Hikone skyline

Hikone (彦根市) – Things to Do, Hotels & Travel Info

ひこねし

Prefecture - Shiga Ken / 滋賀県

Hikone Overview

Hikone is a city located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 August 2021, the city had an estimated population of 111,958 in 49,066 households and a population density of 570 persons per km². The total area of the city is 196.84 square kilometres (76.00 sq mi).

KANJI:

Hikone Key Statistics

population iconPopulation

113191

area iconArea

197 km²

parks museums cafés iconParks / Museums / Cafés

108 / 6 / 58

Practical Essentials for Hikone

Meet-ups & Expat Community

Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.

Find Events ↗

EV Charging Map

all available CHAdeMO and CCS fast-charging points Hikone.

View Chargers ↗

Bike-Share & Cycling

Rent a bike by the hour and cruise the riverside paths.

Bike Rentals ↗

Transit & Timetables

Travellers can check live routes & timetables.

Emergency Phones

Police: 110  ·  Fire/Ambulance: 119

Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.

Safety Tips ↗

City Hall Website

Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Hikone.

Visit ↗

Getting Around Hikone

station

Hikone Main Station & Rail Lines

彦根 (Hikone)

train

Train Travel to Hikone

Hikone is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.

car

Driving to Hikone

Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.

Real-Time Air Quality in Hikone

53

Moderate

Air in Hikone is okay for most people; sensitive travellers may feel light haze.

Source: World Air Quality Index

Cover Your Trip to Hikone

Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.

Get Instant Quote ↗

What to Eat in Hikone

  • Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Hikone downtown.
  • Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Hikone.
  • Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Hikone Station.
  • Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Hikone.
  • Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Hikone.

Hungry for more?

Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.

Book Food Tours ↗

Things to Do in Hikone

  • Visit one of Hikone’s 108 parks for jogging or cherry-blossom viewing.
  • Tour Hikone City Museum and 6 smaller galleries nearby.
  • Grab coffee at any of the 58 indie cafés around Hikone Station.
  • Walk the main food-street after dark and try local dishes unique to Hikone.

Book Tours Now

Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.

View Tours ↗

Income & Living Costs in Hikone

¥3,400,000*est

Median household income / year

78*est /100

Price level vs Tokyo

Moving money internationally?

Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.

See Wise fees ↗

Best Hotels in Hikone

Hotel icon

彦根ビューホテル

Book Now
Hotel icon

ホテルレイクランド彦根

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Hotel icon

ホテル華

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Hotel icon

ニトリクラブ琵琶湖

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Hotel icon

プロスペリティー馬場

Book Now
Hotel icon

彦根北アートホテル

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Plan & Book Your Trip

Hotels

Find your perfect stay and save.

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Flights

Compare airfares to Hikone.

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FAQ about Hikone

When was Hikone founded?

Hikone was founded on February 11, 1937.

How old is Hikone?

Hikone is roughly 89 years old.

What is the population of Hikone?

The latest estimate puts the population at about 113,191.

What is the land area of Hikone?

Hikone covers roughly 197 km².

What is the main railway station in Hikone?

The primary hub is 彦根 (Hikone).

How many parks, museums and cafés are in Hikone?

The city has roughly 108 parks, 6 museums and 58 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.

Is Hikone expensive to live?

Hikone is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.

Do I need travel insurance for visiting Hikone?

Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗

How can I send money internationally while in Japan?

Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.

Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Hikone?

From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Hikone has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗

What tours are available in Hikone?

Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗

Where can I access official city services in Hikone?

All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗

Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Hikone?

Hikone hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗

Where can I charge my EV in Hikone?

CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗

Can I rent a bike in Hikone?

Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗

How can I check public-transport routes in Hikone?

Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗

Where is Hikone?

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

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