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Day Trip

Tour to the National Treasure Hikone Castle from Kyoto

Day Trip

Shiga

English

6 hours

Private tour (only you and your group)

Up to 10 people

Hikone City is only an hour away from Kyoto by train and faces the largest lake in Japan.

Hikone Castle, a national treasure, and its castle town are located there.

There are also some old temples and shrines nearby.

You feel like you have slipped back into the Edo Period ( about 200~400 years ago).

This is a half-day tour where you can learn about Japan's medieval period.

Kazuhiko G.

4.73 / 5

(157 reviews)

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

JR Hikone Station or Kyoto city or Osaka city

Hikone Castle tower (A National Treasure), Genkyu-en Garden

Hikone Castle was built in the Edo period (1603-1867) as an important base for the Tokugawa Shogunate along with Nijo Castle and Himeji Castle in Kyoto. The castle is surrounded by turrets, stone walls, and moats, including the castle tower, which is a national treasure. From the top floor of the castle tower, we can see Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. There is also a beautiful garden inside the castle complex called "Genkyu-en" Garden, from which the castle tower can be seen, making it an excellent photo spot.

Castle Town

The castle town of Hikone Castle was fortunately spared from war damage, and the old townscape remains. In this area, a watchhouse to watch against enemy invasion and old temples still remain, giving visitors a glimpse of the medieval townscape in Japan.

Lunch

The area called "Hikone Castle Road" is a recreation of Hikone Castle Town with souvenir shops and restaurants. One of the most famous meals in this area is a meat dish using Omi beef, which is as famous as Kobe beef. Omi beef is a specialty that was presented to the Tokugawa shoguns during the Edo period (1603-1867)

Ending Point

JR Hikone Station or Kyoto city or Osaka city

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Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Tour guide fee

What‘s not included

・Transportation fee (Kyoto→Hikone : 1,170 yen)

・Entrance fee　（Hikone Castle : 800 yen, Hikone Castle ＋Genkyu-en Garden : 1,200 yen)

・Lunch fee

Tour Important Information

＊There are many beautiful temples and shrine near Hikone castle.

　You can also visit there.

＊You will find following items.

・Architecture Style of Japanese Castle

・Japanese garden style

・Samurai's life

I will suit it to a guide starting time that is convenient for you.

Important message from the guide

Please feel free to contact me!!

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Shiga Tour Reviews

Yvonne A.

5 / 5

Apr 11, 2024

Tour on Apr 11, 2024

Nara

4 hours 30 min

Customized

Apr 11, 2024

“Knowledgeable, kind and accommodating guide! ”

Kazu took us on a customized half-day tour of Osaka, meeting us at our hotel in Kyoto first, and helping us navigate our way to the city. We made some spontaneous changes to our plan for the day, and he did not miss a beat! Our family had a wonderful time! He is a wonderful guide!

Kazuhiko G.

(157 reviews)

Hello, Thank you for the nice review. I am glad you enjoyed our short tour of Osaka. Did you arrive safely in Tokyo? Please enjoy the tour in Tokyo. I hope this tour will be a memorable one. Thank you. Kazuhiko Goto

Arti P.

5 / 5

Apr 10, 2024

Tour on Apr.10

Kyoto

8 hours

Customized

Apr 10, 2024

“Kyoto Trip”

We did a private day tour with Kazu. From the time I made reservation, Kazu was super responsive and always answered my questions. He put together a great itinerary for our day trip. Kazu was very flexible on what we wanted to do plus he is very knowledgable about Japanese history. This was a memorable trip and thanks Kazu for making it happen. We were lucky to be in Kyoto for Sakura blooms. If we are back we will definitely book with you again. :-)

Kazuhiko G.

(157 reviews)

Thank you for the nice review. The cherry blossoms in full bloom in the blue sky were beautiful. I had a great time too. I think you must have been tired because you walked a lot. Please have a good rest. I am sorry that we could not find a suitable noodle store. I hope this tour will be a memorable one. And, I hope you will come to Japan again. Thank you very much !!

Malcolm A.

5 / 5

Apr 10, 2024

Your most memorable tour in Osaka

Osaka

8 hours

Apr 10, 2024

“Excellent informative guiding experience”

Kazu provided a very informative and stimulating tour on our day in Osaka. He was flexible to our needs and provided lots of information which broadened our understanding of the culture and history of Japan and Osaka in particular. We would highly recommend Kazu to others and thankyou Kazu for your company and many facts on our day with you.

Kazuhiko G.

(157 reviews)

Thanks for the nice review. I had a great time as well. I am glad you enjoyed the tour even though it was limited. I hope this tour will be a memorable one. Thank you very much !!