Hikone Castle in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture will be specially opened to the public on the nights of September 14 and November 29. With the castle tower emerging fantastically against the night sky before their eyes, visitors will be able to enjoy the night view of the city. This is the first occasion of a night-time opening for the public in the over 400-year history of the castle.

This event will be held as a part of "Hikone Festival" by the executive committee of national summit on castles in Hikone, and Hikone Castle Festival, consisting of the city government and the city's chamber of commerce and industry. Entrance is only through the Omotemon approach. There is public access to the square in front of the Castle tower, but no admittance to the tower itself. The opening will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The LED illumination, which is normally held until 9:00 p.m., will be extended until closing time.

There is no admission charge. There is a parking fee at the Kyobashi-guchi parking lot, but there is no charge at other parking lots in the castle or in Otemae Park. For more information, call the Hikone Sightseeing Association at 0749-23-0001 (Japanese language inquiries only).