi" inspired the garden’s arrangement. Several wonderful viewpoints were crafted around the pond, in a mimic of Lake Biwa's surroundings.
The visit is strongly recommended during spring and autumn, the seasons for sakura 🌸 and momiji 🍁. The tour continues in Yume Kyobashi Castle Road, a shopping street located south to the castle, and whose architecture is inspired from Edo period castle towns.
Hikone is a nice cultural half-day trip close to Kyoto and Osaka. Don't forget to greet its mascot samurai cat 🐈 Hiko-nyan on your way back!