A destination less crowded than Osaka and more beautiful than Kyoto: Hikone Castle Sakura

Avoid the crowds in Kyoto! The cherry blossoms in Hikone are now in full bloom. I would call Hikone the most surprising stop on this trip. Cherry blossoms, lake view, ancient castle, and blue sky in the same frame. 🚄Transportation: Take the JR from Kyoto for less than an hour and get off at JR Hikone Station. It is a 15-minute walk from the train station to Hikone Castle. 🎫Tickets: It is recommended to buy a 1,500💴 pass. Includes the museum + Hikone Castle + garden. Of course, if you are short on time, you can only buy a ticket for Hikone Castle. 📷Photo Tips: 1️⃣Be sure to climb to the top of Hikone Castle's keep, where you will see Lake Biwa and a sea of cherry blossoms in the same frame. 2️⃣After exiting the castle keep, walk towards Lake Biwa and you will find a sea of cherry blossoms. 3️⃣At the end of the sea of cherry blossoms, there is a watchtower that you can climb to the third floor. ⌚️Time: If you are just going to Hikone Castle, it will take about two hours. I bought a pass because I liked it so much here. I played for about four hours. 🍜Food: Be sure to try the Omi beef. Even people from Inner Mongolia think it's delicious. 🧲Tips: 1️⃣There is a tourist information center on the left side of the station where you can get a free Chinese map with some route and attraction explanations. 2️⃣There are also some smart explanations in this scenic spot. You can download them to your 📱 when you buy your ticket and listen while you watch. 3️⃣Don't miss the museum if you like history.