Muslim Friendly Japan
Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle

彦根城

Hikone Castle stands on a hill in Hikone City, near the shore of Lake Biwa. Construction began in 1604, and the original keep, which has survived to today, was named a National Treasure in 1952. On the way up you pass old defenses such as uneven steps, and from the hilltop you can look over the city and the lake.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

Open 8:30–17:00. Last entry to the castle and Genkyu-en Garden is 16:30.

Closed

Open every day of the year.

Admission

Adults 1,000 yen and elementary/junior high students 300 yen (castle and Genkyu-en Garden). A set ticket with the Hikone Castle Museum is 1,500 yen for adults.

Getting there

About a 15-minute walk from JR Hikone Station (about 5 minutes from Maibara Station on the JR Biwako Line).

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

  • The keep is not barrier-free, and wheelchair users cannot go up the hill to the keep on their own.

Tips for Muslim visitors

  • The steps inside the castle keep are very steep, so take care and allow extra time.
  • The path up to the keep climbs steeply past the old fortifications, with uneven steps.
  • Inside many castle keeps you take off your shoes and climb steep, narrow wooden stairs. Wear socks and clothing that is comfortable for climbing.
  • Castle grounds are large. Plan a prayer stop before or after your visit at one of the places to pray listed below.
  • Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Shiga and the verified places to pray nearby.
  • Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.

Prayer times in Shiga

Today (5 Nov 2026)

  1. Fajr04:45
  2. Sunrise06:21
  3. Dhuhr11:42
  4. Asr14:37
  5. Maghrib16:59
  6. Isha18:25

Times are calculated for Otsu. Times may differ elsewhere in Shiga.

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Places to pray near Hikone Castle

We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.

How to find a place to pray in Japan →

All places to pray in Shiga →

Halal food near Hikone Castle

We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:

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Photo: 日:Jnn, CC BY 2.1 jp, via Wikimedia Commons

Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): hikonecastle.com, japan.travel