Hachiman-bori Canal

A quiet waterway lined with white-walled merchant houses and stone banks, still used by flat wooden boats after four centuries of trade.

Himachi Hachiman-gu Shrine

The red torii and dark wooden hall that give the town its name, famous each spring for a boisterous fire and torch festival.

Azuchi Castle Ruins

A winding forest path climbs to the hilltop stonework where Nobunagaʼs grand castle once stood before fire destroyed it in 1582.

Lake Biwa

Japanʼs largest lake, dotted with sailboats, with the local specialty Omi beef waiting at restaurants along the shore.