Higashiōmi, Japan
Region: Shiga Prefecture
Geographic Coordinates: 35.116700, 136.200000
Temperature Range: -5.0°C to 35.0°C (23°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 112459
Language: Japanese
Higashiōmi is a city located in the Shiga Prefecture of Japan, Situated on the eastern side of Lake Biwa, Which is the largest freshwater lake in Japan. The city boasts a rich history and culture that dates back to ancient times, Making it an interesting place for tourists to visit. One of the must-visit places in Higashiōmi is Azuchi Castle Ruins, Built by Oda Nobunaga during the 16th century. Although only ruins remain today, Visitors can still see parts of its grandeur and learn about its fascinating history through exhibitions at nearby museums.
Another popular attraction in Higashiōmi is Ryuo-cho Market, Which takes place every Sunday morning. This bustling market offers a wide range of local products such as fresh vegetables, Fruits, Fish, Handmade crafts and more. For those interested in traditional Japanese architecture and gardens, Hikone Castle and Genkyuen Garden are also worth visiting. Hikone Castle is one of only twelve original castles left standing in Japan while Genkyuen Garden was created by the same feudal lord who built Hikone Castle as his private garden.
Foodies will also find plenty to enjoy with delicious local specialties such as Omi beef (a type of wagyu beef), Funazushi (fermented sushi made from carp) and other dishes made with fresh ingredients from Lake Biwa. In addition to these attractions, There are many outdoor activities available for visitors such as hiking trails around Mount Ibuki or water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Biwa. For those looking for relaxation instead, There are several hot springs resorts located within easy reach from the city center.
Overall, Higashiōmi offers a unique blend of history, Culture, Nature, And gastronomy, Making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience all that Japan has to offer.’
- Lake Biwa: The largest freshwater lake in Japan is a popular destination for boating and fishing.
- Hikone Castle: A historic castle built in the 17th century that is designated as a National Treasure of Japan.
- Nagahama Castle: Another historic castle that was destroyed during the Meiji Restoration but has been partially restored.
- Chikubushima Island: A small island on Lake Biwa known for its Shinto shrine and scenic views.
- Higashiomi Rice Terraces: A beautiful landscape of rice paddies that has been designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by UNESCO.
- Mount Ibuki: A popular hiking destination with stunning views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains.
- Nagahama Bonbai Festival: An annual festival held in February featuring traditional Japanese music and dance performances.
- Yokaichi Old Town: A preserved district of traditional Japanese buildings from the Edo period (1603-1868).
- Kurokabe Square: An artsy area filled with glassblowing workshops, galleries, and cafes.
- Azuchi Castle Archaeological Site Museum: An informative museum showcasing artifacts from Azuchi Castle, which was built by Oda Nobunaga in the late 16th century but destroyed shortly after his death.
- Higashiōmi is recognized for its manufacturing industries, especially in the creation of textiles and ceramics.
- The other significant sectors include agriculture, retail, and tourism.
- Some prominent businesses operating in Higashiōmi are:
- Marubeni Textile Machinery Co., Ltd.
- Kyocera Corporation
- Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.
- Higashinoumi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Nagahama Seibu Department Store
- Biwako Kisen Co., Ltd.
- Takashimaya department store
- The Battle of Sekigahara is a significant event in Japanese history, marking the beginning of the Tokugawa Shogunate and ending Japan’s Warring States period. It was fought near Higashiōmi in 1600.
- Oda Nobunaga was a powerful daimyo who helped unify Japan and had a castle in Hikone, now part of Higashiōmi.
- Ii Naosuke was an important statesman during the Edo period but was assassinated by samurai from Choshu Domain on his way to work at Edo Castle, leading to increased tensions between the shogunate and imperial loyalists.
- The Lake Biwa Canal, completed in 1890, brought water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto and Osaka for irrigation and industrial use.
- Koka Ninja Village is a tourist attraction near Higashiōmi that showcases traditional ninja skills and culture.
- Shigaraki pottery has been produced for over 1,000 years in the town of Shigaraki within Higashiōmi City.
- Takashima Coal Mine operated from 1889-1963 as one of Japan’s largest coal mines, playing an important role in its industrialization process.
- Yumekyobashi Castle Road once connected several castles including Nagahama Castle and Azuchi Castle during feudal times as a historic road.
- Matsuo Basho visited Lake Biwa several times during his travels throughout Japan as a renowned haiku poet who lived during the Edo period.
- Toyotomi Hideyoshi succeeded Oda Nobunaga as another powerful daimyo who played an essential role in unifying Japan before his death in 1598 with his castle located also located at Hikone like Oda Nobunaga’s castle earlier mentioned above.
- Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum: This museum displays the excavated ruins of Azuchi Castle, which was built in the late 16th century by Oda Nobunaga.
- Biwako Hall: This cultural center hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.
