Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle is one of only five castles in Japan with an original main tower (castle keep) that has been designated as a National Treasure; it was the residence of the Ii family, who were lords of the Hikone domain, with an annual revenue of around 350,000 koku of rice (equivalent to 52,500 tons of rice). In spring, around 1,200 Yoshino and other cherry trees bloom along the Castle moat, reflecting beautifully off the surface of the water in the moat and off the Castle’s white walls. The cherry trees are in full bloom from early April through to mid-April each year, and the “Hikone Cherry Blossom Festival” is held each year from April 1st to April 20th. In early April in particular, there are usually large numbers of visitors enjoying the magical beauty of the illuminated cherry blossom at night. During this period, there is free entry to the area around the inner moat to view the cherry trees until 9 p.m. The normal opening hours for Hikone Castle are from 8:30 a.m. to 17:00; the admission fee is 800 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary school, junior high or high school students. Toilets, shops, and paid parking available. The nearest station is Hikone Station.