Hikone

Travel Guide

A traditional Japanese castle with a stone wall, a wooden fence, and autumn foliage.
A snow-covered beach with a calm sea and snow-laden trees.
A clear water body with a sandy bottom and visible rocks.
A traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiers and ornate roofs, surrounded by autumn-colored trees and a clear blue sky.
Photo by Yoshio Kohara (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)
A calm sea with a cloudy sky and distant mountains.
Toyoko Inn Hikone Station Higashi

Toyoko Inn Hikone Station Higashi

2.5 out of 5
2-1 Ekihigashicho Hikone Shiga
$47 nightly
The price is $53 total per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
$53 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Stay at this hotel in Hikone. Enjoy free breakfast, parking (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
Toyoko Inn Hikone Station Higashi
Kamenoi Hotel Hikone

Kamenoi Hotel Hikone

4 out of 5
3759 Matsubaracho Hikone Shiga
$211 nightly
The price is $234 total per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
$234 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Stay at this ryokan in Hikone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Konki Park and Hikone Castle are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (79 reviews)
"Fantastic stay in this onsen style ryokan. Had a wonderful private onsen in our room, overlooking the river and the lake beyond. Can’t ask for a more perfect experience. Waking up early to soak in our private room onsen before dressing and heading down for the Japanese style breakfast included."

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2026

Kamenoi Hotel Hikone
Hotel Sunroute Hikone

Hotel Sunroute Hikone

3 out of 5
9-14, Asahi-machi Hikone Shiga
$54 nightly
The price is $60 total per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
$60 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hikone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Ii Naomasa Statue and Umoreginoya ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (515 reviews)
"Will you visit Hikone Castle (one of the national treasures of Japan)? Before its opening time (8:30 am), I got a breakfast at Ichimaru Bagel nearby. Unique Japanese versions of bagels are delicious."

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2026

Hotel Sunroute Hikone
See all 227 properties in Hikone
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rakuten STAY HOUSE Hachimanbori

Rakuten STAY HOUSE Hachimanbori

3 out of 5
580-6 Taga-Cho Omihachiman Shiga
Stay at this vacation home in Omihachiman. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kawara Museum and Mt. Hachiman Castle Ruins ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
"The AC was super dirty. Other than that the house was great. Location is also perfect with a nice restaurant across."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2023

Rakuten STAY HOUSE Hachimanbori
RESORT×SPA FutureRESORT

RESORT×SPA FutureRESORT

3.5 out of 5
1016-4 Nagahama Shiga
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Nagahama. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and room service. Popular attractions Rosa & Berry Tawada ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
"次回は夏に行きたい"

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2026

RESORT×SPA FutureRESORT
八百熊川 Yao-Kumagawa

八百熊川 Yao-Kumagawa

3.5 out of 5
30-6-1 Kumagawa Wakasa Fukui
Stay at this vacation home in Wakasa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and bicycle rentals on site. Popular attractions Kumagawa Museum and Ebisu Shrine are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Great The staff is very helpful 👍"

Reviewed on Apr 8, 2026

八百熊川 Yao-Kumagawa
See all properties in Hikone
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Hikone attractions

Hikone Castle

8.8/10 (143 reviews)
Find out about the history of Hikone when you spend time at Hikone Castle. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's museums.
See properties

Things to do

Beyond Kyoto: Omihachiman - Medieval Canals & Merchant History

Beyond Kyoto Omihachiman Medieval Canals and Merchant History

$189
per adult
Beyond Kyoto Omihachiman Medieval Canals and Merchant History
Kyoto Nishijin Afternoon Walk: Culture, Shrine Views & Local Eats

Kyoto Nishijin Afternoon Walk: Culture, Shrine Views & Local Eats

$138
per adult
Kyoto Nishijin Afternoon Walk: Culture, Shrine Views & Local Eats
See all activities in Hikone

Frequently asked questions

Is Hikone worth visiting?
Hikone is worth visiting for its rich history and diverse culinary scene. Travelers can explore significant landmarks like Hikone Castle and Ryotanji Temple, which offer insights into the area's heritage. The city also provides a variety of dining experiences, with options ranging from Asian to European cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Hikone?
The best time to visit Hikone is from April through July, when the weather is typically pleasant for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of December through March offer a cooler, more tranquil experience.
What is Hikone known for?
Hikone is known for its historic Hikone Castle, a prominent landmark. Travelers can also explore Ryotanji Temple and the beautiful Genkyu-en Garden. This riverside city in Japan, located on Lake Biwa, is also notably named after Ikutsuhikone.
What is a good itinerary length for Hikone?
A good itinerary length for Hikone is two to three days to explore Hikone Castle, Ryotanji Temple, and Genkyu-en Garden, plus a Hikone Castle and Samurai Culture Walking Tour. For a longer trip of four to five days, you can also enjoy a boat tour to Mystical Chikubu Island on Lake Biwa or a private guided tour to Chikubushima. See Hikone Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Hikone?
Hikone offers a blend of historic landmarks, serene gardens, and cultural experiences:

  • Tour Hikone Castle and learn about Samurai culture on a walking tour.
  • Explore Genkyu-en Garden, a beautiful natural point of interest.
  • Visit Ryotanji Temple, a significant landmark.
  • Discover Chikubu Island with a mystical boat tour on Lake Biwa.
  • See Shigaken Gokoku Shrine, an important landmark.

How do I plan a trip to Hikone?
To plan your trip to Hikone, book flights and hotels in advance. Explore Hikone Castle, Ryotanji Temple, and Genkyu-en Garden. Consider a Hikone Castle and Samurai Culture Walking Tour or a Lake Biwa boat tour. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your visit.
What cuisines can you find in Hikone?
In Hikone you can find Japanese cuisine, offering a range of classic dishes like sushi, ramen, tempura, and udon. Travelers can also explore other dining options, including European and Italian flavors, as well as various steakhouse selections.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Hikone?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Hikone by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Hikone with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Hikone trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Hikone?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Hikone can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Hikone trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Hikone trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Hikone trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Hikone trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Hikone?
If it's your first trip to Hikone, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Hikone hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Hikone hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Hikone

Cherry blossom trees, a lake, and a bench.

Nagahama

A river winding through a valley with mountains in the background and a small town with buildings and roads along the riverbanks.

Higashiomi

A narrow waterway flanked by traditional wooden houses with stone walls and a boat in the distance.

Omihachiman

A coastal landscape with a clear blue sea, green hills, and scattered islands.

Takashima

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