Hikone Castle is one of the twelve Japanese castles that still retain their original keeps. Additionally, Hikone Castle is one of only five castles to have been designated the status of a National Treasure (along with Inuyama, Matsumoto, Himeji, and Matsue castles).

The samurai lord Naomasa Ii was gifted the area now known as Hikone by Tokugawa Ieyasu after his service in the Battle of Sekigahara. However, Naomasa Ii passed away before the castle was ever constructed. The castle was completed in 1622 after nearly 20 years of construction and was the seat of power for the Ii clan for nearly 260 years. 

In the late 1800’s, as a symbol of the end of the feudal system, the Meiji government ordered the demolition of many castles across Japan, including Hikone Castle. However, only one month after issuing this order, the Emperor visited Hikone and was convinced to suspend the castle’s destruction. Thus, Hikone Castle remains as one of the few surviving castles anywhere in Japan.

The three-story castle keep combines multiple different architecture styles and is particularly attractive in the spring when the 1200 cherry blossom trees surrounding the castle bloom. Nicknamed “the Water Castle,” Hikone Castle once stood along the shores of Lake Biwa and was originally encircled by a triple moat—remains today as a double moat.

The castle grounds are also home to Hikone Castle Museum—which displays many armor, kimono, music instruments, and historical documents from the Ii clan, and Genkyuen Garden—a peaceful Japanese garden with a functional tea house overlooking the inner moat. It is also the only castle in Japan which has horse stables remaining on the grounds.

Want to experience Hikone’s unique culture for yourself?

Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer a highly entertaining group-tours of Nagoya and the surrounding areas that are sure to please. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman
Period	All Year Round
Time	9:00-18:00
Meeting Place	JR Nagoya Station
Adult Rate	¥28,900
Child Rate	¥24,000

Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Nagoya area, and other regional destinations. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going. 

We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter. With door-to-door service, we can pick you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and the neighboring regions. For more information, please click HERE to check availability and pricing for your trip. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!