Hikone

1280px HIkoneCastle01 - Hikone Castle in the winter

Hikone (彦根) is a city at the eastern edge of Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture, central Japan.

By Rail

Hikone is on the Tokaido Main Line (Biwako Line in Hikone) between Osaka and Tokyo and makes an interesting stopover. Shinkaisoku rapid trains take 50 min (¥1110) from Kyoto and 80 min (¥1890) from Osaka. The Shinkansen does not stop at Hikone, but the nearest Shinkansen station Maibara is just one local train stop away.

By ferry

Ferries connect Hikone to the islands of Chikubu and Takeshima in Lake Biwa.

By car

Hikone is an exit on the Meishin Expressway (toll) between Nagoya and Osaka. National Route 8 (Niigata-Kyoto) runs through the city. National Route 306 from Mie Prefecture ends here.

How to get around in Hikone

Walk in Hikone

Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden are a 15-20 minutes walk along the primary street from Hikone Station.

By bike

There are two options for bike rental in Hikone:

• Ekirin-kun - 駅リンくん - 35.27188, 136.26306 Opening Hours: Open from 6:30 to 23:00 ¥700 a day Basic fixed gear bike rental directly on the south side of the west exit of Hikone station

• Meguringo - めぐりんこ | ¥600 per day for a road bike. ¥800 per day for an electric assisted bike Multi-gear bikes from the non-profit organisation

• Meguringo Hikone ekimae - めぐりんこ 彦根駅前 | 35.27239, 136.26202 Head out the west gate of the station. In the mall accross the plaza on the south side of the street Opening Hours: Open from 9:00 to 17:00, closed for New Year
• Meguringo NPO hōujin gokan seikatsu - めぐりんこ NPO法人五環生活 | 1.3km south-west from the train station Opening Hours: Open from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Tuesday

What to see in Hikone

Hikone_Genkyuen_Boat - View from the teahouse at Genkyuen

• Hikone Castle - 彦根城 Hikone-jō | 35.27639, 136.25167

| image - Hikone_castle5537.JPG - Admission ¥500, including entry to Genkyu-en Hikone Castle is an original castle dating back to 1604, instead of the usual 60s-era concrete reconstruction. The castle tower is an official National Treasure and a number of the turrets have been classified as Important Cultural Properties. Even the sound of the bell every three hours is preserved as a nationally important soundscape.

• Genkyū-en Garden - 玄宮園 | 35.27639, 136.25167

| image - Genkyuen09s3200 - Hikone's number two attraction is the garden at the foot of the castle. The park contains a sprawling villa built in the Chinese Tang Dynasty style in 1677 for Naooki Ii and the fourth lord of Hikone. The best thing to do here is to pause at the teahouse for a cup of matcha (ceremonial green tea), a Japanese sweet and some quiet contemplation for ¥500.

• Hikone Castle Museum 彦根城博物館, Hikone-jō Hakubutsukan - 1-1 Konki-cho 35.275611, 136.253528

| image - Hikone Castle Museum01s3200 - ☎ +81 74-922-6100 Opening Hours: Open 9AM to 5PM ¥700 An excellent museum of samurai artifacts and artwork.

• Sawayama Castle | 35.2795, 136.268925 Ryutan-ji sawayama
• Ryōtan-ji - 龍潭寺 | 35.28278, 136.26672 Ryoutanji sanmon - ☎ +81 74-922-2617 Opening Hours: 9 AM to 4:30 PM ¥600 A zen temple with a variety of gardens, each designed by temple priests as a form of worship and meditation. The temple itself houses some interesting artwork.

• Saifuku-ji - 済福寺 | ☎ +81 74-922-3974
• Chiyo Shrine - 千代神社 |

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Hikone

Hikonyan01 - Hiko-nyan

Taking the JR regular [non-express train to the next stop, along the Biwako-sen, you will stop at Minami-Hikone. Get off at this stop and there is VivaCity, a large shopping area that is the only mall in Hikone. There are many shops, some Halal restaurants, karaoke, and a movie theatre here. On many Sundays at 1:00 and 3:00 there are live performances in the central atrium.

Fans of traditional Japan will enjoy the Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road running from the southwest side of the castle park, with a number of souvenir shops and craft shops located in traditional-style wooden buildings.

Fans of modern Japanese craziness, on the other hand, may enjoy all sorts of souvenirs plastered with the mug of Hiko-nyan, Hikone Castle's official samurai-helmeted cat mascot. Although many cities, as well as some attractions, have their own mascots, Hikonyan has gained fame well beyond his hometown, making him an iconic symbol of the samurai days and perhaps even the nation itself. Hiko-nyan paraphernalia of all sorts can be purchased on Castle Road, at Viva City, and most anywhere else in Hikone.

Halal Food & Restaurants

The road from the station to the castle is lined with an array of restaurants and souvenir shops. The Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road also has a number of Halal restaurants.

• Sennari-tei - Local Omi beef specialist.

Hikone is home to JCMU and the Japanese Center for Michigan Universities. If you're interested in meeting some foreigners studying Japanese, head down to Sugimotos (a small sushi shop by Hikone Castle Hotel). Every Wednesday around 9 pm it becomes a bar for students and foreigners in the Shiga area. In southern Hikone you will find Yab's Sports bar, which in recent times has become a prevalent stop for JCMU students as well.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hikone

Hikone - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Hikone, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hikone. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Hikone and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Hikone. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Hikone. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Hikone: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Hikone.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Hikone: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Hikone, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Hikone.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Hikone, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Hikone, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Hikone and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Hikone, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Hikone, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Hikone without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hikone is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Hikone.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Hikone is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Hikone, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Hikone Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hikone

eHalal Group Hikone is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hikone. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Hikone.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hikone ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hikone. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Hikone, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Hikone are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Business Hotel Serikawa - Along the Serikawa River | ☎ +81 74-926-2750 One person room ¥7990, two-person room ¥6830 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 10AM Both Western and Japanese-style rooms available.

• Business Hotel Hikone - ☎ +81 74-924-4631 Single rooms ¥7200 Check-in: 4PM - 11PM / Check-out: 10AM

• Hikone Castle Hotel - ☎ +81 74-921-2001 Rooms start from ¥6500 (single) Check-in: 12PM / Check-out: 11AM

• Hotel Sunroute Hikone - Prices start at ¥6930 for single rooms
• Tobaya Ryokan - 4200 A very cosy family-run ryokan.

Travel Next

• Taga
• Maibara
• Nagahama
• Omihachiman
• Tsuruga
• Sekigahara
• Ogaki
• Otsu
• Kyoto

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