Omihachiman - Planning Your Complete Daytrip to the Venice of Japan

If there is a historical town to look out for its scenery, its Omihachiman (近江八幡) and it is one of the most well-preserved merchant towns in Japan. Omihachiman differentiates itself from other historical town with its unique townscape containing a canal that passes through the town; earning it the nickname as the ‘Venice of Japan’.

With that said, let’s explore what the canal town has to offer!

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Table of Contents

The History of Omihachiman

Read More About The Town's Inception HERE

Omihachiman is located in Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県), at the south-eastern shore of the magnificent Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), the largest inland lake in Japan. The town’s name ‘Hachiman (八幡)’ was taken directly from the Hachiman deity, the god of War in Shintoism (神道) that was worshipped by the samurai (侍).

The town was founded by Toyotomi Hidetsugu (豊臣秀次), nephew of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) who is one of the 3 major unifiers of Japan. Hidetsugu not only built a castle on the mountaintop, but also developed the town into a commercial hub and made it a tax-free zone to attract merchants to start their business here. He also ordered the construction of a canal that served both as a castle defense and to transport goods to other areas around Lake Biwa.

Hidetsugu originally was designated as the successor to Hideyoshi as Hideyoshi himself did not have a male heir. However in AD 1593, he had a newborn son and soon Hidetsugu began to lose favour from Hideyoshi. Eventually, he was disgraced and he and his clan were ordered to commit seppuku (切腹) or ritual suicide.

Read More On How The Town Became What It Is Today HERE

The town however continued to prosper due to its strategic location between both Kyoto (京都) and Edo (江戸); present day Tokyo (東京). Many merchants from the town would travel to larger cities selling their finest products such as mosquito nets, tatami surface matting, and hemp cloth products. This lead to the reputation of the Omihachiman merchants being shrewd businessmen among locals.

The townscape of Omihachiman is also influenced by an American named William Merrell Vories who came as an English teacher and a Christian missionary during the 20th century. Vories himself was trained in architecture and also well-connected with many local Japanese through his involvement in YMCA.

Using his skills as an architect, he designed various buildings across the town including the Old Hachiman Post Office building. Due to his massive contribution to the townscape, he was highly regarded among the locals and eventually, he converted his citizenship into Japanese.

At one point of time, the canal was abandoned and dilapidated; leading to the local city council to fill in the moat. However, there were stopped by the locals who decided to spearhead a campaign to restore the canal and also the heritage buildings back to their glory days. Today, the town becomes one of the most beautiful historical town to visit in Shiga Prefecture.

Travel Tips and Why Visit Omihachiman?

Omihachiman is located just an hour away from Kyoto (京都) by train and is one of the more authentic historical town. In fact, it is less hectic than Kyoto while features some of the most beautiful Japonesque sceneries; especially the ones with the canal!

It is also easy to navigate around the historical town and the mountaintop features a grand view of the magnificent Lake Biwa.

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Begin The Day With A Cruise Along the Canal

The prime highlight of Omihachiman is its canal, and what better way to enjoy the scenery than to hop on a cruise along the canal. The boat tour ride takes about 30 minutes and the embarking point is near the Kawara Museum (かわらミュージアム).

Before boarding the boat, we will need to register our names first, and pay for the ticket (1,500 Yen per pax). Then the staff will inform you on the boarding time. As the queue can be long at times, it is HIGHLY advisable to register for the boat ride early. Also, do take note to arrive latest 10 minutes prior to the commencement time of the boat ride.

We then decided to hang around the old town and use this time to capture some beautiful sceneries of the canal. I personally highly recommend visiting at autumn, simply because the autumn colours matches the surrounding rustic buildings perfectly, adding a unique flair to the overall beauty!

Also, don’t forget to check out this little shrine nearby the boat registration area that houses a Kappa (かっぱ), a popular water monster in Japan that loves cucumbers as a deity of worship!

The boat itself is a traditional rustic wooden open-air boat with a roof on top of it and equipped with sofas for seating. The front and backmost seats offer the best views of the canal in my opinion; but if you can’t make it for either, then the side views are great alternatives as well as they offer beautiful views from a different angle.

The ride takes a round trip around the canal and it is a surreal experience to witness the well-preserved rustic buildings along the canal. My personal favourites are the bridge sceneries which adds an extra beauty point to the sceneries. And the scenery will be much more mesmerising in mid-Nov to early-Dec with the presence of the autumn leaves.

The canal (known as Hachiman-bori/八幡堀) tells its own story. Once the lifeline of commerce, it carried merchant boats loaded with rice, sake, and textiles to wider markets across Lake Biwa. Today, the water flows quietly, mirroring the eaves and willow trees above, offering visitors a peaceful reflection of the past.

And while there is an audio guide explaining the background explaining the history; unfortunately it’s only available in Japanese. So if you are into history, be sure to read a bit about the history of Omihachiman HERE before your boat ride.

