Hikone Castle Travel Guide
Nearby Food Experiences
Nearby Restaurants
Hinaijidori Hokkoriya
Experience authentic Hinai chicken dishes near Hikone Castle. Enjoy the celebrated oyako-don in a tranquil setting infused with cultural charm.
La Cuisine Enju
Teppanyaki by way of French — from the award-winning, France-trained chef comes a fine restaurant in Hikone that blends Gallic techniques with local flavors, serving piping-hot, ultra-luxe grills that just won’t quit.
The castle enjoys a rare status among its kind, as the vast majority of its structures are in their original condition. The main fort is nestled safely behind two tiers of walls, ringed by moats which draw their water directly from Lake Biwa to the west.
Other defensive features include spiral ramps and wooden bridges, made to be quickly destructible in case any attackers managed to breach the walls. Also not to be missed is the castle museum, with a wide collection of treasures accumulated by the clan which once called the castle home.
It’s an impressive tourist site all year round, however Japanese castles all seem to take on an otherworldly beauty in winter. Consider taking a trip down from the slopes if you plan on going to Shiga for some snow sports.
Sign up for insider tips & sneak peeks into the diverse world of dining in Japan