Hikone Castle & Genkyūen Garden, Shiga (Hikone-jō / Genkyūen)
Cherry Blossom Season at Hikone Castle & Genkyūen Garden
When spring arrives in Hikone, nearly 1,100 cherry trees burst into bloom around Hikone Castle and the Genkyūen Garden area—one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the castle and its grounds. Blossoms are generally at their peak in early April, and at the start of the month the castle grounds are always packed with visitors enjoying the spectacular natural scenery.
Hikone Castle & Genkyūen Garden
Hikone Castle, a National Treasure in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is renowned as one of Japan’s twelve original castle keeps. The castle was built by Naotsugu, son of Naomasa Ii, who was victorious at the Battle of Sekigahara during Japan’s Warring States period.
Surrounding the castle site is Genkyūen Garden. This garden of Hikone’s feudal lords is designated a national scenic spot. It is a Japanese landscape garden centered on a pond with a circular walking path. Built in 1677 on the grounds of Hikone Castle by the local lord for the enjoyment of his guests and family, it was designed after a palace garden from Tang China.
Four small islands are scattered across the pond and connected by bridges. Hikone Castle’s main keep rises on the hill behind the garden, serving as “borrowed scenery.” A cluster of wooden buildings stands beside the pond; in the past they were used to entertain the lord’s guests. Today, visitors can enjoy a cup of tea here (500 yen).
Next to the garden is Rakurakuen Palace, once the residence of the lord’s family. The large wooden complex is currently under renovation, scheduled to continue until 2025, but it has little impact on a visit to Genkyūen Garden.
General Information
- Address: 1-1 Konkichō, Hikone, Shiga Prefecture
- Telephone: +81-(0)749-22-2742
- Opening Hours: 08:30–17:00
Ease of Access
- 15-minute walk along the straight main road from Hikone Station.
Price / Entrance Fees
- Castle and Genkyūen: Adults 800 yen / Children 200 yen
- Genkyūen only: Adults 200 yen / Children 100 yen
- Castle, Genkyūen, and Hikone Castle Museum: Adults 1,200 yen / Children 350 yen
Social Media
- Cherry Blossom information (Japanese): https://www.hikoneshi.com/jp/event/articles/c/sakuramatsuri
