Hikone Harbor

Hikone Port is located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, on the shore of Lake Biwa. Its history is deeply connected to the transportation of Lake Biwa and the development of Hikone Castle. First of all, Lake Biwa has been used as an important water transportation route since ancient times, and Hikone Port also functioned as a part of it. During the Edo period, goods and people were transported through the lake, and Hikone Port played a role as a collection point for goods. It is said that materials were transported through the lake during the construction of Hikone Castle. Since the Meiji period, even though transportation methods have changed, Hikone Port has played an important role as a hub for tourism and local transportation. Especially since the beginning of modern times, tourism around Lake Biwa has become popular, and lake sightseeing boats have begun to depart from Hikone Port. Pleasure boats for tourists are still in operation today, and it is known as a tourist destination along with Hikone Castle. Currently, Hikone Port is mainly used for tourism purposes, but it is also useful for local life and transportation. Pleasure boats operate regularly to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa, and play an important role in the tourism industry. The history of Hikone Port has greatly contributed to the development of transportation and economy centered around Lake Biwa.

There are not many flights, so be careful about the time. The surrounding shops will also close when the port stops.

Depart from here for Chikubu Island. It is quite far from Hikone station. It might be a little difficult to walk. It may be possible to visit Hikone Castle and then walk. This time we used the free shuttle bus from Hikone Station. The flight departed 30 minutes before departure. Even if you use a car, there is a large bicycle parking lot, so you can rest assured. 40 minutes one way to Chikubu Island. You can enjoy it together with sightseeing at Hikone Castle.

I'm a local, so especially Chikubu Island. I think a cruise around Takeijima would be a good way to change your mood.

My child wanted to go on a boat, so we took a sightseeing boat around Takeijima. The price is reasonable and you can go and return in about an hour. Parking is free and the restrooms are clean. The people at the reception and guiding the ship were very friendly and made me feel comfortable. The second floor of the ferry has open seats, so we were able to enjoy the breeze from the lake, and even though it was a midsummer day (probably around 35 degrees Celsius), it was cool and we could stare at the lake all the time. Takeijima looks like a rocky mountain, and walking to the tip was nerve-wracking. My 4 year old was able to walk with it, but it's dangerous if you don't keep an eye on it! Next time, I would like to go even further away to Chikubu Island.