Nagahama City Shiga Prefecture

Nestled beside Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, is a charming castle town where vibrant nature and diverse culture come to life.

Located to the north of Lake Biwa, a town where history and nature converge,
echoing the legacy of Sengoku warlords

Nagahama City in Shiga Prefecture, situated in the Kinki region, is a prime tourist destination with approximately seven million visitors yearly. The charming “Kurokabe Square,” anchored by the captivating “Kurokabe Glass Hall,” is a popular spot for crafts, gourmet treats, and art. Moreover, the city has a rich history as a thriving Sengoku-era castle town founded by Hashiba Hideyoshi (later known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi), with lingering echoes of its enchanting past visible throughout the urban landscape.

Nagahama isn't just rich in historical charm; it also offers ample opportunities to fully appreciate and enjoy nature. At Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, you can engage in outdoor activities like canoeing and SUP, indulging in authentic dishes featuring locally sourced lake fish, unique to this region. There are also numerous natural attractions, including the panoramic view from Mt. Shizugatake overlooking Lake Biwa and the renowned autumn foliage spot, Chomeiji Temple.

There are plenty of attractions for both kids and adults, such as the “Yanmar Museum,” “Nagahama Railway Museum,” “Kaiyodo Figure Museum Kurokabe,” and the “Minami-hama Tourist Vineyard.” It's an ideal destination for families to explore and enjoy together.

After taking in the history and nature, why not treat yourself to some local flavors you can only find here? Immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm that Nagahama has to offer and make the most of your time.

Feature

The Charms of Nagahama

Culture

From the Sengoku period to the Meiji era, immerse yourself in Hideyoshi's castle town, where its history still comes to life today


In Nagahama, one of the must-visit places is the charming “Kurokabe Square,” nestled in the historic townscape along the Hokkoku Kaido. This area was a lively hub for merchants, travelers, and warriors in the past. Today, it still stands as a quintessential tourist destination in Nagahama, featuring a myriad of Japanese-style buildings that trace back to the Edo and Meiji periods.

Dating back to the Sengoku period, Nagahama thrived as the castle town of Hideyoshi, with Nagahama Castle at its core. The castle, now in Hoko Park as “Nagahama Castle,” was reconstructed in 1983 as the Nagahama Castle Historical Museum through through donations from the local community. Every April, the “Nagahama Hikiyama Festival,” registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, takes place, offering a close-up experience of Nagahama's traditions, which have been passed down for over 400 years.

Turning our attention to Lake Biwa, you will find the uninhabited island of Chikubu, a place that has been revered for centuries as a sacred island where deities reside. Chikubu Island has a rich history, even making an appearance in the “Heike Monogatari” (Tale of the Heike). It's home to numerous historical structures, including Hogon-ji Temple, counted among Japan's three Benten (goddess of wealth and happiness) temples, and Tsukubusuma Shrine (Chikubu Island Shrine). The Tang-style gate of Hogon-ji Temple and the main hall of Tsukubusuma Shrine are designated national treasures, and in 2016, the entire island was recognized as a Japan Heritage site. Today, it remains a popular destination, not only for its historical significance but also as a well-known spiritual spot.

Nagahama is well-known for being a repository of Buddhist cultural treasures, with many Kannon statues still held dear by the locals. Through the years, the area's rich history of unwavering faith and its distinctive Kannon culture have led to its recent moniker, “Kannon's Village,” prominently centered around the Takatsuki area.

History enthusiasts will find plenty of intriguing spots to explore, including Yogo Lake, famous for the Hagoromo Legend, the battlefield of Mt. Shizugatake where Hashiba Hideyoshi and Shibata Katsuie contended for supremacy, and Nagahama Railway Square, housing Japan's oldest surviving railway station building.

Nature

Savor the breathtaking sunset and immerse yourself in the beauty of all four seasons at Japan's largest lake


Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake that stretches along Nagahama, is not just known for its vastness but also for its enchanting sunsets. The lake provides a plethora of activities like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing, and amphibious bus tours for everyone to enjoy its waters.

