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Before you go
Your trip to Omihachiman.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Omihachiman – Shiga Destination Hikone and Lake Biwa
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Osaka (Itami) (ITM) Itami · 93 km
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Estação de Omihachiman 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Omihachiman Station on the JR Biwako Line is about 35 minutes from Kyoto and about 20 minutes from Hikone. The historic center is around 2 km away, with buses from the station. Azuchi is one train stop away.
How many days
One day: the canal, the merchants’ quarter and Mount Hachiman in the morning; the Azuchi castle ruins in the afternoon.
When to go
In early April the canal’s cherry trees usually bloom. In March the Sagicho festival brings decorated straw floats to the streets, and in April the Himure shrine festival takes place. Spring and autumn are pleasant for walking.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. Buses connect the station to the historic center, and bicycles rented at the station make it easy to reach the canal and Azuchi.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Omihachiman
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Morning
Hachiman-bori
Take the bus from the station to the historic center and walk along the Hachiman-bori canal and Shinmachi Street.
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Afternoon
Mount Hachiman
Visit Himure Hachimangu shrine and take the ropeway up Mount Hachiman for views over the lake.
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Late afternoon
Azuchi Castle
Take the train to Azuchi and climb the stairway to the ruins of Oda Nobunaga’s castle.
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Evening
Return
Return by train to Kyoto or Hikone, or dine on Omi beef near the station.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Who were the Omi merchants?
Merchants from Omi, the old name for Shiga, who traded across Japan in the Edo and Meiji periods. They followed the principle that business should benefit the seller, the buyer and society.
Is Omihachiman near Kyoto?
Yes, about 35 minutes by train, making it feasible as a day trip.
What is the Sagicho festival?
A fire festival in March at Himure Hachimangu shrine featuring decorated straw floats that parade and are then burned.
Can I combine Omihachiman and Hikone in one day?
Yes, by train, with about 20 minutes between them. The day will be full, and Azuchi would likely have to be skipped.
Beyond the guide
