Sheila Explores Japan
Hikone

Japan - Hikone

A suitable day trip from Kyoto, Hikone offers a glimpse of Japanese history from the Edo era. This area is incredibly tourist friendly and even has an information office at the Japan Rail (JR) station manned with staff eager to hand out maps and guide books of the area, in English. To make the most of your day in Hikone, tour the area on foot, past the castle to Lake Biwa and climb to the top of Tenshukaku for a spectacular view of the area.

The Hikone castle is the highlight of the area. It was built over 400 years ago, is a national treasure and stands high on a hill. The double moats are fascinating to see, and with some imagination, you can step back in time and see what life must have been like in the days of the city's most powerful Shogun.

There are many stairs to climb to reach the castle, but it is worth it for the view and the feelings you can open up to. I could imagine myself living in the castle with my bedroom on the third (top) floor, surrounded by mountains and a view of the water in the distance. The area is very serene indeed.

For the best view of the castle, buy the 500 Yen ticket which allows access to the castle and to Genkyo-en Garden. From the garden you will have a spectacular view of the castle, high on the hill. The garden is in the Chisen-kaiyu style which is a garden styled around a large pond. It was first constructed in 1677 and is forever changing colors with the changing of the seasons.

True sights to behold and experience.

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