Pay Respects to the Himure Hachimangu Shrine

Considered the main shrine of Omihachiman, Himure Hachimangu (日牟禮八幡宮) was established in AD 131 by Emperor Seimu (成務天皇) and is believed to be the oldest complex in this town. The merchants in Omi once prayed at this shrine for safety prior to sailing to their destinations. The shrine was even visited by Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康), the warlord who eventually united Japan and established Edo (江戸); present-day Tokyo (東京).

Himure Hachimangu Shrine is one of my personal favourite spots in Omihachiman; simply for its tranquility and how the shrine complex assimilates beautifully with mother nature. My favourite elements here are the stone lanterns that are coated in natural vibrant green moss which symbolises their assimilation.

Also, Himure Hachimangu is known to hosts a couple of unique local festivals that are worth checking. The first is the Sagicho Fire Festival (左義長祭) that is held annually on the Saturday closest to March 14th and 15th.

During this time, large red floats that are designed based on the animal motif of the year known as Sagicho (左義長) will be carried around town by beautifully-dressed bearers. Eventually these floats will be burned at night for peace and security and also good harvest.

Then, there is also the Hachiman Festival (八幡祭) that is held annually on April 14th and 15th. This is also known as the Torch Festival where large torches that are over 10m will be lit, followed by a display of dazzling fireworks at nightfall. And on the 15th, there will be a procession of large drums being carried across the town and eventually into the temple.

Visit the Traditional Merchant Houses of Omihachiman

There’s a quiet charm to Omihachiman that reveals itself slowly, street by street. The first thing to look out for are the white-walled merchant townhouses featuring wooden lattices and tiled roofs. These are the homes of the Omi merchants, skillful traders and businessmen who left an enduring mark on Japan’s history.

Many of the old townhouses have been lovingly preserved and repurposed. Some are now museums, showcasing ledgers, tools, and furnishings of merchant families. Others have become cafés and craft shops, where you can sip tea surrounded by history or browse handmade goods in the very rooms where trade once thrived. Unlike Kyoto’s polished machiya (町屋) districts, Omihachiman feels softer, less like a stage set and more like a town still breathing with memory.

As we step into these houses, we will be greeted by both the receptionist as well as the authentic interior of these former merchant residences. What’s impressive is how well-maintained these houses are; from the tatami rooms featuring a view of the inner gardens and the earthen-walled kura (storehouses) for safekeeping, to the wooden beams that have weathered centuries. There’s a subtle elegance here, rooted in practicality and balance, just as the merchants themselves believed business should be.

The main highlight however are the display of products that these merchants sold back then. These were produced by the merchants themselves using raw materials from other parts of Japan; showcasing their immense talent as both a craftsman and merchant. A personal standout of mine is the mosquito net which is huge enough to provide protection for at least 2 – 3 people.

Discover the Western-style Buildings of Omihachiman

When exploring Omihachiman, it is easy to imagine oneself in a unique era; one where East and West blends quietly. Along the city’s streets, tucked between traditional merchant townhouses, stand unexpected gems of Western architecture.

One of the most striking is the old Hachiman Post Office (旧八幡郵便局), its design distinctly Western yet softened by the warmth of a small-town setting. And then, there is also the elegant Haku’un-kan (白雲館) that once served as a primary school during the 19th century. Today, this pristine white building is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property and serving as the tourism information center of the town.

I love how these Western-style buildings don’t overshadow the Japanese charm. In fact, they compliment each other wonderfully. Walking here feels like flipping through a photo album where different chapters of history overlap, each page offering a glimpse of how Omihachiman embraced change while holding onto tradition.

Omihachiman has a LOT to thank William Merrell Vories as he was the architect responsible for spearheading the construction of these Western-style buildings. His work gave Omihachiman a unique cultural identity that still lingers today. There is even a statue of him receiving flowers from another statue of a local girl; and also a memorial hall dedicated to him as well.

Catch the Magnificent View of Lake Biwa

For those looking for a great view point of the famed Lake Biwa, consider getting to the top of Mt Hachiman or Hachiman-yama (八幡山). The best way up? The Hachiman-yama Ropeway (八幡山ロープウェー), which is a short cable car ride that offers a sweeping view of the feudal town.

Tickets cost 500 Yen per pax for one-way, but I would definitely recommend buying the two-way ticket which is cheaper at the cost of 890 Yen. The ride only takes a few minutes, but the steady pacing allows one to slowly appreciate the beauty of the scenery.

At the summit, the world opens up in every direction. To the north, the calm expanse of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, shimmers in blues and silvers depending on the sunlight. Below, the historic grid of Omihachiman’s merchant houses sits quietly, their latticed facades hinting at centuries of trade and prosperity. Turn around, and the mountain ridges roll endlessly, a reminder of just how close nature and town sit side by side here.

