National Treasure Hikone Castle and Scenic Beauty Genkyū Rakuraku Garden Complete Guide | History, Highlights, and Admission Information Thoroughly Explained
The National Treasure Hikone Castle and Scenic Beauty Genkyū Rakuraku Garden located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, are representative historical and cultural heritages of Japan. Hikone Castle, built in the early Edo period, is one of five castles designated as National Treasures among the existing original keeps, and is also called “Kinkame Castle” due to its graceful appearance. The Genkyū Rakuraku Garden, which spreads to the northeast of the castle, is a pond-and-island strolling garden that conveys the beauty of Edo-period daimyo gardens and has been designated as a National Scenic Beauty.
This article comprehensively explains information you should know before your visit, from the historical background of Hikone Castle and Genkyū Rakuraku Garden to detailed information about buildings, garden highlights, seasonal attractions, and admission fees and access information.
History and Construction of Hikone Castle
Castle Construction by the Ii Clan
Hikone Castle began when Ii Naomasa, a senior retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu, became the lord of Sawayama Castle in Ōmi Province following the Battle of Sekigahara (1600). Naomasa passed away in 1602 due to war wounds, but upon the wishes of his successor, Ii Naatsugu, and the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, construction of a new castle on Hikone Mountain (Kinkame Mountain) was initiated.
Construction work began in Keichō 9 (1604) and was completed after approximately 20 years in Genna 8 (1622). It was a major undertaking spanning two generations under Ii Naatsugu and Naotaka, and neighboring daimyo were mobilized as part of a nationwide public works project. Positioned on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle became an important stronghold in the Tokugawa shogunate’s control of western Japan as a strategic point connecting the Tōkaidō and Nakasendō routes.
Characteristics as a Flatland Mountain Castle
Hikone Castle is a flatland mountain castle built utilizing Hikone Mountain. A three-story keep is positioned on the summit of approximately 50 meters height, surrounded by towers and gates, with three concentric moats—inner, middle, and outer—encircling the mountain base, creating a formidable structure. During construction, building materials and stone walls were transferred from neighboring castles such as Sawayama and Nagahama.
The keep is a three-story, three-level watchtower-style structure characterized by its elegant exterior featuring abundant decorative roof edges. Designated as a National Treasure in Shōwa 27 (1952), it is positioned as the pinnacle of Japanese castle architecture alongside Himeji, Matsumoto, Inuyama, and Matsue castles as one of the five National Treasure castles.
As the Residence of the Ii Clan
Throughout the Edo period, Hikone Castle served as the residence of the Ii clan, the foremost hereditary vassal daimyo. As a major domain of 350,000 koku, the Ii clan held important posts in the shogunate, and Ii Naosuke, who served as Senior Councillor, played a crucial role in late Edo period Japanese history. After the Meiji Restoration, the castle was spared destruction and has been preserved to this day.
Architectural Value of the National Treasure Keep
Structure and Characteristics of the Keep
Hikone Castle’s keep has a three-story exterior and three-story-one-basement interior structure. The roofs of each floor feature a complex combination of decorative roof edges—irimoya, kirizuma, and karahafu—creating a varied and beautiful silhouette. This diversity of decorative edges is the greatest characteristic of Hikone Castle’s keep, allowing one to enjoy different appearances depending on the viewing angle.
The first floor has dimensions of approximately 11 meters in depth and 9 meters in width, with the structure tapering toward upper levels in the second and third stories. The exterior walls are painted white with lime plaster, creating a beautiful contrast with the black boarding.
Interior Highlights
The keep’s interior is connected by steep stairs on each floor, with a warriors’ hideaway on the first floor, weapon racks and stone dropping ports (defensive equipment) on the second floor, and windows providing 360-degree views on the third floor. From the top floor, one can overlook Lake Biwa and Hikone’s castle town, and on clear days can see to the Hira mountain range.
The pillars and beams of the keep incorporate the finest building techniques of the era, with many transfer materials used, making it a valuable resource for architectural history.
Groups of Towers of Important Cultural Property
Hikone Castle preserves many Important Cultural Property structures beyond the keep.
Tenbin Tower
The Tenbin Tower is positioned on the main approach to the inner citadel from the main gate and receives its name from its symmetrical form resembling a balance scale. The unique structure with double towers on both sides of a covered bridge is rare nationwide and played an important defensive role.
Taiko Gate Tower
The Taiko Gate Tower is the tower gate guarding the main castle’s front entrance, named for the drum kept there to announce the time. A two-story gate tower, it occupied an important position as the final defense line to the inner citadel.
Nishi-no-maru Three-Story Tower
The Nishi-no-maru Three-Story Tower is the second-largest structure in Hikone Castle after the keep and served to defend the western side. Its three-story dignified appearance forms an important part of Hikone Castle’s silhouette together with the keep.
