A destination less crowded than Osaka and more beautiful than Kyoto: Hikone Castle Sakura

Avoid the crowds in Kyoto!
The cherry blossoms in Hikone are now in full bloom.
I would call Hikone the most surprising stop on this trip.
Cherry blossoms, lake view, ancient castle, and blue sky in the same frame.

🚄Transportation:
Take the JR from Kyoto for less than an hour and get off at JR Hikone Station.
It is a 15-minute walk from the train station to Hikone Castle.

🎫Tickets:
It is recommended to buy a 1,500💴 pass.
Includes the museum + Hikone Castle + garden.
Of course, if you are short on time, you can only buy a ticket for Hikone Castle.

📷Photo Tips:
1️⃣Be sure to climb to the top of Hikone Castle's keep, where you will see Lake Biwa and a sea of cherry blossoms in the same frame.
2️⃣After exiting the castle keep, walk towards Lake Biwa and you will find a sea of cherry blossoms.
3️⃣At the end of the sea of cherry blossoms, there is a watchtower that you can climb to the third floor.

⌚️Time:
If you are just going to Hikone Castle, it will take about two hours.
I bought a pass because I liked it so much here.
I played for about four hours.

🍜Food:
Be sure to try the Omi beef.
Even people from Inner Mongolia think it's delicious.

🧲Tips:
1️⃣There is a tourist information center on the left side of the station where you can get a free Chinese map with some route and attraction explanations.
2️⃣There are also some smart explanations in this scenic spot. You can download them to your 📱 when you buy your ticket and listen while you watch.
3️⃣Don't miss the museum if you like history.