The summit itself isn’t just about the scenery, it’s layered with history. This is the site of the former Hachimanyama Castle that was built by the warlord Toyotomi Hidetsugu (豊臣秀次) during the 16th century. It’s fate was tragic however when Hidetsugu was forced to commit suicide and the castle had to be torn down just 10 years after its completion.

Today, we can only see the foundations of the castle that once overlooked the surrounding magnificent scenery. There is also a temple here Zuiryuji (瑞龍寺), and it’s construction was ordered by Hidetsugu’s mom to mourn her son. It’s current location also happens to be the former site of the castle’s keep.

Where to Eat at Omihachiman

If you are visiting Omihachiman, a local specialty not to be missed is Omi beef (近江牛). Omi beef is considered to be the oldest Wagyu (和牛) brand; being originated around 400 years ago. It is considered to be one of the top three Wagyu brands in Japan together with Kobe beef (神戸牛) and Matsuzaka beef (松坂牛); and is known for its tenderness and rich flavour with a slight sweetness to it.

In fact, I would recommend checking out Sennaritei as they feature a unique delicacy of juicy Omi beef sashimi served on cripsy Senbei rice crackers (煎餅). They also serve ramen dish together with Omi beef for those looking to lunch.

There are also other establishments that serve Omi beef include Omi Beef Kubotaya, Marutake Oumi-Nishigawa and Hotaru. For those looking for some Japanese set meals or Teishoku (定食), consider dining at Hatsuyuki Shokudo. And sushi (寿司) lovers should check out Kyoto Kaya near the Himure Hachimangu Shrine.

There is also Taneya Himure-no-ya which is one of the few restaurants serving vegetarian meals in this area (the term for their vegetarian meal is Yasai-zen/野菜膳). Confectionery lovers should take this chance to visit Club Harie Himure House and La Collina Omihachiman. Both places feature a wide variety of pastries, and are famous for their tasty baumkuchen, a traditional and hearty German cake that is shaped like a ring.

La Collina Omihachiman features a charming architectural style that integrates mother nature with its buildings; as well as seasonal gardens for visitors to enjoy. Be sure to subscribe as I will create a separate article about this charming confectionery shop in the near future!

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Staying at Omihachiman - What If I Want to Stay Overnight?

Omihachiman also features a variety of attractions that are slightly further from town. These include the Kyorinbo Temple (教林坊) that is known for its stunning fall foliage, the Nobunaga no Yakata Museum & Azuchi Castle Ruins that are a must-visit for history buffs and the Chomeiji Temple (長命寺) that is known as the scenic pilgrimage spot in the area.

If you are visiting these attractions, it is highly advisable to book a stay HERE at Omihachiman for a more relaxing trip. Here are some options to consider:

For those looking for convenient hotels near the station, business hotels such as Hotel New Omi, AB Hotel Omihachiman and Comfort Inn Omihachiman are great options to consider.

If you are looking for a more authentic Japanese experience and willing to spend a bit more, I recommend booking a room at some of the traditional guesthouses at Omihachiman. These include Guesthouse Shin, Guesthouse Mio and Guesthouse Omihachiman; featuring traditional tatami (畳) rooms with comfortable futon (布団) beds for a complete Japanese experience.

Getting To Omihachiman

By Train

From Kyoto:
Board the Local Maibara (米原) train along the Tokaido-Sanyo line (東海道山陽線) from Kyoto Station (京都駅) and disembark at Omihachiman Station (近江八幡駅). The one-way journey takes around 40 minutes.

From Osaka:
Board the Rapid Maibara (米原) train along the Tokaido-Sanyo line (東海道山陽線) from Osaka Station (大阪駅) and disembark at Omihachiman Station (近江八幡駅). The one-way journey takes around 90 minutes.

From the station, we will still need to take a short bus ride to the old town itself. Catch the local bus that heads to Chomeiji (長命寺ゆき) from the bus stand here. The ride costs 260 Yen for one-way and takes around 5 minutes in which you have to disembark at Obatamachi Shiryokanzen bus stop (小幡町資料館前).

If you have the Kansai Wide Area Pass, then it will cover the entire train ride along the Tokaido-Sanyo line. The Kansai Wide Area Pass covers the JR rail lines along Omihachiman and other cities along Lake Biwa; as well as the access to other areas around the Kansai region.

This is a great option to consider for cost savings if you are visiting Omihachiman along with other areas around Kansai including Himeji (姫路), another city known for its authentic castle) and Koyasan (高野山), a sacred area known for its majestic temples.

By Car

This was the method my wife and I explored Hikone and we didn’t regret getting a car. This allows us to park within the old town and also explore attractions that are slightly further from Omihachiman such as the Kyorinbo Temple (教林坊).

Moveover, HAVING a car allows us to explore other cities around Lake Biwa such as Otsu (大津), Hikone (彦根) & Nagahama (長浜) which are equally as attractive and would have been harder to reach just by relying on the infrequent public transportation. Keen in renting a car for your next Japan road trip? Check out Tocoo for more info here.