Sawaguchi Tamon Tower
The Sawaguchi Tamon Tower is located on the castle’s eastern side, functioning as a long-house-style gallery tower that combined defensive and storage functions. It is preserved in good condition today.
Horse Stable
Hikone Castle’s horse stable is a rare surviving example of a castle horse stable nationwide. Designated as Important Cultural Property, it is a valuable relic for understanding the functions of castles during that period.
Charm of Scenic Beauty Genkyū Rakuraku Garden
History and Origin of Genkyū Garden
Genkyū Garden is a pond-and-island strolling style daimyo garden positioned to the northeast of Hikone Castle. Construction was begun in Enpo 5 (1677) by the fourth lord of Hikone Domain, Ii Naooki, and was completed in Enpo 7 (1679), according to historical records.
The name “Genkyū” derives from “Genkyū,” the detached palace of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty China. During the Edo period, it was also called “Keyaki no Gyotei.” With a large pond at its center, the landscape is arranged to recreate the Eight Scenic Views of Ōmi, and it was used as a place of retreat for the domain lord and for receiving honored guests.
Composition of the Pond-and-Island Strolling Garden
Genkyū Garden is a pond-and-island strolling garden centered on a large pond, allowing visitors to enjoy varied scenery while walking around it. Four islands float on the pond with nine bridges connecting them, allowing visitors to savor changing landscapes with each step.
The pond’s water was drawn from the outer moat, employing an advanced water supply system utilizing siphon principles for the era. Water effects are skillfully created, such as falling water from rock crevices on small islands forming waterfalls.
Major Structures
Rinchikaku
A sukiya-style building constructed to protrude into the pond, positioned where the garden’s landscape can be most beautifully viewed. Its open design allows visitors to enjoy the keep and surrounding scenery reflected on the pond’s surface.
Hōshōdai
A tea room built on a raised mound, positioned at a high point overlooking the garden. Known as a place where the domain lord enjoyed tea ceremony.
Hakkei Pavilion
A building designed to enjoy the garden’s landscape modeled after the Eight Scenic Views of Ōmi, serving as a particularly important viewing point within the garden.
Rakuraku Garden (Keyaki Manor)
Rakuraku Garden, adjacent to Genkyū Garden, was originally called “Keyaki Manor,” the lower residence of Hikone Domain. Constructed in unity with Genkyū Garden, it was used as the domain lord’s residence. Important cultural properties such as the Oshoin and the Jishin-no-ma (Earthquake Room) survive, conveying the styles of Edo-period samurai residences.
The Senior Councillor Ii Naosuke was born in this Rakuraku Garden and spent his youth here. Currently designated as a National Scenic Beauty under the name “Genkyū Rakuraku Garden,” it constitutes part of the Special Historic Site “Hikone Castle Ruins.”
Seasonal Landscape Beauty
Spring Cherry Blossoms
Hikone Castle is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, with approximately 1,200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees adorning the castle grounds in spring. The landscape of cherry blossoms with the keep as backdrop is spectacular, drawing many hanami viewers. In Genkyū Garden, cherry blossoms blooming around the pond reflect on the water’s surface, creating an elegant scene.
Summer’s Fresh Greenery
From early summer through summer, one can enjoy Hikone Castle and Genkyū Garden enveloped in deep green. Lotus flowers bloom in the Genkyū Garden pond, creating a cool landscape. Evening light-up events are also held, allowing visitors to experience a fantastical atmosphere.
Autumn Foliage
The autumn foliage season is one of the most beautiful times of year at Hikone Castle and Genkyū Garden. The foliage adorning the area around Genkyū Garden’s pond reflects on the water, creating a landscape like a brocade picture. The combination of foliage and the keep viewed from Rinchikaku is particularly renowned as spectacular scenery.
During the foliage season, special evening viewings are held, allowing visitors to enjoy the fantastical sight of illuminated foliage and historic structures.
Winter Snow Landscape
Snow-covered Hikone Castle and Genkyū Garden display serene and solemn beauty. The landscape of the white keep and garden covered in snow has the aesthetic quality of ink wash painting.
Hikone Castle Museum
The Hikone Castle Museum, located near the castle’s main gate, was constructed on the site of Hikone Domain’s front palace. It houses approximately 90,000 art objects, antiques, ancient documents, and armor passed down through the Ii family, introducing the history of Hikone Domain and the Ii clan through permanent and special exhibitions.
Exhibition rooms feature a restored Noh stage and displays recreating the lives of daimyo, making it a facility where visitors can experience Edo-period daimyo culture.
