Hikone in Shiga Prefecture

            Hikone  (彦根市 Hikone-shi) is a town in Shiga Prefecture with a population of just over 100,000 on the edge of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. It was historically important for its agriculture and strategic location. Now it is best known for Hikone Castle, which remains intact, unlike most castles which have been destroyed in war or fire and then rebuilt.

Hikone Castle

As well as the castle, the city has many beautiful districts of well-preserved buildings, including the group housing for foot soldiers and a shopping area that looks like it is straight out of the early 20^th century.

            The famous local cuisine consists of various freshwater fish dishes, thanks to the abundant supply from Lake Biwa. Lightly seasoned champon (ちゃんぽん), also known as Chanpon, is a noodle dish that is highly regarded in Hikone. Champon is made by frying pork, seafood and vegetables with lard; a soup made with chicken and pig bones is added. Ramen noodles made especially for champon are added and then boiled. Unlike other ramen dishes, only one pan is needed as the noodles are boiled in the soup.

Champon

Visit Hikone on a day trip from Kyoto, Osaka, or Nagoya. You might also consider a relaxing overnight in one of the many ryokan near Lake Biwa.

Genkyu-en garden

Academics thrive in Hikone which has three universities, Seisen University, Shiga University, and The University of Shiga Prefecture (USP). Hikone is also the home of the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU), operated jointly by a group of 15 public universities in the Michigan, USA and the government of Shiga Prefecture that offers programs for American university students and scholars for the study of Japanese language and culture, as well as courses in English for the citizens of Shiga Prefecture.

river boat in Hikone

            Transfer at the Maibara Station on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen line to the JR Tokaido Main Line (Biwako Line). Hikone Station is one stop away to the southwest. From Kyoto, there is a Special Rapid train that runs along the Biwako Line which takes about 50 minutes.

For more information: http://www.hikoneshi.com/en/sightseeing/

photos by: Su--May & *tomoth, unertlkm, Leonidas-from-XIV