Hikonyan Museum

A free museum about Hikonyan, Hikone’s prefectural mascot.

Did you know, Hikonyan has been credited for bringing more tourists to Hikone? You may catch a glimpse of the cool samurai cat when walking around Hikone, or at the World Character Summit.

At the Hikonyan Museum you can see the 37 official illustrations of the mascot, as well as iconic photos of Hikonyan’s various live appearances. You can also see a replica of Moheron’s desk, the man who bought Hikonyan to life.

Following your walk around the museum, make sure to stop by the Moheron Studio shop and souvenir corner for all your Hikonyan omiyage (gifts). If you are looking for a fun recommendation, we suggest getting the Hikonyan fortune-telling cookies (from the souvenir corner). Why not also grab a bite to eat at the Omi Beef Restaurant or Chinese Noodles Sakuratei, which has Hikonyan-themed food?

If you are truly lucky, you may even get to see the cat himself. He comes to visit the museum on weekdays — when he isn’t busy with his official duties. You may even get to meet Hikonyan’s rival, “Warunyanko Shogun”.

How to get there

You can get to the museum by foot in 25 minutes from Hikone Station (on the JR Tōkaidō Main Line). If that’s too far, you can take the bus heading towards Hikonyam Museum from the West Exit of JR Hikone Station (stop number 2). The journey takes about 5 minutes and costs ¥210 for adults and ¥110 for children.