Shiga: Future World Heritage Site Hikone Castle Guided Tour
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Hikone Castle stands as a testament to Japan's rich history, closely connected to the influential Ii family and the Tokugawa shogunate. This guided tour delves into the architectural elegance and strategic significance of one of Japan's finest castles. Explore the castle's massive earthworks, original national treasures, and stunning views of Lake Biwa. Depending on your choice, opt for a concise introduction or an extended experience that includes the serene Genkyuen Garden and traditional matcha tea, reflecting the cultural life of the Ii lords. Engage with the stories that shaped the region and gain insights from your knowledgeable guide. - Discover the historical significance of Hikone Castle and the Ii clan - Choose between a standard or extended tour, including gardens and tea - Enjoy panoramic views from the main keep overlooking Lake Biwa - Learn about the castle's role in the Tokugawa shogunate's governance
Inclusions
What's included
- Guided tour of Hikone Castle
- Optional visit to Genkyuen Garden and Rakurakuen Palace
- Visit to the main keep
- Optional traditional matcha tea experience
What's not
- Transportation to and from Hikone Castle
- Meals and drinks
Itinerary
Hikone Castle is one of Japan’s best-preserved feudal castles and a designated National Treasure. Built after the fall of nearby Sawayama Castle, it became the seat of the Ii family, loyal vassals of the Tokugawa shogunate. Its main keep, believed to have been relocated from Otsu Castle, represents both military strength and aesthetic refinement. Visitors can explore the original defensive moats, gates, and turrets, and from the top floor of the keep, enjoy sweeping views of Lake Biwa and the Ōmi region. The castle embodies the political and cultural role of the Ii clan, who governed Hikone for over 250 years and contributed greatly to the stability of the Edo period.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Meeting point: In front of the Hikone Tourist Information Center. The guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. For details, please refer to the map.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- DeepExperience
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Japan, outside the cities
- Its from-price is 42% below the median of the 1684 experiences we list in Japan, outside the cities.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
Special offers in Japan, outside the cities
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
