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.
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.
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!