Even before checking in, I had been looking forward to the open-air rose bath experience, which is exclusively for women on holidays. Sharing a wonderful soak with my family under the stars felt like traveling back in time and becoming nobles in an ancient palace, with the romantic feeling of enjoying a luxurious bath. Since an older family member was staying with us this time, we chose a Western-style guest room, which was very comfortable. There’s also a restaurant inside. If your budget allows, you can dine there for an even more Japanese atmosphere.
Chaharu | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Hachiman-bori Canal
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.
When it comes to Omihachiman in Shiga Prefecture, you definitely can't miss Hachiman-bori Canal, with its Edo-period atmosphere. This waterway was once an important transportation route for the castle town below Mount Hachiman and was closely connected to the development of the Omi merchants. Today, white-walled storehouses, old machiya townhouses, and stone-paved paths still remain along the canal, and walking through the area feels like stepping into a time tunnel.
Spring is an especially good time to visit. When the cherry blossoms bloom in April, the soft pink flowers stretch along the canal banks. Together with the gently flowing water, small bridges, and historic buildings, the scenery looks picturesque from every angle. It isn't as crowded as the more popular cherry blossom viewing spots, so it's very pleasant to take a leisurely walk and take pictures. If you have time, you can also take a boat ride and admire Hachiman-bori from the water, experiencing the history and scenery of this small town from a different perspective.
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Omi Beef Morishima
Omi beef is one of the top-3 wagyu brands from Japan. This spot, Omi Beef Morishima has been in business for 142 years, for about as long as the beef brand itself. It started in 1879 when beef consumption was still not popularized in Japan. Its roots trace back to opening in the Asakusa area of Tokyo as a butcher shop and beef hot pot eatery, known as “Yone-kyu” and has hasn’t stopped ever since.
Omi Beef Morishima is a very popular Omi beef restaurant in Omihachiman that specializes in Omi beef dishes. You can enjoy all kinds of beef dishes here, from melt-in-your-mouth marbled steak to sukiyaki and beef sushi, all of which are very tempting. As one of Japan’s three major wagyu brands, Omi beef has a fine texture and is tender, with a natural sweetness that makes it especially enjoyable to eat. If you have the chance to visit Omihachiman, I highly recommend trying it.
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CLUB HARIE “Dry Baum”
“CLUB HARIE” is a Western-style confectionery specialty store opened by “Taneya,” a long-established Japanese sweets business established in Omi Hachiman, Shiga Prefecture, in 1872. CLUB HARIE is known for its Baumkuchen, and one of its most popular products is the “Dry Baum.” It is made by carefully baking each layer of Baumkuchen, slicing it thinly, covering the surface with sweet fondant, and baking it crisply in the oven.
During my trip to Shiga, I happened to have the chance to shop at the main CLUB HARIE store. What impressed me most was their “Dry Baum.” Unlike the soft, moist texture of regular Baumkuchen, this one is made by slicing and baking the layered cake, giving it a crisp texture with a slightly toasted aroma. The more you chew, the more you can taste the butter and egg. The pieces are small and easy to eat, convenient to carry at room temperature, and beautifully packaged, so it’s no wonder they’re so popular with tourists!
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