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National Treasure Hikone Castle and the Plum Grove Inside the Castle: Approximately 400 Red and White Ume
Inside Hikone Castle, which retains its National Treasure main keep, there is a plum grove with approximately 400 red and white ume in bloom. The best time to view them is usually around mid-March. Your castle admission ticket also allows you to visit Genkuen Garden.
The main keep of Hikone Castle is an extant keep from the Edo period and was designated a National Treasure in 1952. The plum grove inside the castle features approximately 400 red and white ume. Information regarding fees, hours, and access is based on the official website (checked in October 2026). As details may change from year to year, please verify with the official website before your trip.
The Plum Grove at Hikone Castle
- Hikone Castle Plum Grove: This plum grove was planted in 1950, commemorating Hikone Castle's selection as one of the New 100 Japanese Tourist Spots, in the location where a rice storehouse once stood during the Edo period.
- The best time to view the plums is usually around mid-March.
Hikone Castle
- Opening hours are 8:30–17:00 (last entry to the main keep is 16:45). The castle is open year-round.
- The admission ticket (including Genkuen Garden) is 800 yen for general admission and 200 yen for elementary and middle school students.
- Tickets are available at three ticket offices at the Omote-mon (Front Gate), Ote-mon (Main Gate), and Kuromon (Black Gate). The Otemon ticket office is the closest to JR Hikone Station.
- You will climb stone steps along a mountain path to reach the main keep. The official website advises those without confidence in their physical stamina to climb at a slow pace.
Example Route
Head from JR Hikone Station to the Otemon ticket office, climb to the main keep, and then tour the plum grove and Genkuen Garden. You can check the current blooming status via the Bloom News. This page also introduces nearby accommodations for each famous spot.
