Things to do in Hikone

As the morning light pierces the mist over Lake Biwa, you'll understand why the Japanese consider it the "Lake of Life." As Japan's largest freshwater lake, its waters serve not only as a backup for Kyoto Prefecture but also as a living reservoir of cultural genealogy. Hikone Castle, reflected in the mirror-like waters of the early morning, its 400-year-old castle tower blending with the shimmering waters to create a breathtaking spectacle. Take a pontoon boat to Takebushima Island, where the bronze torii gates gleam in the sunlight. The Tang-style architecture of Hogon-ji Temple speaks of its cultural ties to China's Tang Dynasty. The lakeside bike path is the perfect way to explore. The 70-kilometer route connects reed marshes, vineyards, and century-old shops. Passing through the white-walled earthenware buildings of Omi Hachiman Water Village, it's like stepping into an Edo-era ukiyo-e painting. The gustatory memories are equally unforgettable. Omi beef sushi melts in your mouth, while sushi made with biwa catfish has a refreshing sweetness. The local wines from Lake Country Winery are even more mellow when savored against the setting sun. The most unforgettable moment was meeting a local elder on the lake's west beach. Pointing across the water, he said, "When I was a child, my father took me to those floating islands to pick mulberries. The water is still this clear." The magic of Lake Biwa lies not only in its scenery but also in its living ecological epic. From the migratory birds of spring and autumn to the snowflakes of winter, the cycle of seasons showcases the wisdom of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature. When the last rays of sunlight cast a golden path across the lake, you will understand why these waters have nurtured the essence of Japanese traditions such as the tea ceremony and haiku—they teach us how to find eternal beauty in the balance between movement and stillness. With their vastness and tranquility, these waters invite every visitor to find inner peace. Perhaps this is Lake Biwa's most moving travel gift.

The glass museum was really nice and the food was delicious.

If you are a fan of the anime 'K-ON!!', you absolutely must come. They used this school as the backdrop for the K-ON!! anime, and it looks exactly the same. It feels like I’ve stepped into the world of the anime. Seriously, you have to come. However, it is hard to get here. It takes 5 to 6 hours round trip by train from Osaka. You can get it done in 3 hours by Shinkansen, but money is the problem. If you can drive, I highly recommend renting a car. You can make the round trip in 3 hours by car, and I think it is also great to set aside a whole day to travel around the roads near Lake Biwa, visiting places like Hikone Castle in addition to this place. I also intentionally took the national roads instead of the highway on my way to the school, and the romance of a national road trip is off the charts. I just walked along, went into a restaurant that looked delicious, and had a meal. Then, I opened a warm can of coffee at a convenience store on the national highway with a huge parking lot to beat the cold weather. It was dark and quiet, and gazing out at Lake Biwa, illuminated by the moonlight, really made my heart swell. The conversation suddenly drifted a bit while talking about Toyosato Elementary School, but anyway, this place is seriously great. However, if you haven't watched K-ON! or aren't familiar with it, is it really worth it? If you insist on coming, it's just to look around and see what a Japanese school looks like? Nothing more, nothing less. Still, if you have watched K-ON!, you really must visit at least once in your life. Please, please. Opening Hours: Closed every Monday (If Monday is a public holiday, closed on Tuesdays as well) 10:00 ~ 17:00 Address: 518 Ishibatake, Toyosato, Inukami District, Shiga 529-1169 Japan

[Scenery] A local park, not a particularly famous attraction, but an ordinary park, a good choice for local residents to take their kids out for a walk [Fun] A place with a good environment and complete infrastructure [Value for money] Convenient transportation nearby

Chose to visit the Mount Fuji Instagram-famous spots on Trip.com's recommendation, and I couldn't have asked for a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. The itinerary included memorable locations such as Arakurayama Sengen Park, Hikawa Clock Shop, Oshino Hakkai, Kawaguchiko Lawson, and Lake Kawaguchi Oishi Park—each offering its own breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji. Our tour guide (Hikari) truly made the trip special: not only was he friendly, but he was also impressively patient throughout the day, making sure everyone felt comfortable and had enough time to enjoy each spot. The pace of the tour was just right, allowing for leisurely sightseeing and ample opportunities for taking photos—perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy moments!If you're considering this day trip, I recommend bringing your camera and a light jacket, as weather around Mt. Fuji can change. The service from Trip.com was smooth and easy, making the whole experience stress-free.

Fushimi Inari Taisha was a magical place. So beautiful for pictures. We went early evening before it got dark and it was perfect as not too many people. Highly recommended in Kyoto.

Hidden within this room lies the charm of nature. Pushing open the door, verdant greenery greets you first. Leaning against the window, the murmuring of a spring fills the air, while mist and haze drift into the room along the window sill. Each season presents its own unique beauty here: spring brings forth new bamboo shoots, summer offers lush shade, autumn fills the courtyard with the fragrance of osmanthus, and winter sees snow tapping against the window. Every detail in the room reflects thoughtful consideration: the mattress's firmness perfectly supports a tired back, the toiletries have a pleasant, non-irritating scent, and a warm, yellow light awaits you at the door when you return late at night. This is not just a temporary resting place, but a sanctuary for the soul. After a few days, even the most tense nerves gradually relax, allowing you to rediscover your most relaxed state.

Having just recovered from a prolonged illness, I was so weak I could barely walk. The few days I spent at this hotel gradually restored my energy and spirit. It allows you to shed your fatigue and let your soul find poetic peace in its tranquility. All the lighting was soft and warm, not too bright to make you dizzy; the bed's firmness was just right to support your back, preventing soreness after lying down for a while; the meals were warm, easily digestible congee and side dishes; even the air had a mild scent, not irritating my sensitive respiratory tract. Every day I leisurely strolled in the courtyard, watching the wildflowers slowly bloom in the corner, sitting under the eaves basking in the sun, even my steps were light. There was no need to rush my recovery, no need to force myself to get better quickly. I stole a half-day of leisure, finding a long-lost sense of ease and freedom. Those few days I lived entirely at my own pace, without any pressure or urging, and my recovery was much faster than I had expected.

Довольно неплохая смотровая площадка с интересной архитектурой. Будьте готовы к очередям в предзакатное/ закатное время и к тому, что выход из здания занимает даже больше времени, чем вход в эти часы. В целом довольны посещением.