Best Castles In Shiga

410 Years Since Building! A Beautiful & Wise National Treasure Overlooking Lake BiwaHikone Castle

Hikone Castle has a relation with Ii family. It's hard to be invaded and easy to use, so we can find wisdom everywhere in the castle. The historical interior is also the highlight. What is more, the castle seen from Genkyu-en Garden in the same site is so gorgeous that I can say it has both beauty and strength.◎Access: 10min by car from 'Hikone IC' of Meishin Highway. Or, 10min walk from JR Hikone Station. Available time: 8:30-17:00

A Japanese Garden Of Illuminated Autumn Colors, Taking Hikone Castle In One Sight Genkyu-en Garden

Genkyu-en is a Daimyo Garden (gardens built by the lords of each region of Japan in Edo Period) belonged to the old Hikone Clan. The scenery of lighted Japanese garden with Hikone Castle, one of the five castles of national treasure, was very fantastic and worth seeing so much.◎15 min walk from Hikone Station. The parking area is available, but the night is dark, so be careful when you park a car.

Ho-koen Park With The Great Collaboration Of Nagahama Castle & Cherry BlossomsHo-koen park

Ho-koen Park is located in the site of Nagahama Castle whose loard was Hideyoshi Toyotomi. This park is selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom places in Japan, and its scenery of 600 Somei Yoshino Cherry Blossom trees is amazing! You can see them with Nagahama Castle and Lake Biwa, which are special for Shiga Prefecture.◎This park was opened in 1909, and people enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, wisteria. With tennis court and children's area, it's well used by the citizens as a relaxation park. And you can learn the history and culture at a museum.