2024 Omihachiman Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

The moat of the historic Hachimanyama Castle [Hachimanbori]

When you come to Omi Hachiman, you will definitely see the beautiful [Hachimanbori]. It is an artificial moat that surrounds Hachiman Castle and flows into Lake Biwa. In ancient times, it allowed cargo ships traveling to and from Lake Biwa to dock. It is also called Hachimanura and is the center of Omi's merchant economy. It is an important thoroughfare for the circulation of goods and services, and its scenery is indescribable. Nowadays, the commercial road has become a tourist road, but the old houses and houses on both sides of Hachimanbori still form a picture against the sparkling river. You can still feel the strong historical atmosphere while traveling there. #河口湖景 #日本 #日本Travel #omihachiman #古城

Omihachiman( Shiga prefecture, Japan)is one of the cities where many historical merchant houses remain. The waterway is surrounded by bright green so the air is fresh and spring flowerings along the bori and sakura.

Explore the ancient water town of Omihachiman near Kyoto and savor the popular Omi beef.

Located on the eastern side of Lake Biwa in Shiga, Omihachiman is an ancient town that has been under construction since the late 16th century. It is said that the retro style of Omihachiman has become a filming location for many period dramas. Omihachiman is very easy to reach, taking about fifty minutes by train from Kyoto Station. I recommend taking the Hachiman-yama Ropeway first to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Omihachiman. Although the small cable car ride is completed within ten minutes, you can see a relatively distant view from the mountain, making it a great spot. Because the canals of Omihachiman-bori are very famous, you can take a boat tour or, like us, prefer to walk along the river and enjoy the scenery along the shore. The number of tourists in Omihachiman is not very high, starting from Himure Hachimangu Shrine, you can slowly enjoy the riverside scenery and take photos. In addition, when you visit Omihachiman, you must try Omi beef! Omihachiman is located near the production area of Omi beef, which is one of the three major Wagyu beef in Japan along with Kobe beef and Matsusaka beef. This time we went for an Omi beef lunch, and the ingredients were very fresh. When eating Japanese Wagyu beef, I prefer the teppanyaki method because it can squeeze out the fat, not only giving the beef aroma but also not being too greasy. If you travel here, remember to savor it well.

Lake Biwa Canal, Hachiman-bori, and Himure Hachimangu Shrine.

After disembarking from the Michigan cruise at Otsu Port at 14:30, we had a few hours before the fountain and fireworks show at Otsu Port at 19:30, so we continued to explore nearby attractions. 1. Lake Biwa Canal: This is a vital waterway connecting Kyoto and Otsu, transporting the abundant water resources of Lake Biwa to Kyoto. This canal, a great engineering feat of the Meiji era, is listed as a Japanese heritage site. 2. Hachiman-bori: Once a crucial economic and transportation route, the white-walled warehouses and old residences along the canal's banks reflect its former prosperity. Now a popular tourist spot and filming location, the canal is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. 3. Himure Hachimangu Shrine: One of the oldest shrines in the area, passing through the tower gate leads to the main hall and worship hall. The shrine grounds are filled with hackberry and paulownia trees, adding to its ancient charm.

Kyōrinbō Temple: A Serene Hidden Gem of Japan

Kyōrinbō Temple is a wonderful place to experience Japan's history and tranquility. Located in a quiet mountain area, the temple offers visitors deep peace and serenity. Its beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture preserve the ancient beauty, and the temple's tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect place for meditation and relaxation away from daily stress. The meticulous maintenance and friendly staff leave a lasting impression on visitors, providing an unforgettable experience. Kyōrinbō Temple is highly recommended for those who want to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Okishima Cat Slave Paradise.

Okishima is the largest of the three islands on Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, and this small island is the only inhabited island on a freshwater lake in Japan, which is extremely rare even globally. Therefore, Okishima has attracted much attention in academic circles and has been listed as a Japanese heritage site. Now, there are only about 350 elderly residents on the island, and most of them still rely on fishing, living off the aquatic products from Lake Biwa. It is said that the reason why there are more cats than people on the island is also related to fishing. It is said that in ancient times, fishermen brought cats to the island to breed in order to prevent rats from damaging their boats. Another theory is that the ancestors of the residents were fugitive warriors of the Genji clan, and cats were the pets kept by the warriors stationed on the island. Regardless, the situation is similar to that of Tashirojima; the villagers and cats have established a deep relationship since ancient times. To be honest, there are no particularly tempting attractions on Okishima, but the biggest extra gain is the unadorned traditional Japanese fishing port scenery. Watching the energetic elderly locals diligently repair fishing nets and the old fishermen prepare equipment for the next day's sea trip, in addition to the cats, the daily life of the islanders is also a precious cultural exploration journey. Okishima Address: Okishima-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture

The wandering swordsman, Rurouni Kenshin, also visited and it was because of this shrine that a place's name was decided

⛩️ Himure Hachimangu Shrine ⛩️ Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture 🔸Located at the center of Shiga Prefecture, it has been protecting the region (formerly known as 'Omi') since ancient times. It has always been a place where Omi merchants come to pray, affectionately known as 'Hachiman-sama'. Hence, this nickname 'Hachiman' also became the origin of the local place name. 🔹After the regional reorganization in Showa 29 (1954), the name was continued as Omihachiman. 'Himure Hachimangu Shrine' holds a very important position for the locals. 🔸It is worth mentioning that one romantic scene from the movie 'Rurouni Kenshin: The Final' where Kaoru holds an umbrella for Kenshin in the rain was filmed at 'Himure Hachimangu Shrine'. 🎬 🔹The Omi Hachiman Sagicho Festival in March and the Hachiman Festival in April are also quite grand. 📍Detailed address: 257 Miyauchicho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture 🚉Transportation tips: Take the JR Biwako Line 🚄 to 'Omihachiman Station' and transfer to a bus 🚌 to 'Osugicho' (about 7 minutes)

In the end of Winter

Winter view of La Collina Hachiman

hatago wakatsu

#weekendgetaways The customer service was very polite and the staff's response was very nice. The shadows and darkness of the buildings and rooms had a great atmosphere. It can't be helped due to the structure of the building, but what about the kitchen? I heard that voice in the morning and the sound of the sprinklers in the garden bothered me.overall this place so refreshing

Chomeiji: Serenity by Lake Biwa

#fallishere Location: Chomeiji 長命寺 157 Chomeijicho, Omihachiman, Shiga 523-0808, Japan Chomeiji (長命寺) is a historic Buddhist temple situated at 157 Chomeijicho, Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan, with a rich history dating back to its foundation in 725 AD. Originally established by the monk Gyoki, Chomeiji has undergone various reconstructions over the centuries. The temple is renowned for its scenic location, nestled at the base of Mt. Hachiman and overlooking Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. Chomeiji played a pivotal role in the religious and cultural development of the region, serving as a center for Buddhist practices and teachings. The temple's architecture reflects a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and influences from different historical periods. Visitors are drawn not only to its spiritual ambiance but also to the beautiful surroundings that change with the seasons. Today, Chomeiji stands as both a spiritual sanctuary and a cultural treasure, inviting locals and tourists alike to explore its historical significance and enjoy the tranquility it offers in the picturesque setting of Omihachiman. #trip #2023travel #2023trip #2023travelwish #2023旅行願望 #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage

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amazing trip with Trip Toyama

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Lake Biwako#shiga#japan