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Yonbancho Square

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Yonbancho Square

Stroll through nostalgic streets in Hikone's historic castle town.

Last update :
Supervised by :  Yonbancho Square Cooperative Association

Located south of Hikone Castle, Yonbancho Square is a sightseeing district with nostalgic streets reminiscent of the Taisho era. This former market district has been revitalized with a modern touch and is lined with restaurants, cafes, Japanese confectionery shops, and general stores, making it a great place to combine historical sightseeing with shopping.

The streets are lined with Taisho-era-inspired Western-style buildings, while stone paving and gaslight-style streetlamps create a relaxed atmosphere. Photogenic scenery awaits around every corner, offering a streetscape distinct from the area around Hikone Castle.

The area offers a wide selection of restaurants serving Omi beef and lake fish, as well as shops selling Shiga specialties such as local sake and Japanese sweets. Visitors can sample food as they stroll and shop for souvenirs.

Yonbancho Square is also dotted with a stone statue of Hikone City's popular mascot, Hikonyan, and monuments depicting the Six Children, making it a popular place for commemorative photos. Many shops showcase Hikone's traditional crafts and regional attractions, offering opportunities to discover locally made products.
On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, Hikonyan may appear on the special stage at 11:00 a.m. Don't miss it!

Highlights

  • Explore the area's history while strolling through streets where the neighboring Edo-period castle town blends with Taisho-era charm.
  • The nostalgic scenery, featuring stone paving and gaslight-style streetlamps, is also popular for photos.
  • Sample flavors distinctive to Shiga, including Omi beef, lake fish dishes, and Japanese sweets, as you stroll.
  • Browse Hikone specialties such as local sake and traditional crafts, ideal for souvenirs.
  • Look for the Hikonyan stone statue and monuments depicting the Six Children while strolling and taking commemorative photos.

Photos

  • The Hikonyan Museum also houses an Omi beef restaurant and a souvenir shop.

    The Hikonyan Museum also houses an Omi beef restaurant and a souvenir shop.

  • The 2nd floor of the Hikonyan Museum features a gallery on Hikonyan's history, with free admission.

    The 2nd floor of the Hikonyan Museum features a gallery on Hikonyan's history, with free admission.

  • Enjoy an atmospheric stroll while admiring the stone-paved streets and rows of willow trees.

    Enjoy an atmospheric stroll while admiring the stone-paved streets and rows of willow trees.

  • Monuments depicting the Six Children are located throughout the area. There is also a stamp rally.

    Monuments depicting the Six Children are located throughout the area. There is also a stamp rally.

  • The special stage where Hikonyan appears draws large crowds.

    The special stage where Hikonyan appears draws large crowds.

  • The Linden Tree Patio has benches and is ideal for taking a break during your stroll.

    The Linden Tree Patio has benches and is ideal for taking a break during your stroll.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

No.

Q

Are there coin lockers?
A

No.

Q

Are restrooms available?
A

Yes. Restrooms are located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Hikonyan Museum and the 1st floor of Hikone Machinaka Plaza. An accessible restroom is located on the 1st floor of the Hikonyan Museum.

Q

Is there a smoking area?
A

Yes. Smoking areas are located at Hikone Yonbancho Square Parking Lot No. 2 and behind the Hikonyan Museum.

Q

When does Hikonyan appear?
A

Hikonyan appears at 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays on the special stage in the plaza in front of the Hikonyan Museum.
Please check the Hikonyan appearance schedule, which is announced the day before.

Q

How can I get a Hikonyan manhole card?
A

Questionnaire forms are available on the table in front of the Hikonyan Shop on the 1st floor of the Hikonyan Museum. Fill in the required information and hand the form to a shop staff member to receive a card in exchange.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
四番町スクエア
Postal Code
522-0064
Address
1-7-34 Honmachi, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
Phone
0749-27-7755
Closed on
Irregular holidays (varies by store)
Hours
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (varies by store)
Access
About an 18-minute walk from Hikone Station on the JR Biwako Line
Credit Cards
Varies by store
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa