Omihachiman, Shiga (滋賀県近江八幡市) – Hatago Wakatsu (旅籠 八…) Breakfast
We had a Japanese breakfast at Hatako Wakasu (旅籠 八…) a ryokan renovated from a sukiya-style building constructed in the late Edo period. This secluded retreat offers exclusive use of the main building and annex, limited to 2 groups per day. The meal was served at “Nihon Ryori Tamaru” (日本料理溜ル), a restaurant converted from a storehouse, where Omi kaiseki cuisine featured local ingredients from the Saba Kaido (鯖街道 – Mackerel Road) and Omi (former province name of the current Shiga Prefecture.)
Omi Hachiman is a town that is known for its nicely preserved old town and canal where visitors can enjoy traditional boat cruises through the historic townscape. The town became prominent during the feudal era as the base of the local Omi merchants.