If You're NearbyHeritageCastlesLakes

Hikone

A castle town on Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, with one of the country's few original castles and its lakeside garden.

Photo: Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 4.0
Best Time to Go
Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Our full guide to Hikone is being written. It's on the Kansai list as If You're Nearby.

Go Next

1–3 of 18
Must-See
Cities · UNESCO

Kyoto

About 33 miles away

Japan's old capital, with Fushimi Inari's gates, geisha, Kinkaku-ji and quiet gardens.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Heritage · UNESCO

Nara

About 48 miles away

Tame deer around the world's largest wooden building, with its giant Buddha.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Cities · Mountain towns

Takayama

Gifu
About 82 miles away

A preserved merchant town in the Japanese Alps, with morning markets and sake.

1 Sight

The Full Short List

Kansai

Kyoto, Nara and Osaka.

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