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Location Overview

JCMU's campus is located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The Center lies on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan (and 3rd oldest lake in the world!).


Hikone

  • Population: ~110,000 people
  • Known for Hikone Castle and Hikonyan
  • On the eastern shore of Lake Biwa
  • Sister city of Ann Arbor and Xiangten
  • Near Kyoto, Nagoya, and Osaka

Hikone Castle

Hikone is centered around Hikone Castle, a stronghold built by Ii Naomasa during a twenty year period beginning in 1604. The castle is one of only twelve Japanese castles to remain in its original construction, and one of the four castles considered a national treasures.

Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan. The lake is named for its shape, which resembles the stringed instrument of the same name often used in traditional narrative storytelling. JCMU's campus is directly connected to a promenade that runs along water's edge, and a public beach is within easy walking distance.