I had previously visited the area on a business trip decades ago but couldn't make it to Hikone Castle, so I was glad to finally visit. The view of the castle from the adjacent Genkyuen Garden is extremely photogenic! You can go inside the castle keep, but keep in mind that the interior wooden stairs are remarkably steep. It's a wonderful historic site and well worth the visit.
Hikone Castle is, in my opinion, one of the finest and best-preserved historic castles in Japan. As one of the country's few original castle keeps, it offers an authentic glimpse into Japan's feudal past and is well worth the journey to Shiga Prefecture. The entire castle complex is expansive, beautifully maintained, and filled with historic buildings, gardens, gates, and scenic viewpoints that make exploring the grounds a rewarding experience.
This was my second visit, and this time I came during the height of summer. If you're planning to visit during the warmer months, I strongly recommend bringing an umbrella or parasol, wearing light, breathable clothing, and staying well hydrated. The summer heat in Shiga Prefecture can be intense, and much of the castle grounds offer little shade during the climb.
The castle grounds are extensive, with countless picturesque corners that invite you to slow down and explore. Reaching the main keep, however, requires a steady uphill walk. Some sections feature fairly steep inclines, uneven stone pathways, and historic stairways, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended. Fortunately, the effort is rewarded with magnificent panoramic views overlooking Hikone, Lake Biwa, and the surrounding landscape.
Exploring the castle interior is another memorable experience. The keep spans three floors, connected by remarkably steep wooden staircases that are characteristic of original Japanese castles. Some of the stairways feel almost ladder-like—I would estimate an incline of around 75–80 degrees—so climbing them requires a bit of care. The reward awaits on the upper floor, where the windows frame beautiful panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside, making the climb entirely worthwhile.
Descending the staircases can actually be more challenging than climbing them. For safety, I'd recommend turning around and facing the stairs as you descend, much as you would when climbing down a ladder. It makes the narrow, steep steps much easier to navigate.
During my visit, I also noticed that several sections of the grounds were temporarily closed. Whether due to restoration work, ongoing maintenance, or safety concerns, this meant that a few areas were inaccessible. Even so, there was still more than enough to explore, and the closures did little to diminish the overall experience.
Overall, Hikone Castle is one of Japan's true historical treasures. Its remarkably preserved architecture, expansive grounds, and spectacular views make it one of the country's most rewarding castle visits. If you appreciate Japanese history, traditional architecture, or simply enjoy exploring beautiful heritage sites, Hikone Castle is an absolute must-visit.
We visited Hikone Castle on a Sunday in late July. The area was not overly crowded, and there was no wait time for entry. Parking costs ¥1,000, and combined adult admission for the castle and garden is ¥1,000.
Compared to other National Treasure castles, the main keep is relatively small with less inside to view, but it remains worthwhile for history enthusiasts.
Note that the wooden stairs inside the keep are extremely steep, making access to the top floor challenging or unsuitable for young children, elderly visitors, and anyone with mobility or knee issues.
Facinating original castle that is very worth visiting. I really love thier mascot Hikonyan, definitely one of the cutest and most charming mascot I encountered. They have some stores selling it's merch and I gladly bought some. They also have a live mascot shows at certain times of the day, but it was outside the ticketing area. The staff told me I can't reenter the ticketed area if I exit to see the show which I thought its kinda weird.
The castle grounds are way bigger than I thought, we spent almost 3 hours, without even visiting the garden cause we ran out of time. The hike up to the castle can be quite steep and long at the beginning. The scenary and nature along the hike are beautiful during the autumn season when we visited.
The castle itself is beautiful and well preserved. The stairs inside the castle can be super steep. There wasn't much to see inside except for the original castle structure, but the views are very good on the top. You can get a very nice and clear view of Lake Biwa and the town.
There's also a traditonal garden but we didn't go. You can easily allocate half a day to explore the castle grounds. Highly recommended.
Visited Hikone Castle today based on a friend’s recommendation, and it was a great experience. The ¥1,000 admission fee covers both the castle and Genkyuen Garden. As one of the few remaining original castles in Japan, its architecture is truly impressive. It requires a bit of walking, but you can explore the entire grounds in about 90 minutes. The atmosphere of the traditional Japanese structures and the serene garden is fantastic.
