〜Places to Visit in Hikone〜

When visiting Hikone, whether it is your first time or tenth, there are several places that are highly recommended to see. The first site, one of Japan's national treasures, is Hikone Castle. Here you will be able to learn about Hikone's history while enjoying the scenery around the castle grounds. Also in the same area, there is a museum full of artifacts and materials used during the Tokugawa period. There are also several temples and shrines within Hikone's boundaries that add to its rich culture. In addition, there is a place near the Castle called 'Old New Town'. Here you will be able to enjoy a variety of Japanese style foods and shops. Among these sites, there is always Lake Biwa, where people come from great distances to enjoy its beauty.

Hikone Castle is one of four castles in Japan designated as National Treasures.　It was built by Naotaka Ii, the second lord of Hikone, after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. The main building is three stories high, and stands magnificently on top of a hill. Sub-buildings surround the main castle structure, two of which, Tenbin-turret and Taikomon-turret, are registered as National Important Cultural Assets. Hikone Castle is admired year-round for its landscape and seasonal beauty. Open 8:30am- 5:00pm Fee (including Genkyu-en Garden): adults 600 yen, elementary and junior high students 200 yen Fee(including Hikone Castle Museum): adults 1,000yen, elementary and junior high students 350 yen Inquiries : Call 0749-30-6120 or 0749-22-2742

Genkyu-en Garden was built by Naooki Ii, the fourth lord of Hikone. It was modeled after the villa of Emperor Genso, a ruler during China's Tang Period. A beautiful view of Hikone Castle and its surrounding hills is visible from the garden, making it one of the best spots to visit around the Castle area, especially in the autumn. Open 8:30am- 5:00pm Fee (including Hikone Castle): adults 600 yen, elementary and junior high students 200 yen Inquiries : Call 0749-30-6120 or 0749-22-2742

This museum contains about 65,000 art pieces and old manuscripts which were made and used by the Ii family. The City of Hikone rebuilt the building that houses this museum, originally built during the Edo period. Open 8:30am- 5:00pm (admittance until 4:30p.m.) Closed : December 25 - 31 and mid-July (dates vary by year) Fee : adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high students 250 yen Inquiries : Call 0749-22-6100

Castle Road and the buildings along it were built in an “Old-New Town” style, meaning that people can enjoy a modern downtown atmosphere in the environment of a traditional Japanese style town. The many souvenir shops and restaurants made of wood create a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Yume-Kyobashi Akari Kan is a candle shop that also offers the opportunity to learn this traditional craft. Historically, many candles were made in Hikone. Open 9:30am- 5:30pm Closed : Tuesday( except national holidays, in which case it will be closed the following day ) Inquiries : Call 0749-27-5501

A Haiyu Kan is a place where one can see an exhibition of Haiku, or traditional Japanese poems. Within walking distance from Castle Road, this building was originally a bank during the Taisho Period. Open 9:00am- 5:00pm Closed : Tuesday ( except national holiday, in which case it will be closed the following day ) and December 29 - January 3 Fee : Free Inquiries : Call 0749-22-6849

This was the home of Naosuke Ii, who was said to be the “father of the opening of Japan.” He lived here from age seventeen to age thirty-two. Naosuke Ii was the 14th son of Naonaka Ii, Hikone Clan's 11th lord, so his chances of becoming lord were quite slim. However, he made a strong effort to study both culture and military skills, and later became not only a lord, but also the prime minister of the Tokugawa administration during the Edo Period. He is responsible for opening Japan up to the outside world. Open 9:00am- 4:30pm Closed : Monday and December 29 to January 3 Fee : adults 300 yen, high school and college students 200 yen, elementary and junior high students 100 yen Inquiries : Call 0749-23-5268

Ryotanji Temple is located on the side of Sawayama Hill. This temple is known as an Ii Family temple, and includes a tea ceremony room used by Naosuke Ii. Famous door paintings by the artist Kyoroku Morikawa, an excellent student of Basho Matsuo, can also be admired here. Ryotanji Temple is also famous for its Japanese garden “Fudaraku no Niwa.” Open 9:00am- 5:00pm Fee : 400 yen Inquiries : Call 0749-22-2777