This is a peaceful little town full of Edo-period vibes. If you have time, you can take a small boat ride along the canal and enjoy the scenery. There aren't many tourists, so it's nice and quiet for a stroll and taking photos nearby!
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Hachiman-bori Canal
It is a castle town that prospered as a commercial city in connection with the Omi merchants. Have fun with the charm from both land and water.
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Omihachiman city is located in the Koto area on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa in the central Shiga Prefecture. It is a scenic castle town where the blessings of Kokoku (Lake Country) and old and new Western and Japanese culture are alive. The city has a long history,and about 430 years ago, Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s nephew Hidetsugu built Hachimanyama Castle in conjunction with reconstruction of Koto after the death of Oda Nobunaga and was prospered as a commercial city by the Omi merchants who gathered around the castle town. On the southeastern shore of Lake Biwa in the northeastern part of the city, a Suigo/river district designated as the nation’s first important cultural landscape spreads over.
In a corner there, it is Hachiman-bori Canal, a canal that flows around Mt. Hachiman and flows into Lake Biwa. It was excavated by Hidetsugu as a moat of Hachimanyama Castle and was also called Hachiman-ura then, they say, because the barges that came and went Lake Biwa called a port there. The scenery with the white-walled Dozo (storehouse) standing side by side and the calm water surface is full of historical atmosphere and is also a location for historical drama(s).
It is recommended to have a tour by a houseboat around Hachiman-bori and enjoy the relaxing time while taking a long look at the beautiful scenery. You might make a trip as well around Suigo/riverside district that is slowly going through the large and small various waterways surrounded by thickly growing Reed by a rowing boat, which is called the slowest vehicle in Japan. Listen to the boatman’s tone in a flowing style and the sound of oars and let’s enjoy the sparkling water surface and the breeze.
Moreover, the castle towns around Hachiman-bori are full of attractions. While visiting many well-known architecture by William Merrell Vories who had a great love for this place, the tradesman’s houses related to Omi merchants, and the old streets that maintain the atmosphere of old times, you would like to have a leisurely stroll without hasting ahead.
Highlights
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A land related to Omi merchants and prospered for 430 years.
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On-the-water trip on the moat and Suigo/riverside district, swayed by a small boat.
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A leisurely stroll around the castle town that is full of attractions.
Photos
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On-the-water trip by a small boat on Hachiman-bori Canal where has a wonderful scenery of four seasons.
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On-the-water trip by a small boat on Hachiman-bori Canal where has a wonderful scenery of four seasons.
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The Shinmachi Dori streets where strongly left the taste of castle town.
Reviews
6
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The scenery along both sides is really pleasant, but it's a shame the water isn't clean.
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It's a quiet countryside area with not many people around. You can check out some old houses left behind by wealthy families who made their fortunes here.
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Charming little bridges and flowing water—it's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some peaceful downtime.
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It has an old-fashioned charm. The boat ride is super relaxing, and the lake is so clean and clear. The cherry blossoms are gorgeous too!
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 八幡堀
- Postal Code
- 523-0828
- Address
- Miyauchicho, Omihachiman City, Shiga
- Tel
- 0748-32-7003 (Omihachiman Tourism and Products Association)
- Access
- From Omihachiman Station of the JR Biwako Line, take the Omi Railway Bus Chomeiji Line for about 7 minutes, get off at Osugicho or Hachimanyama Ropeway, and a short walk.
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)