Ōmihachiman
Ōmihachiman on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa is an authentic historical town redolent of ‘old Japan’.
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Azuchi Castle
Azuchi Castle was built by Oda Nobunaga on Mt. Azuchi, overlooking the eastern shore of Lake Biwa. At the time of its completion, it was an architectural marvel.
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Shinmachi
Shinmachi is one of the best-preserved historic thoroughfares in Ōmihachiman, with buildings built by the Ōmi merchants in the Edo period.
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Lake Nishi
Lake Nishi is one of the largest of the two outlying lakes connected to Lake Biwa. A gentle boat cruise here offers a close-up look at its distinctive landscape and rich wetland ecology.
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Tile Museum
The Tile Museum traces the story of tile-making in Ōmihachiman, explaining the tools, techniques, and production processes involved, as well as the role of tiles in traditional Japanese architecture.
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Mt. Hachiman Castle
Mt. Hachiman Castle was built for Toyotomi Hidetsugu, nephew of Hideyoshi, shortly after the dramatic death of Oda Nobunaga. With nearby Azuchi Castle having burned down not long after its completion, this new stronghold was intended to replace it as the principal castle in the area.
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Azuchi Castle Museum
Azuchi Castle Museum is an eye-catching castle-like building next to JR Azuchi Station. It provides a clear and engaging introduction to both the fortress and the era of Oda Nobunaga’s rule in the Ōmi region.
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Chōmei-ji Temple
Chōmei-ji is a beautiful temple with a pagoda high on the slope of Mt. Chōmeiji, overlooking Lake Biwa. It’s reached by climbing 808 stone steps.
