Nagahama

Nagahama Castle was built in 1575-1576 by Hashiba Hideyoshi (later known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi) in the village then called Kunitomo, renaming the area Nagahama. In 1615, the castle was demolished, though parts of it were utilized in the construction of Hikone Castle. The castle as it was rebuilt in 1983 and houses a museum (in Japanese only) about the history of Nagahama. Nagahama Castle is in the middle of Hokoen Park, which is the only place you'll find nature in Nagahama, and has a stunning view of Lake Biwa. In Spring, it is a favorite place to picnic under the cherry trees.

Nagahama Hikiyama (Float) Matsuri (festival) having more than 400 years of history is known as one of the three great float festivals of Japan. In this museum, the gorgeous and splendid floats that are paraded around the city during the Hikiyama Festival are exhibited. A movie showing highlights of the festival, such as kabuki played by boys aging from 5 to 12 just like the old days, are screened.

An otaku's paradise! Figurines of all shapes and sizes inhabit this museum, depicting dinosaurs, anime characters, etc., are exhibited in a diorama style. Those figures are sold in the shop on the first floor of the museum. There are some seriously heavy-duty collector's items in here!

It is said that Daitsuji was built from the remains of Fushimi Castle in Kyoto. In the temple building, there are sliding door paintings by Oukyo Maruyama and by painters of the Kano school reflecting the gorgeous atmosphere of Momoyama culture. Daitsuji's garden is designated as a national scenic garden. Along the street approaching Daitsuji, there are many shops built in the Machiya style, the traditional merchants’ housing style.

Jinshōji is the oldest temple in Nagahama and was founded in 895 (Kanpyo 7). There are many valuable cultural assets such as statue of a multi-armed deity, and a Cetaka statue looking over his shoulder. Kinginto Sukashibori Keko (flower basket motif in lace worked arabesque carving in gold and silver), a national treasure, is especially worth noting since it has been exhibited in the Boston Museum of Art and other famous international art museums.

This shrine has over 1000 years of history. It is a shrine protecting the community of Nagahama. Every April 15, you can attend the Hikiyama Matsuri!

Ōmi Kōhō-an is a temple located in the tranquility of the mountains and greenery which consoles the spirit of Enshuu Kobori (1579 - 1647), Lord of Komuro Castle, known as one of the three great tea ceremony masters. Enshuu constructed Kōhō-an in Daitoku Ji (temple) in Kyoto, and this temple in contrast is called Ōmi Kōhō-an. The garden of this temple is well noted for using the natural environment applying Karesansui (dry garden style) and Chisen Kaiyuu Shiki Teien (Japanese garden style with layout of pond, miniature mountains, bridge, etc., where visitors can walk around). The garden is designated as scenic spot by the prefectural government and is known as the best spot for autumn leaves in Kohoku (Northern part of Lake Biwa)

There are three buildings within the Square. The old Nagahama station house is the oldest existing station house in Japan and its stationmaster’s room and waiting room are kept as they were in the old days. In the second building, the Nagahama Railway Cultural Pavilion, a large number of valuable materials about railways are exhibited. In the third building, the Museum for Commemoration of the Electrification of the Hokuriku Line, you can see steam locomotives which were in full operation before the line was made electric.