- Higashiomi City Museum of Art: This museum showcases contemporary art exhibitions and has a beautiful garden with sculptures.
- Kannon-ji Temple: This temple is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture.
- Lake Biwa Canal Museum: The museum displays the history and significance of Lake Biwa Canal, which was constructed in the late 19th century to transport water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto.
- Nagahama Castle Historical Museum: Nagahama Castle was built in 1575 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and this museum exhibits historical artifacts related to it.
- Omi Jingu Shrine: This shrine is dedicated to Emperor Tenji who is said to have established Japan’s first capital in Higashiōmi over 1,300 years ago.
- Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park: Visitors can learn about traditional Japanese pottery techniques at this park that features workshops and galleries showcasing Shigaraki ware ceramics.
- Taga Taisha Shrine: One of Japan’s oldest shrines dating back over 1,500 years ago is located here with its unique architecture style called Shinmei-zukuri (divine shrine style).
- Tsumagoi-jinja Shrine : Tsumagoi-jinja Shrine is known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees that bloom during springtime attracting many visitors from all over Japan.
- Higashiōmi Matsuri: This is a traditional festival held in October, featuring parades, music performances, and food stalls.
- Omi Jingu Taisai: Held in May at the Omi Jingu Shrine, this festival features a procession of portable shrines and traditional dance performances.
- Kannon-ji Temple Fire Festival: This annual event takes place on the second Saturday of March and involves lighting a large bonfire to celebrate the arrival of spring.
- Higashiōmi Craft Fair: Held twice a year (in spring and autumn), this fair showcases local handicrafts such as pottery, textiles, and woodwork.
- Biwako Shuko no Uta Festival: This music festival celebrates the famous song Biwako Shuko no Uta which was composed by poet Kitahara Hakushu during his travels around Lake Biwa in Higashiōmi.
- Miidera Temple’s Omizutori Festival: One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist festivals is held every year at Miidera Temple in March where monks perform purification rituals using flaming torches.
- Nagahama Bonbai Festival: A traditional plum blossom festival that takes place in February featuring dance performances with umbrellas decorated with plum blossoms.
- Hikone Castle Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival): A popular event held annually from late March to early April featuring cherry blossom viewing parties under the illuminated castle tower at night time.
- Kamo Shrine Setsubun-sai (Bean Throwing Ceremony): Celebrated on February 3rd each year where people throw beans to ward off evil spirits for good luck throughout the coming year.
- Minakuchi Jizo Matsuri: A unique stone statue festival that has been celebrated for over 400 years since Edo period times featuring over 3000 statues being decorated with red bibs and hats.
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Omi beef: This is a type of wagyu beef known for its marbling and tenderness. Popular restaurants that serve Omi beef include Yakiniku Kintan, Gyu-Kaku, and Yakiniku Gen.
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Saba sushi: This is a type of sushi made with mackerel. Popular sushi restaurants in Higashiōmi that serve saba sushi include Sushiya Kiyoshi and Sushiro.
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Sobameshi: This is a dish made with soba noodles mixed with fried rice and vegetables – it’s a specialty of the Shiga Prefecture where Higashiōmi is located. Popular restaurants that serve sobameshi include Sobameshi Yoshino and Sobameshi Sakuraya.
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Ayu no shioyaki: Grilled sweetfish seasoned with salt – another specialty of the Shiga Prefecture where Higashiōmi is located. Popular restaurants that serve ayu no shioyaki include Ayu no Uta and Kawamori.
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Unagi: Grilled eel served over rice or as part of a bento box meal – popular unagi restaurants in Higashiōmi include Unagiya Ikkaku and Miyamoto Shoten.
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Izakaya-style dining: Izakayas are casual Japanese pubs where you can order small dishes to share while drinking sake or beer with friends or colleagues after work hours or on weekends off-duty time. Popular izakayas in Higashiōmi include Tachibana-ya, Torikizoku, and Watami.
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Ramen noodles – there are many ramen shops around town such as Ramen Takemura , Menya Ashiya , Ramen Shodai, etcetera
- Biwako Valley Ski Resort – A popular ski resort located in the mountains of Higashiōmi.
- Lake Biwa – The largest freshwater lake in Japan offering various water sports activities like boating, fishing, and swimming.
- Koka Ninja Village – A theme park that showcases the history of ninja culture with interactive exhibits and performances.
- Hikone Castle – A well-preserved castle from the Edo period that offers scenic views of Lake Biwa.
- Yokaichi Old Town – An area with preserved traditional Japanese houses and shops where visitors can experience the local culture and cuisine.
- Mii-dera Temple – One of Japan’s oldest temples with beautiful gardens and architecture.
- Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden – A botanical garden specializing in aquatic plants where visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk along ponds and streams.
- Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park – A park dedicated to showcasing traditional Japanese ceramics through workshops, exhibitions, and demonstrations.
