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Sightseeing
This town once flourished as the castle town of the Hikone domain.
Currently, the area is surrounded by historical sites, various experience facilities, and places where you can interact with nature, with the national treasure Hikone Castle at the center.
Enjoy the charms of Lake Biwa and its surroundings throughout the four seasons.
5 recommended itineraries
Hikone-shiHikone castle
Hikone Castle, built 400 years ago. It stands on a small hill, surrounded by a moat directly drawn in from Lake Biwa. Centered around the three-story, three-story keep (National Treasure), there are many notable attractions such as the Tenbin Turret (nationally designated Important Cultural Property), said to have been relocated from Nagahama Castle, the Drummon Turret (Nationally Important Cultural Property) where drums were placed for signaling inside the castle, and the Genkyu Rakurekuen (a nationally designated scenic spot), a daimyo garden modeled after the Eight Views of Ōmi. The interior of the keep is open for tours, so please be sure to see Lake Biwa as seen from the top floor.
- ホテルから車で約10分
Hikone-shiGenkyuen (a strolling garden with a pond located northeast of Hikone)
Genkyuen Garden is a former feudal lord's garden in Hikone-shi, Shiga. It was built in 1677 by Ii Naoki, the fourth lord of the Hikone Domain. You can enjoy the varied scenery, including an island in the middle of a pond and nine bridges over an inlet.
- ホテルから車で約10分
Taga-gun, Inukami-choTaga Taisha Shrine
It is the largest shrine Shiga and has been affectionately known as "Otaga-san" since ancient times. It enshrines Izanagi Okami and Izanami Okami, the parents of Amaterasu Omikami, the deity enshrined at Ise Grand Shrine. In the precincts, there is a longevity stone that is said to have the benefit of prolonging life, as well as the Okushoin Garden (a place of scenic beauty) with a pond that was created during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. There is also a story that during the Yoro era (717-24), when Emperor Gensho was ill, he offered a ladle made from a hornbeam tree along with the rice offered to the shrine, and he immediately recovered. (600 yen per book) has been popular since ancient times as a ladle to ensure good health, and its shape is said to be the origin of the word ``tadpole.''
*Okushoin Garden is closed to visitors from January 1st to the end of February every year due to snow.
- ホテルから車で約25分
Hikone-shiMatsubara Swimming Area
A shallow beach that stretches for about 1km in Lake Biwa Quasi-National Park, which is lined with beautiful pine trees facing Lake Biwa. Barbecues and fireworks are not allowed.
- Right next to the hotel
Maibara CityROSA&BERRY Tawada
The 13-hectare garden is planted with over 400 varieties of roses and seasonal perennials. The garden, which is carefully designed down to the smallest detail, including British bricks and hand-crafted wrought iron, can be enjoyed throughout the year.
- ホテルから車で約30分
Nagahama CityYanmar Museum
This interactive museum, run by engine manufacturer Yanmar, offers a wealth of exciting hands-on experiences, such as becoming a power shovel operator or steering a pleasure boat. (Reservations are preferred.)
- ホテルから車で約20分
Shizugatake Lift
Shizugatake in Shiga Prefecture is a popular spot for history buffs. The mountaintop, reached by a lift ride, offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints, overlooking Lake Yogo to the north and Lake Biwa to the south. Enjoy the blissful view while feeling the wind at an altitude of 421m, the same place where Sengoku-era warlords once ran.
- ホテルから車で約45分