Hikone Castle and Garden
Overview
Shiga Prefecture is located in the east of Kyoto Prefecture with the biggest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa in its center. Surrounded by abundant nature, Hikone city lies in the east of Lake Biwa. The city used to be a castle town been ruled by a powerful feudal lord. The HIkone castle is one of the 12 original castle towers in Japan and designated as a national treasure. A magnificent Daimyo Garden is also must-see spot here. In Hikone Castle Museum, you will learn the history of the castle, town and samurai worriers. Youcan taste one of Japan's top beef brands, Omi beef for lunch if you like.
Tour Information
Tour code: Shiga-001
Duration: ５ hours approx. 9:00-14:00
Meeting Point: Hikone Station
Transportation: On foot
Itinerary: Meet at HIkone Station - Hikone Castle - Genkyuen Garden - Hikone Castle Museum - Hikone Station
What's included: Guide fee
What's not included: Entrance fee, Transportation fee, Meal
Detailed Itinerary
Meet at Hikone Station and take a walk to Hikone Castle. On the way there, your knowledgeable guide will explain the history of the castle town. When you reach the castle ground, you will see beautiful stone walls around a moat. In spring, stunning night view of cherry blossoms blooming along with the moat is worth seeing. You will climb up stone steps to the castle tower on the hill. On the way to the tower, you will find out how the castle is constructed defensively from its enemies. From the top of the tower, you can see a nice view of HIkone city and Lake Biwa. Genkyuen Garden is also worth visiting. It is a daimyo garden with a large pond in its center. Since it's a strolling style garden, you can walk around the pond with a great view of the castle on the hill above. There might be a chance to have macha (green tea) in a tea house near the pond.
After you leave the garden, you will visit HIkone Castle Museum which exhibits treasures of the fuedal lord's family including samurai armors, samurai swords, Noh masks, tea utensils and musical instruments and so on. You also can see a Noh stage. Afterwards, it would be a good idea to wander Hikone Castle Road with a lot of restaurants and shops. You will be able to taste one of Japan's top beef brand Omi beef there.
