Late
Mar
~
Mid
Apr

Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2026

6:00pm – 8:45pm
Free
Hotel Options

This cherry blossom festival also sees sakura light up at Hikone Castle near Lake Biwa.

What happens?

Hikone Castle is famous for its more than 1,000 sakura trees and each spring those situated by the moats of the castle are lit up in the evening from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Entry and tickets

Many of the cherry blossom trees can be seen for free walking along the inner or outer moats, but if you want a closer look, it may be worth paying entry to get inside the grounds.

Suggested Activity
Go Bar Hopping in Osaka [With Full Dinner]
Spend an evening exploring the bars in Osaka's popular nightlife district of Namba. Sample tasty Japanese pub-style food, and wash it down with your choice of drinks, from sake to umeshu and beer — all in the company of a knowledgeable guide!
  • Tickets cost ¥800 to visit the castle and Genkyuen Garden. It costs ¥200 if you are only visiting the garden.

Concessions and other ticket combinations are available.

For more ideas of places to visit near Kyoto during cherry blossom season, check out our guide to Kyoto’s top sakura spots.

Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.

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