Travel in Shiga
Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle · 彦根城
Explore the keep, then walk through Genkyuen. Look across the pond towards the castle for an outside view after seeing its interior.
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Visitor information at a glance
Admission
Individual castle/Genkyuen admission is JPY 1,000 general or JPY 300 for primary and junior high school pupils. Museum admission is JPY 700 general or JPY 350 for school pupils. The same-day combination costs JPY 1,500 general or JPY 550 for school pupils. Separate-day general admission totals JPY 1,700. Garden-only admission is JPY 400 general or JPY 150 for school pupils. Rates are dated 1 October 2024.
Opening hours and closed days
Castle hours are 08:30–17:00, with castle/Genkyuen entry until 16:30. Main castle buildings close at 16:45. The castle opens year-round; the Kaikoku Memorial Hall closes from 25 to 31 December. See the separate museum seasonal hours below.
What can I see at Hikone Castle?
Keep interiors and castle views across the pond
Explore the keep before continuing to Genkyuen. Walk through the garden looking towards the castle across the pond.
How to get to Hikone Castle
Leave JR Hikone by the west exit and walk towards the castle, about 15 minutes away. Check the local map for the entrance and ticket desk. Allow extra time for queues and climbing to the keep.
Official museum guide Hikone Castle visitor guide Hikone Castle access
Before you visit
Stairs towards the keep
The approach has slopes and stairs, and the keep’s internal stairs are steep too. Add ticket queues and climbing time to the station–castle walk.
The museum opens later than the castle
From October 2026, museum hours are 09:00–17:00 in March–November, with last entry at 16:30; December–February uses 09:00–16:30, with last entry at 16:00. Closures and exhibition changes can affect access and combination ticket sales.
Questions about Hikone Castle
Which ticket includes Hikone Castle Museum?
A same-day castle/Genkyuen and museum combination costs JPY 1,500 general or JPY 550 for primary and junior high school pupils. Separate days require individual tickets, totalling JPY 1,700 general. Check access and combination ticket availability during museum closures or exhibition changes.
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- Hikone Castle access ·
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- Official museum guide ·
- Hikone Castle visitor guide ·
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