Hikone Station lies along the JR Tokaido Main Line (also locally referred to as Biwako Line) just one station (4 minutes, 180 yen, frequent departures) southwest of Maibara Station, a shinkansen station served by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo with Kyoto and Osaka.

From Tokyo

Maibara can be reached from Tokyo by direct hikari trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen in a little over two hours. The one way journey costs around 12,000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

From Kyoto/Osaka

Maibara is one station east of Kyoto (20 minutes, 2060 yen) and two stations east of Shin-Osaka (40 minutes, 4300 yen) on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Alternatively, direct JR "special rapid" trains to Hikone take 50 minutes and cost 1110 yen from Kyoto or 80 minutes and 1890 yen from Osaka.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.

Orientation

The castle can be reached from Hikone Station in a 15-20 minute walk along the main road. Most of the city's other attractions are located within walking distance of the castle. Alternatively, taxis are readily available in front of the station.