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.
At JR Hikone Station
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.
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.
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)
At JR Hikone Station
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
Tour guide fee
・Transportation fee (Kyoto→Hikone : 1,170 yen)
・Entrance fee （Hikone Castle : 800 yen, Hikone Castle ＋Genkyu-en Garden : 1,200 yen)
・Lunch fee
Please feel free to contact me!!
I will suit it to a guide starting time that is convenient for you.
Yes. This area is close to Kyoto geographically and has been culturally influenced strongly by Kyoto and Nara since ancient times. Therefore, there are many famous temples and shrines around here. Moreover, this area was important military spot for feudal lords who tried to rule Japan in the Civil Wars in around the 16 century.
Therefore, there are many ruins of castles.
I don't just guide you. I will do my best to make your trip more memorable by responding to your various requests.
Yes, at any time. I will adapt to your requests.
Yes. I can also guide you to following spots, so please feel free to contact me.
Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Himeji (National Treasure Castle),
Takayama & Shirakawa-go
This was a fantastic day planned by Kazu san. We saw everything we wanted to see and more in Osaka. Kazu san was so knowledgeable of the history which truly gave us an appreciation of the culture we came to explore. He was so professional, organized, kind and a pleasure to talk with throughout the day. I highly recommend his tours.
Thanks for the nice review. I am very happy to have guided your lovely family too. Sorry for making you walk so much. I hope this tour will be a memorable one. And, please visit Japan in near future. Thank you very much. Best regards, Kazuhiko Goto
Excellent service
Excellent service
Excellent service
Hello, Thanks for the great review. I hope to guide your group again in the near future to Kyoto and other spots in Japan. Best regards, Kazuhiko Goto