10 recommended sightseeing spots in Higashiomi City. Enjoy the city’s rich history and culture

Higashiomi City is located in the eastern part of Shiga Prefecture. The city extends from the Suzuka Mountains in the east to the shores of Lake Biwa in the west, offering many sightseeing spots related to its natural surroundings. In this article, we introduce some of the most popular tourist attractions in Higashiomi City. Use this guide to make the most of your visit to Higashiomi.

1. The streets of Gokasho Kondo-cho, a filming location for TV dramas

The streets of Gokasho Kondo are one of the most highly recommended sightseeing spots in Higashiomi City. The scenery still retains the atmosphere of the late Edo to Showa periods, when Ohmi merchants were actively conducting business. This area is also used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas and has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

The area itself is not very large, so if you're just exploring the streets, about an hour should be enough. However, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the charm of Gokasho Kondo-cho, consider visiting the main residences of the Ohmi merchants.

The open-to-the-public merchant houses also serve as information centers and rest areas, allowing visitors to take a break while sightseeing. This is not a major tourist attraction crowded with tour buses, but it is a place where you can gradually appreciate the charm of Higashiomi. Take a stroll through these atmospheric streets and feel the history of this town firsthand.

2. A must-visit for railway enthusiasts: "Ohmi Railway"

For railway enthusiasts, "Ohmi Railway" is a must-visit spot.

Ohmi Railway is a local private railway that runs through Higashiomi. It consists of two-car trains operating only as local services, traveling leisurely through the city's tranquil landscapes. At some stations, there are no ticket vending machines, and station staff still sell tickets in person, evoking a sense of nostalgia for many visitors. The train cars are repurposed from Seibu Railway, so those familiar with Seibu’s trains might find the sight even more nostalgic.

The wooden, unmanned stations also add to the railway's charm. Visitors from urban areas will especially find the atmosphere soothing. With all these nostalgic and scenic elements, this railway is a dream for train enthusiasts. If you're planning a trip to the Higashiomi area, consider adding Ohmi Railway to your itinerary. Keep in mind that trains do not run at all hours, so be sure to check the timetable in advance if you want to see them.

3. Learn all about Ohmi merchants at the "Higashiomi City Ohmi Merchant Museum"

The Higashiomi City Ohmi Merchant Museum is a facility designated as an Important Cultural Property.

"Ohmi merchants" refers to traders from the Ohmi region who thrived during the Edo period, building vast fortunes through their businesses in Edo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other regions. Their business philosophy, known as Sanpou-yoshi ("good for the buyer, good for the seller, and good for society"), remains influential and has been inherited by many modern Japanese corporations.

This museum is not a major tourist spot packed with sightseeing buses, but it has received high praise from visitors. As a place where you can learn about the foundations of Japan’s corporate culture, it is particularly popular among older visitors rather than younger tourists.

Since Higashiomi has numerous sightseeing spots related to Ohmi merchants, visiting this museum first will enhance your appreciation of the other sites that follow.

4. Enjoy wine and bread at "Hitomi Winery"

"Hitomi Winery" is a highly recommended spot for wine lovers. Visitors can learn various interesting facts about wine, making it an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate alcohol. One of the highlights is the wine tasting, where you can sample different wines and find your favorite.

The wines at Hitomi Winery are characterized by a mild tannin profile, making them smooth and easy to drink. They have a rich aroma and deep flavor, with some of the most popular wines selling out quickly.

Nearby, there are hot springs and scenic autumn foliage spots, making it an excellent destination for a relaxing trip. Hitomi Winery is located along the Happu Kaido Road, which connects Mie and Shiga prefectures, so enjoy the leisurely countryside scenery on your way there.

5. Delicious gelato at the roadside station "Aito Margaret Station"

Located in Imoto-cho, Higashiomi City, the roadside station "Aito Margaret Station" is a perfect rest stop during your travels. The gelato from the Fruit & Herb Workshop is so popular that there are often long lines on weekends. The gelato is made with locally produced fresh milk, and the fruits used are also sourced from Higashiomi.

The sweet potato treats from the bakery are also highly rated. At the Rural Living Center, you can find dried flowers, herbs, and other local products. With delicious food and plenty of souvenirs, it’s a convenient stop for travelers. Depending on the season, the station also hosts events such as strawberry picking, flower picking, and flea markets, making it a lively tourist attraction.