Mount Shizugatake in the northern region offers delightful seasonal attractions—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and vibrant autumn foliage. Perfect for hiking and mountain climbing, its summit, selected as one of Lake Biwa's Eight Scenic Views, presents a panoramic view of Lake Biwa and Chikubu Island. Families with children will appreciate the convenience of a lift for an easy ascent to the top.

To the north of Mount Shizugatake lies the stunning Lake Yogo. It's often referred to as the “Mirror Lake” due to its tranquil surface, mirroring the surrounding scenery like a mirror. Lake Yogo is a picturesque destination where you can enjoy cycling with nearby rental bikes or indulge in fishing, especially renowned as one of the top smelt fishing spots in the Kansai region.

Nagahama offers plenty of other natural attractions to explore, including the well-loved autumn foliage destination, Keiskuji Temple, and the scenic “Oku-Biwa Lake Parkway,” known for its breathtaking views along the northern shore of Lake Biwa.

Food

Savor Nagahama's unique local cuisine, a taste you won't find anywhere else


After immersing yourself in history and nature, let's indulge in Nagahama's local delicacies. One particularly famous dish is “Noppei Udon.” It is said to have originated in the Meiji era, characterized by its thick soup and a variety of vegetables. Loved by locals throughout the year, it offers a unique and delightful culinary experience

If you are in the mood for something unique and local, try the Yakisaba Somen.This dish, infused with a spirit of hospitality, is not only cherished in local restaurants but is also beloved as a festive treat during special occasions like the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival.

When it comes to local cuisine unique to Lake Biwa, you can try “Biwa Trout Cuisine,” “Simmered Sweetfish,” and “Crucian Carp Sushi,” all featuring the freshwater fish from the lake. The most famous Biwa Trout, a species found exclusively in Lake Biwa, providing a flavor that's truly one-of-a-kind. If you happen to visit during winter, make sure to indulge in Nagahama's winter specialty – “Duck Cuisine.” Duck hot pot and duck sukiyaki, prepared with wild ducks, are seasonal delights available only during the winter hunting period, adding an exclusive touch to Nagahama's culinary offerings.

In the city center, like at Kurokabe Square, it's not just about historical local cuisine – cafes and sweet shops are also flourishing. Soak in the retro town atmosphere and indulge in unique gourmet delights that you can only experience here.

Activities

Experiences in Nagahama

When visiting Nagahama, explore unique experiences exclusive to this enchanting locale. Enjoy the local culture and cuisine, try SUP or cruises on Lake Biwa, and relax with treatments using local ingredients. Personalize your visit to immerse yourself in Nagahama's nature and culture.

Cultural Experiences

Nature and Outdoor Experiences

Food and Dinning

Health and Beauty

*The availability, rates, and details of the featured experiences may change without notice. Please refer to the respective pages for more information.

Inn

Nagahama Accommodations

*The availability, rates, and details of the featured accomodations may change without notice. Please refer to the respective pages for more information.

Workation

Workation

In Nagahama's bustling center with spots like Kurokabe Square, there's a mix of workation facilities. You can choose from places that incorporate traditional Japanese houses, open spaces for connecting with others, and private spots to dive into your tasks.

Why not experience your own work style in Nagahama, where nature is abundant, and history adds a touch of romance?

Access

Access

Estimated travel times to Nagahama Station(By Train):
From Osaka: About 1 hour and 20 minutes
From Kyoto and Nagoya: Approximately 35 minutes~1 hour
From Tokyo: Around 2.5 hours

You can reach Nagahama by air via Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport, and Chubu Centrair International Airport.

By Car:
Estimated travel times to Nagahama Interchange (IC):

From Osaka and Kyoto: About 1 hour and 40 minutes via the Meishin Expressway
From Nagoya: Approximately 1 hour via the Tomei Expressway
From Tokyo: About 5 hours via the Tomei Expressway