Step Beyond Kansai International Airport and Discover the Historic Charm of Hikone – A Two-Day Journey into History♪

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a leisurely train journey from Kansai International Airport to Hikone♪

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Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport is an international hub airport with a rich network of international and domestic flights.
It is used by many people as a 24-hour maritime airport with multiple 4,000m-class runways, and as an airport that coexists with the local community and environment.​
A new international flight area will open on December 5, 2023, including a walk-through duty-free shop!

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Once you arrive in Hikone, start your adventure with a delicious meal on Yume Kyobashi Castle Road. This charming street, designed to recreate the atmosphere of an Edo-period castle town, is lined with restaurants serving local specialties like Omi beef and lunch with local ingredients. Enjoy a relaxing meal while being soaked in the nostalgic scenery—it’s the perfect way to begin your journey.

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Yumekyobashi Castle Road

Town houses reminiscent of castle towns in the Edo period, with gabled roofs made of smoked tiles and black lattices made of red paint mixed with soot that stand out against the white walls, line the streets stretching south from Hikone Castle.

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Hikonyan and Sorayan enjoyed a delightful lunch together!

Take a stroll through the nostalgic streets of the old castle town. At Yonbancho Square, you’ll find a wide selection of souvenirs featuring Hikonyan. From plush toys and keychains to towels and exclusive items you can only get here, it’s the perfect place to pick up a special memento of your trip.

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Yonbancho Square

This area recreates Western-style architecture from the Taisho period. There is also the Hikonyan Museum, where Hikonyan sometimes makes appearances on holidays.

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Sorayan was all smiles after picking up a bunch of Hikonyan souvenirs♪

After shopping, step into the world of traditional craftsmanship! At Inoue Butsudan, you’ll get a close-up look at the skills behind Hikone’s famous Buddhist altars. Watch artisans apply gold leaf and carve intricate designs—It’s a rare opportunity to fully appreciate the exquisite artistry of Buddhist altars.

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Inoue Buddhist Altar

This Buddhist altar store was founded in 1901. In addition to traditional Hikone Buddhist altars, they also manufacture "chanto," a modern cafe item that uses Buddhist altar-making techniques, and offer workshop tours and craft experiences to help visitors learn about Buddhist altar techniques.

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Hikonyan and Sorayan experienced the art of gold leaf pressing together♪

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Hikone Castle

This castle ranks among one the most famous in Japan. The castle tower dates back to the Edo Period and is a designated national treasure. In fact, there are only five castle towers designated as national treasures. Hikone Castle was built over a period of roughly 20 years. While glistening in the moonlight, the castle is an enchanting site and sightseeing destination around Lake Biwa.

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Capture a memorable photo with the historic Hikone Castle as your backdrop♪

After exploring the castle, take a short stroll to Genkyuen Garden, located just next door. This traditional Japanese stroll garden features a pond surrounded by seasonal flowers and lush greenery. The view of Hikone Castle reflected across the water is simply breathtaking. Walking through the garden while gazing up at the castle offers a luxurious moment where history and nature harmoniously come together.

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Genkyuen

A feudal lord's garden located northeast of the castle. A bridge spans the Nakajima in the pond, allowing visitors to walk around while enjoying the scenery.
This garden expresses the aesthetic sense of samurai during the Edo period and has been designated a national place of scenic beauty.
At the teahouse located within the park, you can take a break and enjoy matcha green tea and Japanese sweets (for a fee) while admiring the garden.

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Relax with a cup of matcha while enjoying the serene beauty of Genkyuen Garden—Jusy like Hikonyan and Sorayan did!

After being soaked in the charm of Hikone Castle and Genkyuen Garden, head over to the Hikone Castle Museum. Here, you’ll find fascinating exhibits featuring artifacts related to the Ii family and documents from the feudal administration. It’s a valuable place to learn about samurai culture and daily life in the castle town during the Edo period.

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Hikone Castle Museum

A museum that recreates the Omote Goten Palace, the government office of the Hikone Domain.
The museum collects and exhibits art and craft items, ancient documents, and other items related to the Ii family, who served as feudal lords for generations.

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Unwind on the veranda♪

Wrap up your journey with the traditional yakatabune boat ride! Set sail on a beautifully recreated Edo-period lord’s boat and enjoy a 45-minute cruise around the moat of Hikone Castle. From the water, you’ll get a unique view of the castle’s majestic keep and stone walls—a truly luxurious experience. The boatman’s guided narration adds charm to the ride, making it a relaxing and historically rich way to end your visit.

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Hikone Castle Houseboat

Take a cruise around the inner moat of Hikone Castle on a houseboat, a replica of the boats of the time. You can enjoy the castle from a different perspective than you can see from the ground.

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Hikonyan and Sorayan enjoyed a relaxing cruise around the castle moat on a traditional yakatabune boat! They were enchanted by the stunning view of Hikone Castle from the water.

Hikone is a charming town full of history and elegance, easily accessible by train from Kansai International Airport.
A two-day trip offers plenty to explore: Hikone Castle, Genkyuen Garden, scenic strolls through the town, and hands-on experiences with traditional crafts.
Thanks to Hikonyan’s friendly guide, Sorayan rediscovered the many wonders of Hikone!
Why not take a short detour from Kansai International Airport and enjoy a delightful journey through Hikone?