Not only home to the cutest samurai cat in Japan, but Hikone Castle is also one of only 12 Japanese castles still standing with it’s original keep from the Edo period. It is one of 4 castles listed as Japanese national treasures, and is the most important historical structure in Shiga. Visitors will also enjoy the Genkyuen sculpted garden and tea house, as well as the castle museum. It’s a short walk from Hikone Station, but you can also rent bicycles next to the station if you want to see more of the area.