Hikone Castle & Nagahama
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Port
Tsuruga, Japan
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$209.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Enjoy a scenic panoramic drive through the mountains en route to Hikone Castle -- one of only 12 original Japanese castles still standing. Completed in 1622 by Ii Naotsugu, the second lord of the Ii family, this hilltop castle was built with stone collected from the nearby former Sawayama Castle. The castle's keep has earned the prestigious National Treasure designation for its unique architectural style. It features three stories and white walls with beautifully variegated black roofs. Explore the rooms exhibiting family treasures, including kimonos, armor, and musical instruments.
Stroll the circular walking trail of Genkyuen Garden, built on the grounds of Hikone Castle in 1677. Designed to recreate the famous Eight Views of Omi, its four small islands are connected by bridges. This breathtaking garden offers unparalleled views of Hikone Castle and is regarded as one of the most stunning in Japan.
Enjoy lunch before heading to Kurokabe Square in Nagahama's Old Town. Here, you're surrounded by traditional architecture from the Edo to Meiji periods -- now occupied by galleries, restaurants and museums. You will have approximately one hour of free time to explore the area on your own before you return to the pier.
Notes:
Dress in layers. Wear comfortable walking shoes. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s). Terrain includes more than 200 stairs and uneven surfaces. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. There is no escalator or elevator in the castle site. Bring local currency, as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars.