Things to Do in Omihachiman

Things to Do in Omihachiman, Japan - Omihachiman Attractions

Things to Do in Omihachiman

Top Attractions in Omihachiman

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What travelers are saying

  • brixtontrev
    United Kingdom1,747 contributions
    If you are interested in preserved old castle towns that also straddle old roads, in this case the Nakasendo, this would be one for you. It's a bit of a walk from the train station straight along the main road leading west from the train station forecourt. I'd been past this way before whilst walking the Nakasendo a few years earlier and had wanted to visit but it wasn't on the itinerary. It wasn't very busy when I went and most of the tourists were Japanese. Some of the old houses have been adapted as small history museums or simply attractions in themselves. There is a wonderful canal side walk that is very picturesque and canal boat trips on offer as well. Just the other side of the canal is a cable car, the Hachimanya Ropeway, that takes you to see the ruins of Hachiman Castle. There is also a fair bit about the American William Merrell Vories, a lay missionary preacher and self trained architect who designed around 1,000 buildings in Japan. Easily accessed from Kyoto by local Biwako Line trains. Also the ruins of Azuchi and the complete Hikone Castles are a little bit further north and a few stops further on the train.
    Written December 14, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert D
    Brooklyn, New York2,602 contributions
    The ruins of Azuchi Castle are an interesting place to visit. It was a long climb to the top--over 400 uneven, stone steps. Along the way, I stopped to ring the bell at the main temple of Sokenji. There is not much left of the original castle. But the views from the top are magnificent. As we descended down the steps, we came to a 3-level tower. It is a nice place to visit, but you need to take care on the path, due to the uneven steps.
    Written June 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Remi
    Thailand2,537 contributions
    The Shrine is the largest shrine in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture It had a lot of history behind. It was first established by Takenouchi no Sukune in 131. It houses the God of War and attracted many warlords to visit and worship. Today, the Sagicho Fire Festival is held here every March. It's worth visiting.
    Written April 30, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • palawanismyhome
    Palawan Island, Philippines24,313 contributions
    After exploring the streets and canals of Hachiman-bori we decided to take the ropeway to the top of the hill. I guess about 12 passengers could squeeze into the gondola. At the top there was a path that encircled the hill with two viewpoints where you could see Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan with Omihachiman on its banks. You could also see the modern town and the farm areas around it. The path wound its way through the forest. We intended to take the path back to the bottom but it was closed for some reason so we took the cable car once again. If you are in Omihachiman i think that this is worth doing for the picturesque views.
    Written October 13, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 11holic11
    Kashiwa, Japan101 contributions
    Shiga pref is known for its merchant, called "Ohmi Shonin". Ohmi Hachiman is one of the cities where many historical merchant houses remain. The city was constructed in late of 16th century, with a castle on the top of Hachiman-Yama hill and canals called "Hachiman-Bori". Former Nishikawa house, now City Museum is built in 1706. I could understand how Ohmi Shonin worked and succeeded in this region.
    To Ohmi Hachiman, it takes 35-45 minutes from Kyoto station by JR train and 10 minutes by bus from the station.
    If you get tired of Kyoto's congestion, it's an good option to visit since not so many people know here.
    --
    近江八幡はまちなみ保存地区(重要伝統的建造物群保存地区)があり、京都からの距離の割に空いていると感じました。
    Written September 18, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ashley D
    Hikone, Japan33 contributions
    As part of my cycling tour around Ōmihachiman, I stopped at Chomeiji Temple and decided to climb up the stairs which is something you shouldn't do (at least when it's summer). However, climbing the stairs will reward you with a view of Lake Biwa and the temple features some beautiful pagodas. Everyone is really friendly too, and didn't mind bantering with me in Japanese.
    Written June 30, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • hfulghum
    Shoreline823 contributions
    If there was ever a castle here, I didn't see any sign of it. There is, however, a lovely shrine, fairly small, but beautiful with some glorious buildings and the standard quiet.

    This is a nice side trip from old Hachiman town, and on the way to the cable car that takes you up to the top of Mount Hachiman.
    Written September 24, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hiroshi317
    Yokohama, Japan310 contributions
    Here is central of old Omi hachiman downtown. Now many merchant hoses remaining. Famous one is “Nishikawa-ke” that is one of such a Omi merchant treating Japanese mosquito net (when I was child using summer season to sleep well”) . This house is tricky because front door opens like flap, front wall along the street fully open to upside and second floor was for the apprentices. But there is no stair, when they up and down use ladder like old ship.
    Feel Omi merchant’s policy of benefit for all three side ( customer, society and vender)
    If you take a lunch it’s better to find around here or Hatcho-bori canal.
    Written December 14, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert D
    Brooklyn, New York2,602 contributions
    If you do not read Japanese, be sure to pick up a leaflet at the museum which describes the three rooms. Two of the rooms are permanent exhibits and one has temporary exhibits. I enjoyed learning about the history of the area and the castle. They have artifacts found in the castle ruins on display.
    Written June 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Omihachiman Attractions Information

Attractions

148

Attraction Reviews

2,298

Attraction Photos

4,767

Local Time

Asia/Tokyo