Hikone

Hikone is a city in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, located on the western shore of Lake Biwa in the Kansai region. It serves as a historical center with a well-preserved castle town surrounding Hikone Castle and Genkyūen Garden.

Hikone Castle, a National Treasure of Japan, was constructed in the early Edo period as a regional stronghold. The castle hill dominates the surrounding streets, which retain traditional machiya houses and merchant lanes from the feudal era. Adjacent to the castle, Genkyūen Garden provides a classical landscape setting that complements the historic site and is frequented by visitors and locals alike.

The city’s identity is strongly linked to its heritage, with tourism centered on the castle, garden, and the preserved townscape. In addition to cultural assets, Hikone maintains traditional crafts, including lacquerware associated with the region, and local markets that reflect its historical role as a castle town.

Transportation and access are provided by rail and road, with Hikone served by JR West lines and the Ohmi Railway, enabling easy connections to neighboring cities around Lake Biwa. The city is a common day-trip destination for visitors from Kyoto and Osaka, drawn by the combination of historic architecture, scenic gardens, and lakeside scenery.

Overall, Hikone presents a concise example of a Japanese castle town that preserves its Edo-period character while functioning as a modern regional center.