photogenic
Shirahige Shrine
A vermilion torii standing in the shallows of Lake Biwa, some 40 metres offshore from the shrine buildings. The gate is best photographed at sunrise; the shore is reached from Route 161.
22 km · about 25 min drive
AsiaJapanShiga
Hikone
Shiga, Japan · Asia
About Hikone
Hikone is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Taga, 49km from Philosopher's Path.
Hikone is in Shiga, Japan, with about 110,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Taga, about 4 km away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Hikone?
Within an hour or so of Hikone: Shirahige Shrine (22 km), Philosopher's Path (49 km), Nagashima Spa Land (50 km), Gion District (51 km).
Are there any good drives near Hikone?
The nearest famous roads are Philosopher's Path.
Where is Hikone?
Hikone is in Shiga, Japan, about 4 km from Taga.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 113,647
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Shiga
- Timezone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates
- 35.2500, 136.2500
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for JapanTags
Worth the detour from Hikone
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
famous road
Philosopher's Path
A peaceful stone-paved canal path lined with hundreds of cherry trees, connecting major temples in Kyoto's eastern hills.
49 km · about 55 min drive
landmark
Nagashima Spa Land
Major Japanese amusement park near Nagoya with world-class steel coasters and a giant hot spring complex.
50 km · about 60 min drive
landmark
Gion District
Kyoto's most famous geisha district with preserved wooden machiya townhouses, traditional teahouses, and cobblestone streets.
51 km · about 60 min drive
landmark
Kiyomizu-dera
A historic Buddhist temple perched on a hillside with a massive wooden stage offering sweeping views over Kyoto.
51 km · about 60 min drive
cafe
Kissa Soirée
A 1948 Kyoto tearoom lit entirely in blue, its walls hung with paintings by Seiho Takehisa. Famous for jelly punch, a glass of coloured gelatin cubes that glows under the blue light.
51 km · about 60 min drive
racetrack
Suzuka International Racing Course
The world's only figure-8 Grand Prix track, home of the Japanese GP and the fearsome 130R corner, with an amusement park and giant Ferris wheel right at its gates.
52 km · about 60 min drive
cafe
Inoda Coffee Honten
A Kyoto kissaten founded in 1940, serving its Arabian Pearl blend pre-mixed with sugar and milk by default. The wood-panelled original room off Sakaimachi street is a working institution, not a revival.
52 km · about 60 min drive
Driving roads near Hikone
- 49 kmPhilosopher's PathA peaceful stone-paved canal path lined with hundreds of cherry trees, connecting major temples in Kyoto's eastern hills.
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