Nagahama City Travel Tips

Nagahama City (長浜市) sits along the northern edge of Lake Biwa, where calm waters meet a town rich in castle-town heritage and artisan culture. Travelers can explore Nagahama Castle, rebuilt to honor its link to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and enjoy wide views across the lake from its observation floor. The old merchant district around Kurokabe Square offers a nostalgic stroll past glass studios, boutique craft shops, and charming alleyways that blend Edo-period atmosphere with creative flair. Each spring, the city comes alive during the Hikiyama Festival, where elaborately crafted floats and dynamic performances showcase centuries of local pride and artistry.

The surrounding region invites deeper immersion into seasonal nature, spirituality, and local taste. A short boat ride carries visitors to Chikubu Island, home to ancient temples and shrines surrounded by quiet waters. Art and nature lovers can experience the annual Nagahama Bonsai Exhibition, where meticulous miniature landscapes draw in enthusiasts from across Japan. Culinary adventurers will find local specialties such as funazushi and lake-caught fish dishes that reflect generations of lakeside tradition. With convenient access from Kyoto and Osaka, Nagahama provides an accessible lakeside escape where history, craftsmanship, and scenic calm naturally blend.