Day One Japan

Shiga (滋賀県)

Walk from Hikone’s hilltop castle to the pond at Genkyu-en, then end in the old-style castle-town shopping street.

Open the full walk in Google Maps
The main keep of Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle · Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page

Getting to Hikone Castle

From Kyoto Station (京都駅)

Take a JR Biwako Line train that stops at Hikone Station (彦根駅), such as a Special Rapid headed toward Maibara or beyond. Use the west exit to walk toward the castle.

Hikone Station (彦根駅)

The JR Hikone Station building
Drivephotographer · CC0 1.0 · Resized
Public transport in Google Maps Visit Hikone’s rail access guide

Three stops in order

  1. 1. Hikone Castle (彦根城)

    Follow the main approach from the station, then climb from the Omote-mon side to the original keep. The hill paths and stairs inside are steep.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Hikone Castle official visitor information

  2. 2. Genkyu-en Garden (玄宮園)

    Walk down from the castle to the pond garden on the north side. Look back toward the hill for a view of the keep above the trees.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Visit Hikone’s garden guide

  3. 3. Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road (夢京橋キャッスルロード)

    Follow the moat back around to Kyobashi and cross to the street of old-style shopfronts for lunch, local sweets or gifts.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Visit Hikone’s Castle Road guide

The castle’s visitor map shows the gates and garden connections. Allow extra time if you plan to climb inside the keep.

Transport and visitor information checked .