Additionally, the roadside station features a fresh produce market selling local vegetables and a restaurant serving dishes made with Higashiomi-grown ingredients, allowing visitors to enjoy the seasonal flavors of the region.

6. Experience the lifestyle of Ohmi merchants at "Gokasho Ohmi Merchant House - Tonomura Shigeru Residence"

The Gokasho Ohmi Merchant House - Tonomura Shigeru Residence is a popular sightseeing spot for history enthusiasts. Higashiomi is home to many locations related to Ohmi merchants, and this is one of them.

The magnificent structure has an irresistible charm, and visitors are often impressed by its well-preserved condition. The storehouse has been transformed into a literary museum, where you can view letters and handwritten manuscripts of Tonomura Shigeru, a novelist from an Ohmi merchant family.

7. Tour a historic merchant's house at "Gokasho Ohmi Merchant House - Fujii Hikoshiro Residence"

The residence of Fujii Hikoshiro, considered a typical example of an Ohmi merchant’s house, is located in Miyaso-cho, Higashiomi City. It is a recommended sightseeing spot for history enthusiasts. The detailed explanations provided during the tour will help expand your knowledge of Higashiomi.

Among the various Ohmi merchant residences in the city, this one stands out with its expansive 800-tsubo (approximately 2,640 square meters) garden. At the center of the garden is a pond shaped like Lake Biwa, reflecting the meticulous thought put into the landscape design.

Access: Take a bus from JR Notogawa Station for 10 minutes, get off at "Plaza Sanpou-yoshi," and walk for 20 minutes. There is also a parking lot available for those traveling by car.

8. A place full of attractions and fun: "Tarobo-gu Shrine"

Higashiomi is home to many shrines, but Tarobo-gu Shrine has a unique appeal.

"Tarobo" is the name of a tengu (a legendary creature in Japanese folklore), and this shrine was historically a place of ascetic training for monks. The ascent from the trailhead to the main hall consists of a staggering 740 steps. Fast climbers can reach the top in about 30 minutes, while those taking their time with breaks should allow around 90 minutes. Even just walking around the shrine provides a refreshing experience.

One must-see attraction is the "Meoto Iwa" (Husband and Wife Rocks) at the summit. These two massive rocks naturally split in half, and visitors can pass through the narrow gap between them.

9. A bustling spot during the autumn foliage season: "Eigenji Temple"

Eigenji Temple is a famous sightseeing destination known for its autumn foliage, attracting many visitors from outside the prefecture during peak season. It is a designated cultural property of Shiga Prefecture and one of the most popular spots in Higashiomi. Even outside the autumn season, it is well worth a visit.

During peak foliage season, the trees are illuminated at night, creating a breathtakingly beautiful atmosphere. If you have the chance to visit during autumn, a nighttime visit is highly recommended. There are steep stairs leading up to the main hall, but the back side of the temple has a gentler slope, making it a more accessible route for older visitors.

Access: If traveling by train, take a bus from Yokaichi Station for 35 minutes, get off at Eigenji-mae, and walk for 15 minutes. By car, it is a 20-minute drive from the Yokaichi IC.

10. A roadside station repurposed from a former school building: "Oku-Eigenji Keiryu-no-Sato"

"Oku Eigenji Keiryu-no-Sato" is a roadside station that repurposes a former junior high school building, creating a nostalgic yet refreshing rest and sightseeing spot.

A stream flows nearby, allowing visitors to enjoy nature. Fishing is also possible, making it an excellent rest stop for fishing enthusiasts.

The facility also features a section showcasing Higashiomi's specialty products and a dining area serving dishes made with locally sourced fresh vegetables. Some popular menu items include Iwana (char) tempura rice bowls, grilled fish, Eigenji Dam Curry, and Masazuru Tea Soba.

An unusual treat here is "Funazushi Soft Serve," a soft-serve ice cream topped with funazushi (fermented crucian carp) in jelly sauce. The unique combination makes for an intriguing experience—if you stop by, be sure to give it a try!

◎ Summary of recommended sightseeing spots in Higashiomi City

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10 recommended sightseeing spots in Higashiomi City. Enjoy the city’s rich history and culture