Things To Do
in Hikone
Hikone is a historic city located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It is best known for Hikone Castle, a well-preserved feudal castle that dates back to the 17th century. The city also features beautiful gardens, traditional tea houses, and a vibrant cultural scene.
With its picturesque surroundings and rich history, Hikone offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's fascinating past.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Hikone Castle, a beautifully preserved Edo-period castle. Don't forget to explore the surrounding gardens for stunning views.
Head to the Genkyuen Garden, a landscape designed to showcase the beauty of nature. Enjoy a leisurely stroll while taking in the seasonal flowers and ponds.
Finish the day with dinner at a local izakaya, where you can sample traditional Japanese dishes. Try to catch a glimpse of the castle illuminated at night.
Begin with a morning hike in the nearby Ibuki Mountain area. The fresh air and beautiful scenery make for a rejuvenating start.
Visit the Hikone City Museum to learn about the local culture and history through engaging exhibits. Take some time to relax in the nearby café.
Dine at a local sushi restaurant and savor the flavors of fresh fish sourced from the nearby lakes. Conclude your day with a walk along the lakeside.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage with attractions like Hikone Castle.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including Lake Biwa and surrounding mountains.
- Quiet and peaceful atmosphere compared to larger cities.
- Strong sense of community and local culture.
- Convenient access to transportation for exploring nearby areas.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options.
- Fewer job opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas.
- Public transportation may not be as extensive as in bigger cities.
- Could be considered less appealing for those seeking a fast-paced lifestyle.
- Language barrier may be challenging for non-Japanese speakers.
Best Activities in Hikone
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the historic Hikone Castle and its beautiful grounds with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.
Stroll through the tranquil Genkyuen Garden, known for its carefully landscaped ponds, bridges, and seasonal flowers.
Enjoy outdoor activities like boating, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shores of the picturesque Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan.
Tours
Uncover the best of Hikone with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Hikone
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding city. Great for photos of the castle and gardens.
Beautiful traditional Japanese garden with scenic spots for photography, including ponds, trees, and seasonal flowers.
Hiking trail with panoramic views of Hikone and Lake Biwa. Ideal for landscape photography.
Food in Hikone
Hikone Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A specialty fermented dish made from crucian carp and rice, offering a unique and pungent flavor. Try it at Maruya, a renowned local restaurant.
Must-Try!
Mackerel sushi pressed and pickled in vinegar-seasoned rice, beautifully showcasing the region's fresh seafood. It can be savored at Ganso Saba-zushi, a must-visit spot in Hikone.
A hearty bowl of rice topped with fresh small sardines, bringing a delightful taste of the lake. Enjoy this dish at Marutomo, a popular local eatery.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hikone better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a wide array of local produce, snacks, and street food. Don't miss the opportunity to savor yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) and takoyaki (octopus balls) from the food stalls.
A nostalgic alley filled with unique food vendors, serving everything from grilled skewers to traditional sweets. Be sure to sample Mitarashi dango (sweet rice dumplings) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) from the charming stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is important to respect and follow local customs such as removing shoes when entering a home or certain establishments, bowing when greeting others, and using honorifics when addressing people.
Punctuality is highly valued in Japanese culture, so it's considered respectful to arrive on time for appointments and meetings.
Japanese people generally value personal space and it's respectful to maintain an appropriate physical distance when interacting with others, especially in public places.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Hikone with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Hikone
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Hikone. It is generally not expected or required to tip for services at hotels, restaurants, or other establishments.
In Hikone, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most commonly used form of payment. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, especially at larger businesses and hotels. Mobile payment apps are becoming increasingly popular as well.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hikone.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Hikone to see cherry blossoms in full bloom and enjoy pleasant weather
Expect warm and humid weather, and festivals like the Hikone Castle Festival
Great time to visit Hikone for the beautiful fall foliage and comfortable temperatures
Cold weather with occasional snow, ideal for experiencing the serene beauty of Hikone Castle in the snow
Hikone at Night
Hiking in Hikone
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers scenic walking trails with views of Hikone Castle and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
A bit farther from Hikone, this mountain offers various hiking trails, lush forests, and panoramic views.
Features a network of trails and is popular for leisurely walks among nature with a view of Lake Biwa.
A peaceful area with well-maintained trails, ideal for a relaxing hike surrounded by trees and local wildlife.
While more urban, it has easy access to trails leading into the surrounding countryside, combining cultural sites with nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Hikone through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Hikone by plane.
Located approximately 100 kilometers from Hikone, Kansai International Airport is one of the major international airports serving the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
Situated around 150 kilometers from Hikone, Chubu Centrair International Airport is located near Nagoya and serves as a significant hub for international and domestic flights.
Also known as Osaka International Airport, Itami Airport is located about 90 kilometers from Hikone and primarily serves domestic flights, with a few international destinations.
Located approximately 140 kilometers from Hikone, Nagoya Airfield serves primarily domestic flights with some international services, catering to the surrounding Nagoya area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Hikone, consisting predominantly of individuals who identify as Japanese.
A notable demographic group residing in Hikone, primarily consisting of ethnic Koreans.
A smaller demographic group that includes individuals of Chinese descent living in Hikone.
This group includes various individuals from different countries, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Hikone.
The Soul of Hikone
Discover the essence of Hikone through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of the most popular sports in Japan, baseball has a strong following in Hikone, with many local teams and schools participating in competitions.
Soccer has gained immense popularity in Japan, and Hikone is no exception, with local clubs and youth leagues promoting the sport.
Basketball is a widely played sport in Hikone, with schools and community teams competing in local leagues.
Various forms of martial arts, including judo, kendo, and karate, are practiced and celebrated in Hikone, reflecting Japan's rich tradition in these disciplines.
Tennis is popular among both youth and adults in Hikone, with several facilities available for public use and local tournaments held regularly.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hikone.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Hikone's cuisine is predominantly seafood-based, some restaurants offer vegetarian sushi options and vegetable tempura. For vegan visitors, it's advisable to communicate dietary restrictions clearly, and certain places may accommodate with advance notice.
Gluten-free options can be somewhat limited due to the prevalent use of soy sauce, but some establishments offer rice-based dishes and are open to customizing meals to cater to gluten-free needs. Communication with staff regarding dietary requirements is beneficial.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Hikone with these cultural adventures.
