Omihachiman Waterways Course

Omihachiman flourished as a town of Omi merchants, and its charm lies in the waterside scenes woven by canals and reed marshes. Enjoy both a boat ride and a town walk. Ride the ropeway to the summit and a grand panorama of the lake and marshes awaits.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Hachimanbori Walk the canal side lined with white walled storehouses, then board a boat to view the townscape slowly from the water. Hachimanbori is a canal built by Omi merchants to harness the water transport of Lake Biwa, and it is well known as a period drama filming site.

11:00 Stroll Shinmachi Street Wander the street where former Omi merchant homes remain and feel the history of trade in the lattice fronted shops. Stately storehouses and old residences line the way, recalling the prosperity of the old days.

12:30 Lunch on local specialties Savor Omi beef and local sweets, then take a rest. Restaurants and cafes are scattered along the canal and around Shinmachi Street.

14:00 Up by the Hachimanyama Ropeway From the park at the foot, take the Hachimanyama Ropeway to the summit. It covers the 157 meter elevation difference in about 4 minutes, with fares of around 950 yen round trip for adults and 480 yen for children, or 540 yen and 270 yen one way. It operates from 9:00 to 17:00, with the last ascent at 16:30. From the summit take in a grand panorama of Lake Biwa and the marshes, and visit Zuiryuji temple to close the day.

Highlights

The canal boat ride, the white walled storehouses, the merchant town streets, and the marsh views from the summit are all to be enjoyed. The waterside and streetscape of Hachimanbori are beloved as picturesque scenery through all four seasons.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: About half a day for Hachimanbori, the town walk, and the ropeway together. Adding a boat ride makes for a more relaxed schedule.
• Getting around: From JR Omihachiman Station take a bus toward the Hachimanbori area, such as Osugicho. Many visitors also explore on foot or by bicycle.
• Hachimanyama Ropeway: 157 meter elevation difference and about 4 minutes. Around 950 yen round trip for adults and 480 yen for children, or 540 yen and 270 yen one way. Open 9:00 to 17:00, with the last ascent at 16:30.
• Boat rides: The Hachimanbori barge and marsh tours vary by season and departure and may require reservations. Check fares and times in advance.
• Beating the crowds: The canal is especially picturesque in the morning light. To avoid crowds, the early morning hours are best.

Access and Tips

From JR Omihachiman Station take a bus to Osugicho. Boat services vary by season and departure, so check in advance. The ropeway station and the townscape cluster within walking distance.

A Quick Tip

The canal is famous as a period drama filming site. It is especially picturesque in the morning light.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Murakumo Gosho Zuiryuji Temple (summit of Mount Hachiman): Open 9:00-16:30, with no closing days. Admission to the temple is 600 yen (540 yen for groups of 25 or more). It is right by the summit station
• Waterway cruises (Omihachiman Wasen Tourism Cooperative): The shared boats run every day from April 1 to November 30, with two departures a day at 10:00 and 15:00 (extra services are added in the peak season). Fares are 2,400 yen for adults and 1,200 yen for children
• Omihachiman City Museums (Folk Museum, Museum of History and Folklore, and the former Nishikawa Residence): 9:00-16:30 (last entry 16:00). Closed on Mondays (open when Monday is a public holiday), the day after a public holiday, and over the New Year period (December 28 to January 3). Admission is 300 yen for general visitors and 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students for a single museum, 500 yen and 250 yen for a three-museum ticket, and 700 yen and 350 yen for a four-museum ticket that adds the Kawara Museum
• Inquiries: 0748-32-3323 (Murakumo Gosho Zuiryuji Temple), 0748-32-2564 (Omihachiman Wasen Tourism Cooperative), 0748-32-7048 (Omihachiman City Museums)
• Official information: Omihachiman City Museums official website, the official tourism information website of the Omihachiman Tourism and Products Association

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.