For accommodation in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, look no further than Green Hotel Yes Ohmi Hachiman.
35 minutes by train to Kyoto ! Attractions information
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha, ranked Number 1 on a prestigious list of Japan's most popular sightseeing destinations for overseas visitors in 2014. It is the head shrine of all the shrines to the Shinto deity Inari.
The approach to the shrine starts from the Keihan Electric Railway's Fushimi Inari Station. Heading straight up the approach you will come first to the honden (main shrine), then the okumiya (rear shrine), and then beyond these the "Senbon Torii", a 4-kilometer way formed by arch after arch of vivid vermillion. (A torii is a kind of sacred gate.) Along the way you will find places to rest and, for a real taste of old Kyoto, take a cup of amazake.
Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu-dera was founded towards the end of the Nara period in 778. The main temple is a designated national treasure, and is famous as the home of the so-called "Kiyomizu Butai" (literally "Kiyomizu Stage"), a platform which affords magnificent views of the city below. The temple was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
The temple's tower rising bright red against the vivid green and blue sky of early summer is a breathtaking sight. There are lots of places to enjoy around the temple, like Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka.
Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavilion)
Points of interest within the temple precincts include a chisenkaiyu-style garden which is listed as both a National Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Gingasen, a spring whose waters shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga is said to have used for his tea ceremonies, and Sekkatei, a traditional tea room built in the Sukiya style. From Kyokochi Pond, you get a magnificent view of Kinkakuji that evokes a different mood depending on the time of day and the season.
Omihachiman sightseeing information
Omi Shonin no Machinami ("Townscape of Omi Merchants") Approx.
5 minutes by car
Founded by Hidetsugu Toyotomi, the castle town of Omihachiman went on to flourish as the place of origin of the so-called Omi shonin (Omi merchants). In the foothills on the north side of the Hachiman-bori Canal were the residences of samurai and their families, while on the south side of the canal were to be found merchants and craftsmen. The old castle town lives on to this day in the names of districts such as Kajiya-cho ("Smiths' Quarter"), Teppo-cho ("Gun Quarter"), Daiku-cho ("Carpenters' Quarter"), Tatamiya-cho ("Mat Makers' Quarter"), Uwai-cho ("Fishmongers' Quarter"). The merchants' shops and white-walled storehouses which even now populate the checker-board townscape still evoke the past glories of the Omi shonin who made their fortunes by peddling their wares far and wide, armed with just a single carrying-pole.
Hachiman-bori Canal
5 minutes by car
When he established the castle town in the foothills of Mt. Hachiman, Hidetsugi Toyotomi had the Hachiman-bori Canal constructed in order to let all the cargo boats that came and went across Lake Biwa stop at Hachiman. The canal was once alive with the comings and goings of merchantmen under sail. Nowadays, the rows of sakura trees, irises are well-known among the representative sightseeing attractions of this beautiful town. Also, the town is also a worthy destination among those in the know about filming locations used in period dramas.
Kawara Museum
5 minutes by car
A museum of Hachiman-gawara (Hachiman tiles), the production of which flourished from the end of the Edo period. The museum introduces the history and traditional crafts associated with the tiles, and there is also a try-it-yourself workshop. By using the tiles' charm to the full in just about every place, the very building itself feels like one big exhibit. The museum's outward appearance melts naturally into the scenery of Hachiman-bori Canal.
Visiting the Lakeside Districts
10 minutes by car
AThe lakeside district of Lake Nishinoko is included among the Eight Views of Lake Biwa as "Shunshoku: Azuchi Hachiman no Suigo" (roughly, "Colors of Spring: The Lakeside Districts of Azuchi Hachiman"). On a journey through the lakeside districts, drifting along natural waterways formed by colonies of reeds in a gently rocking little boat, one can enjoy the natural landscape while listening to the songs of waterfowl.
Shopping Information
Aeon Omihachiman Shopping Center
Approx. 5 minutes by car
Free courtesy pick-up from Omihachiman Station
Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo
Approx. 25 minutes by car,
Approx. 30 minutes from Omihachiman Station by fixed-route bus Official website
