Hikone is home to JCMU, the Japanese Center for Michigan Universities. If you're interested in meeting some foreigners studying Japanese, head down to Sugimotos a small sushi shop by Hikone Castle Hotel. Every Wednesday around 9 pm it becomes a bar for students and foreigners in the Shiga area.In southern Hikone you will find Yab's Sports bar, which in recent times has become a prevalent stop for JCMU students as well.
