9 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Omihachiman, the Hometown of the Omi Merchants — From Modern Architecture to the Ruins of Nobunaga’s Castle

Omihachiman City, located in central Shiga Prefecture, is well known as the city of the Omi merchants. The central area of the city still preserves the old town layout and merchant houses, and the Hachiman-bori Canal, once used for transportation, is a popular spot featured in many period dramas. In 2010, Omihachiman merged with Azuchi Town, making the ruins of Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle a new addition to the city's list of attractions. Here are 9 recommended tourist spots to explore in this historic and scenic city.

1. Hachiman-bori Canal

Built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu, nephew of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Hachiman-bori Canal served as both a moat for Hachiman-yama Castle and a waterway. Though there were plans to fill it in during the 1970s, local residents rallied to restore and preserve it. Thanks to their efforts, the once silted and overgrown canal has been revived as a charming tourist destination.

Famous as a filming location for period dramas, it’s now a popular spot for sightseeing boat rides. You can even paddle into West Lake, known for its wild reeds. Especially during cherry blossom and fresh greenery seasons, the area is bustling with tourists.

2. Shinmachi Street

Shinmachi Street best preserves the traditional townscape of the Omi merchants in Omihachiman’s old grid layout. The 300-meter street is lined with historic merchant homes featuring wooden latticework, plaster walls, and earthen storehouses.

Two representative homes—the former Nishikawa Residence and the former Ban Residence—are open to the public. Along with nearby folklore and local history museums, these form the Omihachiman City Museum Complex, which can be visited with a shared ticket.

The Nishikawa family motto, “Sengigori-ei, Kōfushi-kitoku”, means "Put justice before profit; wealth is for doing good"—a core belief of Omi merchants who prioritized the benefit of society over personal gain.

3. Vories Architecture

William Merrell Vories, an American architect, played a major role in shaping modern Omihachiman. Known for his churches and educational buildings across Japan, many of his works remain surprisingly close to daily life.

Omihachiman was Vories’ base, so you’ll find many of his buildings here, especially in the Ikeda-cho area in the western part of the old city. These elegant Western-style homes blend harmoniously with the Japanese landscape. Many are still private residences, so please be respectful when visiting.

Other Vories buildings include the former Hachiman Post Office, the Vories Memorial Hall, Hachiman Church, and Hachiman Commercial High School.

4. Hachiman-yama Castle Ruins & Ropeway

Omihachiman originated as a castle town for Hachiman-yama Castle, built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu. After Hidetsugu was ordered to commit seppuku by Hideyoshi, the castle was dismantled, and only the merchant district remained, developing independently.

Though only stone walls remain today, the castle site sits atop a standalone mountain, offering stunning views of Omihachiman, Lake Biwa, and the surrounding Hira and Hiei mountain ranges.

Access is easy via the Hachiman-yama Ropeway. In 2014, it was even designated as a "Lover’s Sanctuary" for its romantic views.

5. Azuchi Castle Ruins

Azuchi Castle was Oda Nobunaga’s final stronghold. Historical records describe its keep as gold-plated on the top floor with an open interior. It burned down only three years after completion following Nobunaga's death during the Honno-ji Incident. Today, only stone foundations remain of this legendary, still-mysterious castle.

Stone steps along the main path from the front gate remain flanked by ruins of vassals’ residences. Standing atop the castle site, you can feel the power and ambition of Nobunaga as he neared unification.

There’s now an admission fee (managed by Sōken-ji Temple). Nearby attractions like the Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum and the Nobunaga Azuchi Castle Museum offer further insights.

6. Omi Brotherhood Menturm Museum

Vories, also Omihachiman's first honorary citizen, made great contributions not only as an architect but also as an entrepreneur. He founded the Omi Brotherhood, which manufactured the Menturm ointment (formerly Mentholatum).

The company’s original headquarters in the old town still houses a free museum. It showcases panels detailing Vories’ life and the company’s founding and sells a variety of products, with proceeds donated to charity.

7. Kyorinbo Temple

Kyorinbo is one of Omihachiman's most notable temples, said to be where Prince Shotoku once preached in the woods. The temple enshrines the Akagawa Kannon, said to be carved by the prince himself, and is known as a place where wishes come true after two visits.

Open to the public only during Golden Week and the autumn foliage season, it’s most famous for its breathtaking fall colors. Many come to admire the garden, said to be designed by famed Edo-period landscaper Kobori Enshu. Mossy boulders and a crimson canopy of maple leaves create a stunning contrast.

8. Musa-juku Post Town

Musa-juku is the only post town on the Nakasendo Road within Omihachiman City. Located near Musa Station on the Omi Railway Yokaichi Line, it features a peaceful historical streetscape.

Buildings from the era, such as inns, officials’ homes, and merchant houses, still remain. A former confectionery shop now serves as a free rest stop, offering visitors a taste of Edo-period travel. Another highlight is the former Musa Branch Office of the Hachiman Police Station, built in 1886 and now a registered cultural property.

9. Okishima Island

Floating off the coast of Omihachiman in Lake Biwa, Okishima is the largest island in the lake and the only inhabited island in a freshwater lake in Japan. The only access is by boat.

With fewer than 300 residents, the island has no cars or traffic lights. While there are no major landmarks, the opportunity to experience daily life on a remote freshwater island is a rare and valuable experience.

There are a few guesthouses, and waking up surrounded by Lake Biwa is an unforgettable experience. The Okishima Museum, open during ferry arrivals, offers insights into the island’s history and lifestyle.

◎ Summary: Highlights of Omihachiman

This guide introduced the main attractions of Omihachiman, the hometown of the Omi merchants—one of Japan’s three major merchant groups along with those of Osaka and Ise. The city is not only beautiful but offers inspiring, meaningful places to visit.

In addition to traditional souvenirs like red konnyaku, detchi yōkan, and chōjifu, modern treats like Club Harie’s baumkuchen are also popular. If you're traveling through Shiga Prefecture, be sure to spend some time exploring the treasures of Omihachiman.