Nice castle, with a very enjoyable ground around it to wander through the gates and the ancient walls. I even think I prefer this one above Himeji castle. Went with my daughter (5 year) for a day trip from Kobe to Hikone castle. The trip takes from Kobe about 1h40 by Special Rapid train (2210 yen, children younger than 6... More

I've now seen all the major original castles in Japan and this is one of the best. It has extensive moats and outer fortifications left - most of the others have the keep and inner walls. It has some beautiful grounds and the strategic subtlety of the approaches on all sides is a military wonder. They also have the original... More

Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. From the top of the castle you get a brilliant view of Lake Biwa. Also, don't miss the samurai museum as the displays are amazing. More

Small original 1600's castle. 15 mins walk from Hikone train station. the stair up the main castle keep are extremely steep (almost like a monkey ladder) and the slippers they make you wear are very slippery. If you want to see the castle mascot, Hikonyan, he only comes out on Saturdays and Sundays More

It's quite an uphill climb to the castle, which is quite small, but worth the effort. The stairs inside the main keep are very steep, similar to a ship's engine room, but worth climbing, if anything, for the feeling of "Ive done it". Just a tip, climb stairs facing them, and when they are steep like these, come down the... More

Many castles in Japan were destroyed in the past and some of them were replaced by their replicas ... not this one. I would prefer to see more famous Himeji but due to its reconstruction there is not much to see and this is why we went to see Hikone castle (a short trip from Kyoto on Shinkansen to Maibara... More

Went there on a not so humid summer. Though it's a very short trip the journey is a pleasant one. My friend have an urge to see an original castle and I, not so enthusiastic at that time, decided to follow. Hikone is quite a small city compared with Osaka an Kyoto, and there's not so many people around. The... More

We visited Hikone Castle and Genkyuen Garden (which is beside & below the castle) on an easy day trip from Kyoto (using JR rail pass) - a little over an hour if my memory is correct. There is a combined ticket for both and both are well worth the visit. Even though we were there on a bitterly cold day... More