[13 Ways to Travel in Shiga] Walk Through History in Koto or Immerse Yourself in Nature in Kosei

Hachimanhori Canal is a canal built as the moat of Hachimanyama Castle, and its waterscape, created by white-walled storehouses and the water's surface, is especially striking. It is a symbolic place that still tells the story of the castle town's history today.
Flowing as if encircling Mt. Hachiman and connecting to Lake Biwa, this waterway once thrived as a commercial hub where cargo boats came and went. If you board a roofed boat or a hand-rowed boat, you can relax and take in the townscape from the water. It is a moment when you can experience the history of Omi while blending into the scenery.

Hokoen Park is a park created on the site of Nagahama Castle, offering an open setting where Lake Biwa and castle scenery come together.
Within the park stands the reconstructed Nagahama Castle, open to the public as a history museum, along with sites such as a statue of Hideyoshi and a stone monument marking Taiko Well.
In spring, Approx. 600 cherry trees burst into bloom, and the sight of the keep surrounded by blossoms is breathtaking. It is a pleasant spot for a stroll, where history and seasonal scenery overlap.

The Gokasho Kondo Traditional Townscape is a historic district where the main residences and storehouses of Omi merchants remain, and the streets lined with white walls and waterways still preserve the spirit of life from earlier times.
Mansions of merchants active from the late Edo period to the early Showa period, along with traditional farmhouses, still remain here, and the area has been selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Nishikigoi swim in the waterways, and you can take a relaxed walk through the quietly flowing streets to discover the depth of merchant culture.

Himure Hachimangu Shrine is the guardian shrine of Omihachiman, with Approx. 1,800 years of history, and is deeply rooted in the local community. It is known for blessings for warding off evil and prosperity in business, and it is also said to be the origin of the name Omihachiman.
Along with the beautiful design of the romon gate and main hall, dynamic festivals such as the Sagicho Festival and the Hachiman Festival are also highlights. Spend a moment in this space where history and faith still live on, and feel the power of the land.

5. Chomei-ji Temple (Omihachiman City)
Chomei-ji Temple is an ancient temple said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku, standing on a mountain with views over Lake Biwa. It has long been beloved as a place believed to grant blessings for health, longevity, and protection from illness.
The approach of 808 stone steps is demanding yet memorable, and at the top a superb view overlooking the lake spreads out before you. It is also home to many cultural properties, including the main hall and a three-story pagoda, adding to its historical value. The scenery waiting at the top leaves a lasting impression along with a sense of accomplishment.

Kannon Shoji Temple is a temple located on the summit of Mt. Kinugasa, an ancient temple with a history tied to a mermaid legend. It has long also been known as a temple for matchmaking, and many people visit to pray for the fulfillment of various kinds of ties and connections.
At the end of the approach stand guardian Nio statues, and the main hall enshrines a 6.3 m-tall statue of Senju Kannon. Seasonal flowers bloom within the grounds, and the scenery of Azuchi spreads out below. Spend time in the quiet of the mountaintop, facing both prayer and nature.

Hyakusaiji Temple is one of the Koto Sanzan temples, said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku, and is an ancient temple where historic scenery spreads across its vast grounds. Stone walls, temple buildings, and gardens are scattered throughout, creating an atmosphere that evokes a long history.
In autumn, fall leaves color the temple grounds, and at the Honbo Garden you can enjoy the beautiful contrast between giant rocks and autumn foliage. The scenery woven together by nature and history is sure to make you stop in your tracks.

Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park is a lakeside park stretching for Approx. 5 km along the western shore of Lake Biwa. It is an appealing spot with an open atmosphere where you can spend time with waterside scenery.
The park is divided into several areas, with promenades, plazas, and flower beds laid out throughout. You can also enjoy activities such as SUP and yoga, and seasonal flowers add color to the surroundings. The leisurely time spent with the lake is especially pleasant.

Yanagasaki Lakeside Park Biwako Otsukan is a cultural facility housed in the former main building of the Biwako Hotel. Known as the guesthouse of the Lake Country, it was a prestigious hotel where Emperor Showa and many other notable figures stayed.
Its architecture is characterized by a blend of Japanese and Western styles, and the building also houses a restaurant and gallery. The adjacent English garden is another highlight. It is a spot where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere together with lakeside scenery.

Shirahige Shrine is a historic shrine said to be the oldest in Omi, known for its grand torii gate standing in the waters of Lake Biwa.
It is the head shrine of the many Shirahige Shrines found across Japan and enshrines Sarutahiko no Mikoto as its deity. The vermilion torii, which appears to float on the lake, creates an iconic scene and has earned the shrine the nickname "Itsukushima of Omi." Another appeal is how its appearance changes depending on the time of day. The mystical scenery is sure to hold your gaze.

Ukimido Hall is a hall of Mangetsu-ji Temple built so that it juts out over Lake Biwa, and it is a scenic spot known for its appearance as if floating on the water. It is said to have been founded by Genshin in the late Heian period and has long been cherished as a place to pray for safety on the lake.
It is also famous as "Katata no Rakugan," one of the Eight Views of Omi selected in the Muromachi period. From inside the hall, you can look out over Lake Biwa, and the view changes between morning and evening. Along with the quiet lake surface, time seems to flow in a way that calms the mind.

Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei is the head temple of the Tendai sect, founded by Saicho, and a great temple whose entire mountain forms its grounds. It consists of three areas, Todo, Saito, and Yokawa, with around 100 temple halls and pagodas scattered throughout.
Starting with the National Treasure Konpon Chudo Hall, many cultural properties remain here, and the temple has marked history as a center of Japanese Buddhism. Pilgrimage paths are also maintained within the mountain precincts, allowing visitors to enjoy worship in nature. The time spent walking while feeling the weight of history and faith leaves a strong impression.

Hieizan Driveway is a driving route running along the slopes of Mt. Hiei, a road with a total length of Approx. 8 km where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.
From the observation deck at Yumemigaoka along the way, you can take in sweeping views of Lake Biwa, and on clear days, see as far as Biwako Ohashi Bridge and Okishima Island.
Cafes and stopover spots are also scattered along the route, adding the pleasure of taking a break during the drive. The time spent moving forward while enjoying the scenery is itself part of the appeal.