Question 1

How do I get there from JR Hikone Station?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes' walk from JR Hikone Station. The Hikone Gojoka loop bus also takes you close to the castle, and holding a one-day bus pass (400 yen) gives 10 per cent off castle admission.

Question 2

How do I reach the keep? Are there steps?

Accepted Answer

There is a height difference of about 50 m from the entrance to the keep, with slopes and stone steps along the way. There are no lifts inside the keep or the turrets, but there are flat areas partway up the slope and at the foot of the hill with facilities everyone can enjoy.

Question 3

Where can I buy a goshuin castle stamp?

Accepted Answer

It is sold at the Omotemon ticket office, open 8:30-16:30.

Question 4

Where is the Japan 100 Castles stamp?

Accepted Answer

The Japan 100 Castles stamp is at the Kaikoku Kinenkan.

Question 5

Can I smoke or have a barbecue in the grounds?

Accepted Answer

Open flames are strictly prohibited at Hikone Castle and in the surrounding area. Smoking outside the designated areas is not permitted, and barbecues and portable stoves are prohibited.

Question 6

What are the opening hours and last entry time for Hikone Castle?

Accepted Answer

The grounds are open 8:30-17:00. Last entry is 16:30 for the castle, Genkyuen and the Hikone Castle Museum, and 16:45 for the Kaikoku Kinenkan. The buildings, including the keep, close at 16:45 so that visitors can leave by closing time.

Question 7

Does the same ticket cover the Hikone Castle Museum?

Accepted Answer

A combined ticket for Hikone Castle (including Genkyuen) and the museum is sold. Please note that the combined ticket is not sold while the museum is closed temporarily or during exhibition changeovers. The museum's own opening hours vary by season.

Question 8

How much is admission? Are there discounts?

Accepted Answer

Adults (high school students and above) 1,000 yen and elementary and junior high school students 300 yen, including entry to Genkyuen. Advance tickets bought at Lawson cost 900 yen for adults and 270 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Using the Hikone Gojoka loop bus (400 yen, unlimited rides for a day) gives 10 per cent off admission.

Question 9

Where can I meet Hikonyan? Does it appear every day?

Accepted Answer

Hikonyan appears three times a day in the free areas of the castle, in front of the keep and near the museum entrance. Please check the official website for the latest schedule.

Question 10

What kind of garden is Genkyu Rakurakuen?

Accepted Answer

Genkyu Rakurakuen is a daimyo garden on the site of the Ii family's lower residence, said to be modelled on the Eight Views of Omi and designated a national place of scenic beauty. It is an elegant strolling garden using the keep of Hikone Castle as borrowed scenery, with something to see in every season.

Question 11

Can I see the cherry blossom?

Accepted Answer

Cherry trees are planted throughout the castle grounds, and you can enjoy the blossom in spring. Hikone Castle is well known for its cherry blossom and draws many visitors in the season.

Question 12

Is there parking, and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

There are several paid car parks around the castle. Rates are around 1,000 yen a day for a car and 2,000 yen for a tour bus or minibus. They are generally open 8:30-18:00, though this can vary.

Question 13

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year round.

Question 14

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes' walk from JR Hikone Station. About 10 minutes from Hikone IC on the Meishin Expressway.

Question 15

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30)

Question 16

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 17

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1-1 Konkicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture

Question 18

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults (high school students and above) 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 300 yen (including Genkyuen garden).

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