彦根城 · Hikone-jo
An original National Treasure castle saved from demolition by imperial order — complete with Japan's most famous cat mascot.
#50 — 100 Famous CastlesChild: ¥200
Last entry 16:30
Children ¥200. Admission covers the castle tower, Genkyuen Garden, and Hikone Castle Museum.
Hikone Castle combines everything you want from a Japanese castle: an original National Treasure tower, a complete defensive complex with multiple surviving historical structures, a beautiful garden, a well-preserved approach through the old castle town, and Lake Biwa views from the top. It's one of Japan's most complete castle experiences outside of Himeji — and significantly less crowded.
Hikone Castle nearly ceased to exist in 1873, when the Meiji government ordered its demolition. What saved it? The Emperor Meiji himself visited and was so moved by its beauty that he issued a direct order to halt the demolition. It was a last-minute reprieve that preserved one of Japan's most important National Treasures.
Hikone Castle was built partly from parts of other castles — when the Ii clan demolished the nearby Otsu Castle and Sawayama Castle (Ishida Mitsunari's base), they cannibalized the towers, gates, and building materials for their new castle. It's a physical record of the political upheaval following the Battle of Sekigahara, built from the ruins of the defeated.
Hikone Castle is the birthplace of Japan's 'castle mascot' phenomenon. 'Hikonyan,' a round white cat wearing a samurai helmet, was created in 2007 for the castle's 400th anniversary and became a national sensation. The concept was so successful that it spawned hundreds of imitators across Japan. Hikonyan appears at the castle several times daily for photo opportunities.
Visitor Tip
The approach from the station takes you through a pleasant tree-lined path before you begin the climb up the hill. The Umagaeshi approach (the sharp double-back turn) is the main challenge; after that, the path opens to the tower complex. The Genkyuen Garden at the base of the hill is worth visiting either before or after the tower — it reflects the castle's shape in its pond.
hirayamajiro
Hill-top flatland castle — built on a small hill above the flat Lake Biwa shoreline
renkaku
Compound style — tower and ancillary structures connected in a complex arrangement
Original wooden tenshu (main keep) — one of 12 surviving original castle towers and one of five National Treasures in Japan
nozurazumi — Natural stone stacking — characteristic of the early Edo period style, with rounded organic profiles
The stone walls blend naturally with the contours of the hill, giving the castle a settled, organic appearance. Several of the gate structures and walls were taken from other demolished castles, resulting in subtly varying construction styles in different areas.
A moat system surrounds the castle hill, connecting to the broader water landscape near Lake Biwa. The inner moat area near the Genkyuen Garden is particularly scenic.
Umagaeshi (Horse-Return) Approach
The main approach to the castle switchbacks sharply — horses could not navigate the turns and had to be left behind. This defensive design forced even cavalry-supported attackers to approach on foot through a confined, overlooked approach.
Tenbin-yagura (Balance-Scale Turret)
The distinctive connecting turret that bridges two sections of wall on either side of the main gate — visually like a pair of scales — allowed defenders to cover the gate approach from both sides simultaneously. Its elegant, practical design is one of the castle's architectural highlights.
Recycled Castle Parts as Defensive Elements
Gate structures taken from Otsu and other castles were integrated into Hikone's layout. These pre-built, battle-tested defensive elements meant Hikone had mature, proven defensive architecture from the moment it was completed.
The Deadliest Gate in Japan
The attacking force crosses the moat and approaches the outer gate. Defenders hold fire, allowing the enemy to commit.
Historical Context — Hikone Castle
The castle hill's natural slopes and the deliberately confusing Umagaeshi approach would have funneled attackers into a confined zone covered by fire from multiple directions. The Tenbin-yagura gate turret created a crossfire zone at the main gate. Any force that broke through the outer defenses still faced the steep hill climb to the main compound.
After the Battle of Sekigahara, Ii Naomasa — one of Tokugawa Ieyasu's most loyal generals — receives Hikone as his domain. He immediately begins planning a major castle to control the strategic Lake Biwa region.
Construction of Hikone Castle begins. Materials are cannibalized from nearby demolished castles — Otsu, Sawayama, and others — speeding construction and symbolically demonstrating Tokugawa dominance over the defeated western lords.
The castle complex reaches its final form under Ii Naokatsu. The Ii clan, famous for their 'Red Devils' warriors who fought in distinctive red armor, will rule Hikone for the entire Edo period.
Ii Naosuke — the most famous lord of Hikone — becomes Chief Minister (Tairo) of Japan, effectively the most powerful man in the country. He signs treaties opening Japan to Western trade, then is assassinated in 1860 for his decisions.
The Meiji government orders Hikone Castle demolished. Emperor Meiji visits the castle and personally halts the demolition, saving it from destruction. Without this intervention, one of Japan's five National Treasure castle towers would not exist today.
Hikone Castle's main tower is designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government, one of only four castles to receive this designation at that time.
Hikonyan, the round white cat mascot wearing a samurai helmet, is unveiled for the castle's 400th anniversary — and becomes a national phenomenon, credited with pioneering Japan's castle mascot culture.
Ii Naosuke's dramatic political life and assassination have been dramatized multiple times in NHK's annual historical drama series.
Cherry blossom season is exceptional here, with the castle surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees and Lake Biwa visible in the background. Autumn foliage is also stunning. Winter snowfall occasionally dusts the tower — beautiful but cold.
2-3 hours
Check the Hikonyan appearance schedule before you visit — the mascot appears three times daily and the sessions are genuinely fun even for adults. Also, visit the Hikone Castle Museum in the Ninomaru area after the tower: it holds an extraordinary collection of the Ii clan's famous red lacquered samurai armor.
Children ¥200. Admission covers the castle tower, Genkyuen Garden, and Hikone Castle Museum.
Open year-round. Genkyuen Garden illuminated during special events.
Audio guide languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean
The nearest station is Hikone Station (JR Biwako Line). It is approximately a 15-minute walk from the station. Parking: Parking available near the castle grounds. Accessible with a JR Pass.
Adult admission is ¥800. Children: ¥200. Children ¥200. Admission covers the castle tower, Genkyuen Garden, and Hikone Castle Museum.
Hikone Castle combines everything you want from a Japanese castle: an original National Treasure tower, a complete defensive complex with multiple surviving historical structures, a beautiful garden, a well-preserved approach through the old castle town, and Lake Biwa views from the top. It's one of Japan's most complete castle experiences outside of Himeji — and significantly less crowded.
Hikone Castle is open 08:30 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30). Open year-round. Genkyuen Garden illuminated during special events.
Plan on spending 2-3 hours at Hikone Castle. Check the Hikonyan appearance schedule before you visit — the mascot appears three times daily and the sessions are genuinely fun even for adults. Also, visit the Hikone Castle Museum in the Ninomaru area after the tower: it holds an extraordinary collection of the Ii clan's famous red lacquered samurai armor.