Why You Should Visit Omi-Hachiman (Japan’s Best-Kept Secret) | A day trip from Kyoto | Travel VLOG
Today I would like to take a day trip to Omihachiman. Let’s head to Omihachiman Station on the JR line. Transfer to a bus and head to the area where the old townscape still remains. We’ve arrived at Hachimanbori area where the historic townscape remains. Omihachiman was once known as a merchant town. Merchants from here were known as “Omi merchants” and were active throughout Japan. The water transportation facilities supported the development of these merchants. This canal served as a trading hub between Osaka and Edo (Tokyo). Let’s board a boat for the “Hachimanbori Tour”. This canal was built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu in 1585. It played an important role in connecting Lake Biwa with the city. We can experience a 30-minute cruise tour. The old townscape remains along the canal, allowing us to enjoy the picturesque scenery. The old scenery has been well preserved and it is often used as a location for period dramas. The movie “Rurouni Kenshin” was also filmed in this canal. Next, I would like to take a stroll around the old castle town. The old townscape remains, conveying the traditions and history of the Omi merchants. We can also take a tour inside the old merchant house. The Nishikawa family is one of the wealthy merchants representing Omihachiman. This merchant became successful by selling tatami mats, mosquito net and other items. This was built during the Tenwa period (1681 to 1683). The Ban family was also a wealthy merchant family active during the Edo period. It was a large merchant family with stores in Edo and Osaka. Their main business was tatami mats, mosquito nets, fans, and linen fabrics. The building was constructed between 1827 and 1840. This is the shrine that gave the city its name. It is still popular as a symbol of Omihachiman. I could feel a solemn and dignified atmosphere. “Koinobori are traditional carp flags flown on around May 5th to wish for children’s healthy growth.” Let’s have lunch at a nearby Japanese restaurant. This is a restaurant with a reputation for serving local cuisine. This is “Carp Sashimi” with very fresh colors. For side dishes, we can choose from boiled carp, sashimi carp, Omi beef roast beef, and tempura. I was amazed at how flavorful it was and how chewy the texture was. I’m so grateful to be able to enjoy delicious local cuisine. I was surprised at how rich the clam soup was. This rice is also very delicious. Thank you for the wonderful food. Next, let’s visit a famous temple overlooking Lake Biwa. We climb the long stone staircase, said to be 808 steps. This is a historic temple that is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku in 619. There are a group of buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. From the temple grounds we can enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Biwa. In the past, pilgrims traveled here by boat from Chikubu-shima Island. Next, I would like to take a boat ride for the “Suigo Meguri” tour. “Suigyo Meguri” means taking a leisurely tour around the wetland area on this Japanese-style boat. It was started 400 years ago by the local feudal lord, who learned from boating at the Imperial Court. The 80-minute boat tour begins. The natural scenery continues with wild birds flying around. In the past, feudal lords hold tea ceremonies and poetry readings on boats. The boat moves at a leisurely pace, so we can relax. Cherry blossom season seems to be the most popular. Finally, I’d like to enjoy some coffee and sweets at La Collina. “La Collina Omihachiman” is the flagship store of “Taneya” and “Club Harie”. Based on the theme of “learning from nature,” the design features natural materials such as grass roofs. There is a cafe and shops selling Western and Japanese sweets. Freshly baked, warm and fluffy castella cake. This is a special castella cake that can only be eaten here. It has a gentle sweetness and goes well with coffee. We can also enjoy changing the flavor by dipping bean paste to turn it into a rich, sweet. Thank you for the lovely sweets. I’ll look around the shops for souvenirs. They all look delicious, from Japanese sweets to Western sweets. I would like to conclude my trip with a leisurely stroll through this very relaxing space. It’s fun just to look at the beautiful architecture that blends in with nature. In June, rice planting takes place in this fields. I had such a good trip again today.
Omihachiman, a charming town on the shores of Lake Biwa, is often overlooked by tourists. This video will unveil the hidden treasures of Omihachiman, taking viewers on a journey through its traditional streets, picturesque canals, and historical landmarks.
00:00 Opening
03:24 Hachiman Bori canal https://www.instagram.com/waden_horimeguri/
07:32 Old Castle Town
08:25 Former Nishikawa Residence https://www.instagram.com/omihachiman_shiryoukan_kawara/
09:26 Former Ban Residence https://www.instagram.com/kyu_banke/
10:48 Himurehachimangu Shrine https://www.instagram.com/himu8man/
13:02 Lunch at Kihee Local cuisine restaurant https://www.instagram.com/kihee_hachimanbori/
17:16 Chomei-ji Temple
20:05 Suigo Meguri Boat Ride Tour
22;47 La Collina Omihachiman https://www.instagram.com/taneya.clubharie/?hl=ja
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