Full-Day Private Hikone Castle Tour from Kyoto/Osaka

Shiga is a neighboring prefecture of Kyoto and easily accessible from Kyoto/Osaka. Shiga has been the important transportation hub, as a strategic point linking the east and west of Japan since ancient times. During this tour, we’ll visit Hikone castle, one of the only five remaining National Treasure castles in Japan, built some 400 years ago. Additionally, we will visit one of the following locations, together with Hikone castle. Option A: Chikubu island, a small island in the northern part of Lake Biwa, where the gods believed to reside. Option B: OhmiHachiman, a birthplace of Omi Merchants, who are known for various innovations and philosophy of integrity. Option C: Kusatsu, an old post town, where ‘Honjin‘, an exclusive accommodation for feudal lords and shogunate officials, is still preserved. In addition to the above, a visit to Sekigahara old battlefield can be arranged as well, combined with Hikone castle.

Sample Itinerary A: - move to Hikone by train - Lake Biwa cruise to Chikubu island - visit Hikone caslte and Japanese garden Genkyu-en - return from Hikone by train Sample Itinerary B: - move to Hikone by train - visit Hikone caslte and Japanese garden Genkyu-en - move to OhmiHachiman by train - explore old merchant town of OhmiHachiman, including a visit to preserved old merchant houses and canal boat ride - return from OhmiHachiman by train Sample Itinerary C: - move to Hikone by train - visit Hikone caslte and Japanese garden Genkyu-en - move to Kusatsu by train - explore old post town of Kusatsu, including a visit to ‘Honjin’, an exclusive accommodation for feudal lords and shogunate officials, followed by old Tokaido trail walking. *This option is except Mondays because Honjin is closed on Mondays. *The itinerary can be customized according to your preference and interest. We can also stay in Hikone for a day, exploring the castle town.