Hikone Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Hikone, Japan with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, food, accommodations, culture, and more.
- Introduction to Hikone
- List of Places to Visit in Hikone
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Hikone
- Best Things to Do in Hikone: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Hikone
- Food and Drink Scene of Hikone
- Where to Stay in Hikone: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Hikone: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Hikone
- Best Time to Visit Hikone
- Do’s and Don’ts of Hikone
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Hikone: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Hikone
- Where to Go Next from Hikone: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Hikone
Nestled in the Shiga Prefecture of Kansai region, Hikone is a beautiful city that boasts natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delectable cuisine. The city is home to one of Japan’s most well-preserved castles - Hikone Castle - which attracts visitors from all over the world. Hikone is also known for its traditional festivals, stunning gardens, and picturesque landscapes.
With this comprehensive travel guide, you will explore the best that Hikone has to offer.
List of Places to Visit in Hikone
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Hikone has an exceptional cultural significance, with several museums and historical places that offer visitors a peek into the city’s rich history. Famed attractions include:
- Hikone Castle
- Shiga Prefectural Museum of History
- Genkyu-en Garden
- Nagahama Castle Historical Museum
- Yonban-cho Square
Natural Attractions of Hikone: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hikone’s natural beauty is captivating, and there are many places where visitors can enjoy the great outdoors. Popular natural attractions include:
- Lake Biwa
- Mount Hiei
- Himure Hachimangu Shrine
- Hikone Green Hill Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Hikone
Hikone is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city offers several biking and hiking routes that provide an opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the region. Some of the best routes include:
- Biwako Cycling Road
- Mount Hiei Trail
- Hachiman Mountain Trail
- Mt. Ryuo Nature Park
Best Things to Do in Hikone: Activities and Tours
Hikone has many things to do for visitors whether they are interested in cultural or outdoor activities. Some of the top things to do in Hikone include:
- Enjoying a boat ride on Lake Biwa
- Visiting Hikone Castle Museum
- Exploring the Yonban-cho Square and Museum
- Attending Hikone Castle’s annual cherry blossom festival
Week-Long Itinerary for Hikone
Hikone has a wide range of attractions to explore. A week-long itinerary will allow visitors to explore the best of Hikone, and nearby destinations.
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Hikone Castle and Museum |
| Day 2 | Visit Shiga Prefectural Museum of History and Nagahama Castle Historical Museum |
| Day 3 | Take a Boat Ride on Lake Biwa |
| Day 4 | Hike in Mount Hiei or Hachiman Mountain Trail |
| Day 5 | Visit Genkyu-en Garden and Hikone Green Hill Park |
| Day 6 | Discover the culture of Yonban-cho Square and surrounding areas |
| Day 7 | Excursion to Kyoto’s temples and shrines |
Food and Drink Scene of Hikone
Must-Try Dishes
Hikone is a culinary hotspot, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of traditional Japanese delicacies. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Omi Beef
- Saba Misoni
- Funazushi
- Oden
- Hikone Sweets
Local Beverages
Hikone is also known for its local beverages, including:
- Sake
- Hikone Beer
- Hikone Quince Tea
Where to Stay in Hikone: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Hikone has several lodging options for travelers of all budgets. Depending on your needs, you can choose from:
- International and Business Hotels
- Budget-Friendly Hostels
- Ryokans (Traditional Inns)
What to Buy in Hikone: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Hikone has a rich culture that is reflected in the souvenirs and local products made by local artisans. Consider buying:
- Omi Traditional Handicrafts
- Japanese Traditional Sweets
- Hikone Quince Tea
- Kokufu-ten Orchid Flowers
- Hikone Castle Miniatures
Local Culture and Customs of Hikone
Hikone is a city with a rich culture and customs. Visitors should observe the following:
- Remove your shoes when entering homes and temples
- Bow slightly when greeting someone
- Respect privacy and personal space
Best Time to Visit Hikone
Hikone is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the scenery is stunning.
Do’s and Don’ts of Hikone
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs
- Carry cash as some shops and restaurants do not accept cards
- Dress appropriately, especially when visiting temples or shrines.
Don’t:
- Speak loudly in public areas
- Eat or drink while walking in public areas
- Tip at restaurants or hotels.
Safety and Health
Safety in Hikone
Hikone is a relatively safe city. Visitors should take their normal precautions, such as:
- Keep your belongings safe at all times
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Be aware of your surroundings in crowded places.
Health in Hikone
Hikone has excellent health facilities, and visitors can access medical services without any issues. However, it is advisable to have medical insurance coverage before visiting.
Getting to Hikone: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Hikone
The nearest airport to Hikone is Kansai International Airport, which is served by various international airlines. From there, visitors can take a train or bus to Hikone.
Bus Stations Near Hikone
Hikone Bus Terminal is the main bus station in the city, and it is serviced by various buses from nearby destinations.
Other Options
Visitors can also get to Hikone by train, taxi or rental car.
How to Get Around in Hikone
Hikone is a relatively small city, and visitors can easily explore it on foot or by bicycle. Public transport options include buses, trains, and taxis.
Where to Go Next from Hikone: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Hikone is a gateway to some of the most exciting destinations in Japan. Some of the best nearby destinations and excursions include:
- Kyoto
- Nagoya
- Osaka
- Nara
Conclusion
Hikone is a city that is rich in culture, natural beauty, and history. With its traditional festivals, stunning gardens, and picturesque landscapes, Hikone is a must-visit destination. Plan your trip to Hikone today and discover the hidden gems of this Japanese gem.
