Hikone Castle is a National Treasure and counted among the greatest castles in the world. It took around 20 years to build, and was completed in 1622. Extremely beautiful when illuminated by moonlight, it is one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa.
The so-called “Water Castle” once stood alongside Lake Biwa and the inner lake, and its waterways were also used for the transport of goods to the town. Hints of it can still be seen everywhere, from the area name “Funamachi” (meaning “Boat Town”) to the remains of wharfs and houses belonging to boatmen that can be found along the canals. Always thronging with houseboats, the canals remain a place of relaxation for the residents of Shiga even today.
In spring time, 1200 trees with eight varieties of cherry, including Yoshino cherry, all bloom at once, creating a fabulous sight. The trees are also illuminated at night each year. The Hikone-jo Castle region also plays host to a performance from the Hikone City mascot Hikonyan three times a day. Please see Hikonyan’s official website (http://hikone-hikonyan.jp/) for further details on when and where Hikonyan will appear.

Genkyu-en Garden is a Daimyo (“feudal lord”) garden located to the north east of Hikone-jo Castle, created to resemble the Eight Views of Omi that in turn originate from the Eight Views of Lake Biwa and the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang, China. A representative example of the Japanese Daimyo garden style, it is a designated Japan Heritage site. September every year sees the holding of the “Meet to Hear the Sound of Insects in Genkyu-en,” and November the “Fall Genkyu-en Illuminations,” both allowing you to enjoy a rich garden experience.

At Sennaritei Kyara you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth delicious Omi beef. Relax and enjoy a moment of beef-based bliss. They offer a full range of Omi beef dishes from the meat of carefully selected heifers.

Yumekyobashi Castle Road starts immediately from the bridge that crosses the moat at Hikone-jo Castle, and is designed to evoke the townscape of the Edo period (1603 – 1868). It features multiple outlets, including facilities offering a variety of experiences and a range of restaurants.