What are the best areas to stay in Hikone Shi?

The most convenient area to stay is around JR Hikone Station, which offers easy access to local transportation, hotels, and dining options. For a more scenic experience, properties near the Lake Biwa shoreline provide beautiful waterfront views and a relaxing atmosphere.

What are the top attractions to visit in Hikone Shi?

Hikone Castle, one of Japan's few original surviving castles, is the city's main highlight and features beautiful grounds and a museum. Visitors can also explore the historic Genkyuen Garden nearby or stroll along the traditional merchant shops of Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road.

When is the best time of year to visit Hikone Shi?

Spring is highly recommended as cherry blossoms bloom beautifully around the historic Hikone Castle moat, typically from late March to early April. Autumn is also an excellent time to visit, offering pleasant temperatures and stunning fall foliage throughout the castle gardens.

How can I easily get around Hikone Shi?

Many of the main historical attractions, including the castle, are within a comfortable walking distance from JR Hikone Station. For traveling further or exploring the scenic lakeside, renting a bicycle near the station or utilizing local buses is highly recommended.

What local food should I try during my stay in Hikone Shi?

Hikone is famous for Omi beef, one of Japan's top three Wagyu brands, which you can enjoy at local restaurants as steak, sukiyaki, or hot pot. Do not miss trying fresh lake fish dishes caught from nearby Lake Biwa and traditional Japanese confectionery.

How do I travel to Hikone Shi from the nearest major airports?

From Kansai International Airport, you can take the JR Haruka Limited Express to Kyoto Station and transfer to the JR Biwako Line directly to Hikone Station. From Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya, take the train to Nagoya Station, ride the Shinkansen to Maibara Station, and transfer to a quick local train to Hikone.

Recommended Hotels in Hikone Shi | from $37

Top Hikone Shi Hotels for an Unforgettable Stay

Nestled on the scenic eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Hikone (Hikone Shi) offers a perfect blend of historic tranquility and scenic beauty for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese escape. As a historic castle town, the city shines beautifully throughout the seasons, especially in spring when cherry blossoms frame the majestic wooden keep of its feudal castle. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from traditional ryokans with serene lake views to modern business hotels conveniently located near the train station. Beyond the famous Hikone Castle, your journey here is incomplete without tasting exquisite local Omi beef and strolling through the preserved Genkyuen Garden. Planning your itinerary is easier than ever with Tripbtoz, where you can watch real guest video reviews to find your perfect stay. Whether you are looking for luxury lakeside resorts, budget-friendly inns, or cozy boutique spaces, we have curated options for every type of traveler. Explore our recommended hotels below and start your adventure today.

Hikone Shi Recommended Hotels

Comfort Hotel Hikone
3-stars· Hikone Shi, Shiga Ken
Comfort Hotel Hikone is a 3-star budget-friendly hotel located within walking distance of Hikone Station, offering easy access to Lake Biwa Quasi-National Park and Hikone Castle. The hotel provides complimentary buffet breakfast, free parking, and free WiFi, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. With 154 non-smoking rooms and bicycle rental services available, it serves as a convenient base for exploring the historic Hikone area.
4.3/5433
US$60
from
Total US$60 (Incl. taxes)
Hotel Estacion Hikone
3-stars· Hikone Shi, Shiga Ken
A 3-star hotel within walking distance of Hikone Station, offering convenient access to Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa. Suitable for family travelers, the hotel provides free bicycle rental and complimentary WiFi. All 38 rooms feature refrigerators and LCD TVs, with amenities including a terrace and massage services.
3.9/552
US$64
from
Total US$64 (Incl. taxes)
Hotel Route Inn Hikone
3-stars· Hikone Shi, Shiga Ken
Hotel Route Inn Hikone is a 3-star business hotel located approximately 650m from Hikoneguchi Station. Within a 10-minute drive to Lake Biwa and Tenneiji Temple, it serves as a convenient base for exploring Hikone. The hotel features 206 rooms, free parking, 24-hour front desk, and a restaurant with breakfast buffet, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
4.1/5318
US$76
from
Total US$76 (Incl. taxes)
APA Hotel Hikone Minami
3-stars· Hikone Shi, Shiga Ken
APA Hotel Hikone Minami is a 3-star business hotel located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, within a 10-minute drive of Lake Biwa and Hikone Castle. This practical accommodation offers 52 rooms with complimentary WiFi and free bicycle rental service. The hotel features 24-hour front desk, contactless check-in/out, parking facilities, and laundry services for convenient stays.
3.8/5202
US$81
from
Total US$81 (Incl. taxes)
Hotel Sunroute Hikone
3-stars· Hikone Shi, Shiga Ken
Hotel Sunroute Hikone is a 3-star business hotel located within walking distance of Hikone Station, ideal for exploring historic sites like Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden. With 5 meeting rooms and business facilities, it caters well to business travelers, offering free parking and complimentary WiFi. The hotel features a restaurant and bar lounge, with bicycle rentals available for exploring the Lake Biwa area.
4.2/5514
US$69
from
Total US$69 (Incl. taxes)
Futabaso
3-stars· Hikone Shi, Shiga Ken
Futabaso is a traditional ryokan in Hikone, Japan, located within a 10-minute walk of Lake Biwa and Biwako Quasi-National Park. Featuring hot spring facilities and spa services, it is ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and convenient access to historic sites like Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden. The property offers 14 individually decorated rooms, Japanese breakfast, free parking, and electric car charging stations.
4/53
US$215
from
Total US$215 (Incl. taxes)
Toyoko Inn Hikone Station Higashi
2.5-stars· Hikone Shi, Shiga Ken
Toyoko Inn Hikone Station Higashi is a 2.5-star budget business hotel with 245 rooms, conveniently located near Hikone Station. The hotel offers complimentary buffet breakfast and free WiFi, with easy access to attractions like Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden. It serves as an ideal base for exploring Shiga Prefecture at an affordable price.
4.2/5796
US$61
from
Total US$61 (Incl. taxes)
Hikone Castle Resort & Spa
3.5-stars· Hikone Shi, Shiga Ken
Hikone Castle Resort & Spa is a 3.5-star hotel located in the historical district of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, near Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa. The property features spa services, two restaurants, complimentary train station pickup, and free parking. Children under 5 are not permitted, and guests with tattoos cannot use public bathing facilities, making it suitable for adult travelers.
4.8/573
US$189
from
Total US$189 (Incl. taxes)
Hikone Station Hotel
2.5-stars· Hikone Shi, Shiga Ken
Hikone Station Hotel is a 2.5-star budget hotel located within walking distance of Hikone Station, offering easy access to Biwako Quasi-National Park and Hikone Castle within a 5-minute drive. The hotel provides free parking, complimentary bicycle rental, and free WiFi in all rooms. Ideal for travelers seeking affordable accommodation for exploring historical sites and Lake Biwa.
3.3/5136
US$51
from
Total US$51 (Incl. taxes)
Kamenoi Hotel Hikone
4-stars· Hikone Shi, Shiga Ken
A traditional ryokan located a 4-minute drive from Hikone Castle, near Biwako Quasi-National Park and Lake Biwa. Features on-site hot springs, making it ideal for family travelers, with complimentary train station pickup and free parking. This Japanese inn offers 48 rooms and kaiseki cuisine at two restaurants.
4.4/577
US$169
from
Total US$169 (Incl. taxes)