From Thursday, October 1, 2026, to Wednesday, March 31, 2027, the mystery-solving tour “Hikonyan: Discover the Charms of Shiga—Solve the Mysteries Sleeping in Hikone Castle!”—set at [Hikone Castle] (Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture)—will be held.
In this event, participants join Hikonyan—who has transformed into a detective—to explore the castle keep and stone walls and unravel the mysteries hidden within the castle grounds. Upon solving all the puzzles, participants will receive a Hikonyan sticker exclusive to this event. There are no time limits or participant caps, so you can enjoy the event at your own pace while soaking in the castle’s history and scenery—making it easy for even first-time puzzle solvers to join in. Why not take on this limited-time challenge at Hikone Castle, which is garnering attention following its selection as Japan’s nominee for a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

[How to Participate]
① Purchase a mystery-solving kit (no advance reservations or advance tickets available)
Sales Location: Hikone Castle Main Gate Ticket Office
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Price: 1,000 yen (admission fee required separately)
Hikone Castle Admission Fees: Adults 1,000 yen, Elementary and Middle School Students 300 yen
*Admission is free for Hikone residents (upon presentation of a My Number Card) and Premium Members of the Hikonyan Fan Club, among others.
*Children in elementary school and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

② Solve puzzles as you explore Hikone Castle
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes (excluding breaks and sightseeing time)

③ Get a prize!