Admission Fees and Opening Hours
Admission Fees
Hikone Castle and Genkyū Garden Combination Ticket
- General: 800 yen
- Elementary and middle school students: 200 yen
Hikone Castle, Genkyū Garden, and Hikone Castle Museum Combination Ticket
- General: 1,500 yen
- Elementary and middle school students: 550 yen
By purchasing combination tickets, visitors can view the paid areas of Hikone Castle (the keep, various towers, etc.), Genkyū Rakuraku Garden, and the Hikone Castle Museum.
Admission Fee Exemptions
Admission fees are waived for the following:
- Persons 65 years of age and older residing in Hikone City (proof required)
- Persons holding disability certificates and one caregiver
- Cases of entry for school educational activities (advance application required)
Opening Hours
Hikone Castle and Genkyū Garden
- 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
- Open year-round
Hikone Castle Museum
- 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
- Closed: During exhibition changes, December 25-31
Paid and Free Areas
Paid Areas
Admission fees are required for the following areas:
- Keep
- Tenbin Tower
- Taiko Gate Tower
- Nishi-no-maru Three-Story Tower
- Sawaguchi Tamon Tower
- Horse Stable
- Genkyū Rakuraku Garden
- Hikone Castle Museum (with combination ticket)
Free Areas
The following areas can be toured free of charge:
- Castle approach from the main gate to the keep
- Walking paths around inner and middle moats
- Areas around Kurogane Gate
- Areas around the main gate
However, admission fees are required to enter the interior of the keep and towers and to visit Genkyū Rakuraku Garden.
Access and Parking Information
Access by Public Transportation
By JR
- Exit at “Hikone Station” on the JR Tōkaidō Main Line, approximately 15-minute walk
- Clear directional signs guide visitors from Hikone Station to Hikone Castle
By Ōmi Railway
- Exit at “Hikone Station” or “Hikone Serikawa Station” on the Ōmi Railway
By Bus
- From the west exit of Hikone Station, take the Hikone city circulation bus to “Hikone Castle/Hikone Castle Museum” stop (immediate proximity)
Access by Automobile
Expressway
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Hikone IC” on the Meishin Expressway
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Maibara IC” on the Hokuriku Expressway
Parking Information
Multiple parking lots are available around Hikone Castle:
Ninomaru Parking Lot
- Regular cars: 400 yen (per entry)
- Large buses: 1,500 yen (per entry)
- Operating hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sakuraba Parking Lot
- Regular cars: 400 yen (per entry)
- Operating hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Kyōbashi-guchi Parking Lot
- Regular cars: 400 yen (per entry)
- Operating hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
During tourist seasons and weekends, congestion is expected; use of public transportation is recommended.
Precautions When Viewing
Notes on Keep Viewing
- The stairs inside the keep have steep gradients. Hold the handrails and watch your footing
- Entrance restrictions may be implemented during busy periods
- Shoes must be removed inside the keep
- Large baggage cannot be brought in. Please use coin lockers
Notes on Genkyū Garden Viewing
- Stone paving and gravel paths are present in the garden. Please wear comfortable shoes
- Wheelchair access is difficult in some areas
- Pets are not permitted (except guide dogs and assistance dogs)
- Food and drink are only allowed in designated areas
Photography
- Personal photography is permitted
- Commercial photography requires advance permission
- Use of tripods and monopods should be avoided during crowded periods
- Drone use is prohibited
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Hikone Castle Town
The castle town that flourished as Hikone Castle’s supporting town preserves vestiges of the Edo period. In areas such as Yume Kyōbashi Castle Road and Yonban-chō Square, traditional buildings have been adapted into shopping districts featuring souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Ryūtan Temple
Ryūtan Temple, the Ii family’s family temple, is located approximately 10 minutes by car from Hikone Castle. As a temple with ties to the Ii clan, it houses many cultural properties.
Taga Taisha
The Taga Taisha, affectionately known as “O-Taga-san,” is an ancient shrine located south of Hikone City. It is revered as a shrine dedicated to longevity.
Conclusion
National Treasure Hikone Castle and Scenic Beauty Genkyū Rakuraku Garden are invaluable cultural heritages conveying the finest of Japanese castle architecture and garden culture. The keep, constructed in the early Edo period, speaks through its elegant appearance of over 400 years of history, while Genkyū Garden displays beautiful seasonal landscapes.
Through the keep and Important Cultural Property towers of Hikone Castle, the pond-and-island strolling garden of Genkyū Rakuraku Garden, and the exhibits of the Hikone Castle Museum, visitors can gain deep understanding of Edo-period daimyo culture and the history of the Ii clan.
When visiting, it is recommended to allow ample time to combine viewing of the keep’s scenery, strolling through Genkyū Garden, and exploring the museum. As each season offers different attractions, new discoveries await with each visit.
When visiting Shiga Prefecture, be sure to visit National Treasure Hikone Castle and Scenic Beauty Genkyū Rakuraku Garden, and experience the depth of Japanese history and culture.
