"Quiet Castle Town" Hikone by Rabbityama

Hikone Travel Guide: 8 reviews and 26 photos

Many people seem to imagine Hikone is much larger and more urban than it really is. In actuality, it is a rather small city, but it's not to be missed! Hikone Castle is one of Japan's 12 remaining original castles. It is also home to Hikonyan! Hikonyan is the city's mascot, but images and toys of him can be found throughout Japan. For many foreigners, Hikonyan is not just a symbol of Hikone, but a symbol of Japan! Indeed, he's become quite iconic.

The castle is not the only reason to visit. The castle museum has many great historical artifacts and works of art. The Genkyuuen Garden is quite nice with the castle towering above in the background. Tenneiji Temple is not often visited by foreigners but has an amazing array of Buddhist figures. Nearby Taga Shrine is also well worth the visit!

Intro Updated Jan 24, 2012
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Reviews (8)

Daishiji Temple Things to Do (5)

Daishiji Temple means "Daishi Temple", a fitting name, as the temple is dedicated to Kobo Daishi, also known as Priest... more travel advice

Cocotte's Bacon and Mozerella Spaghetti - Hikone

Atmospheric Italian Restaurants (1)

Cocotte is a pasta restaurant with great dinner/lunch sets. They have seafood pastas, vegetable risotto, and various... more travel advice

Genkyuu-en Garden Things to Do (5)

Genkyuu-en Garden is located at the foot of Mount Konki and Hikone Castle can be seen from the garden as borrowed... more travel advice

Tenneiji Temple Things to Do (5)

This is one of the city's best kept secrets (at least to foreigners). Tenneiji Temple does not look any different from... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Affordable Accomodation

Transportation (1)
Getting to Hikone

Comments (2)

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taigaa001 Dec 2, 2011 at 4:14 PM

I missed Genkyuen Garden when I last went to Hikone. Will visit next year I hope.
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salisbury3933 Jul 17, 2010 at 6:57 PM

This is another of Japan's castles that I haven't been to. Hoping to get there in the next 6 months or so.