Omihachiman Chill Day Trip: A Secluded Ancient Town near Kyoto

🌄 Hidden near Kyoto is a lesser-known traditional ancient town—Omihachiman. This secluded town, reminiscent of a Jiangnan water village, dates back to the 16th century. Its wooden ancient buildings, nestled between mountains and water, exude a rich cultural heritage, making it a popular filming location for historical Japanese dramas. Escape the crowds of Kyoto and enjoy a chill day trip here! · 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ Stroll through the historic streets of Hachimanbori, rich in cultural attractions. Don't forget to grab a map at the station to guide you through the shops and museums. Look out for the whimsical "Flying Boy" statues scattered throughout the streets. Besides exploring the unique shops, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank or enjoy a boat ride (JPY 1,500/person) to experience the tranquility of the water town. Cherry blossoms bloom along the riverbanks in spring, while hydrangeas adorn the landscape in summer. For panoramic views, take the cable car up Mount Hachiman, where Zuiryuji Temple offers stunning autumn foliage. · Beyond exploring the town by land and water, here are two must-visit gems↓ 🛕 Himure Hachimangu Shrine This ancient shrine, with over 1,500 years of history, is open to the public free of charge. It's not only the spiritual center for Omi merchants but also home to a Japanese intangible cultural heritage—the traditional fire festival held every March and April. Immerse yourself in the rich religious culture and historical significance of this site. · 🍰 La Collina Baumkuchen Factory This 145-year-old factory resembles a scene from a Miyazaki film. Covered in vegetation, with thatched-roof houses, small trees, and rice paddies, it seamlessly blends with nature. A 20-minute walk from Himure Hachimangu Shrine, the factory offers free tours to witness the cake-making process and enjoy delicious desserts and coffee. Explore the anime-like world with its various buildings, including the Grassroots House, Seed House, Main Cafe, Balm Factory and Cafe, Gift Shop, and Copper Root House. Open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, located at 615-1 Kita-no-sho-machi. · 🍽️ Food Omihachiman won't disappoint your taste buds❗ 🔹Omi beef is a must-try. The fresh, melt-in-your-mouth meat will leave you craving more, yet it's half the price of beef in Kyoto. Enjoy it as teppanyaki or in sukiyaki. Several restaurants specialize in Omi beef—you can't go wrong with any of them. 🔹Don't miss the korokke. A popular roadside stall attracts crowds of students after school, a testament to its deliciousness. The korokke are fried to order, a mouthwatering sight. · 🚇 Transportation From Kyoto Station, take the JR Biwako Line 11 stops to Omihachiman Station. From the JR station, there are several ways to reach Hachimanbori. 🔹The bus service is infrequent. Take the Ohmi Railway Bus towards Chomeiji Temple and get off at "Shinmachi Bus Stop" or "Osugi-machi Bus Stop," followed by a 3-minute walk. 🔹Rent a bicycle to explore every corner of the town. 🔹The simplest option is a pleasant 25-minute walk.