Stay at Hikone Castle Front Inn, just a 3-minute walk from Shibanomachi Square. This boutique hotel blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern comfort, featuring rooms with views of Hikone Castle’s morning light. Located steps away from historic alleyways, it offers easy access to local tea houses and handmade pottery studios for an authentic cultural immersion

Choose Shibanomachi Cultural Stay House, housed in a restored Edo-era townhouse. The hotel hosts weekly tea ceremony workshops and local artisan talks. Guests can enjoy spontaneous art markets on Saturdays at the square, just a 2-minute stroll away. Its intimate setting allows seamless integration into the rhythm of Hikone’s heritage life

Opt for Hikone Castle View Garden Hotel, directly opposite Shibanomachi Square. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows facing the castle and square, especially the "Tenshukaku Suite" on the top floor offering breathtaking views of the illuminated castle and evening lights. The hotel provides free maps and guided walking trails to explore nearby historical sites

After checking into Shibanomachi Creative Lodge, start your day with a morning ritual at the square led by local residents. Visit the Edo-era academy ruins nearby, then enjoy a hands-on experience at the traditional soy sauce workshop partnered with the hotel. Savor a Kaiseki dinner in the garden using locally sourced ingredients, completing a rich journey through Hikone’s living history

Hikone Shibanomachi Family Stay is one of the few family-oriented accommodations near the square, offering connecting rooms and kids’ bathrobes. A safe walking path leads directly to the square where children can explore the historic statue garden. Daily afternoon "Treasure Hunt Map" games hosted by staff turn exploration into fun learning about local landmarks

Visit Mai no Mado, a tucked-away local eatery near the square, serving limited daily reservations of secret-recipe crucian carp sushi made with fresh fish from Lake Biwa. With the hotel's exclusive guide, guests can also stop by a century-old noodle shop to taste Hikone-style cold soba, prepared using traditional stone grinding—just a 10-minute walk away, perfect for authentic culinary discovery