Reflecting your heart on the calm lake surface, surrendering to a land of prayer.

In Omihachiman, water-rich landscapes are deeply intertwined with local life, evoking both nostalgia and a refreshing sense of travel.

The journey begins on Okishima, continues to Isaki-ji Temple standing above the lake, La Collina where local blessings gather, Hachiman-bori and Himure Hachimangu steeped in history, and ends quietly at Lake Nishinoko.

Rather than chasing landmarks, this town gently offers a journey to be felt.

Isaki-ji Temple: A Sacred Site of Water and Prayer

Returning from Okishima, as the sound of waves fades, Isaki-ji Temple appears ahead, perched on a cape of Lake Biwa.

This is no ordinary temple. Built on a cliff facing the lake, it speaks deeply to the hearts of those who visit.

Welcomed by the dignified statue of Fudo Myoo, you’ll find the Saotobido Hall extending over the water further inside.

The ancient ritual of “Saotobi,” jumping into the lake from a height, symbolizes purification through water—a belief unique to Shiga. Here, the spiritual unity of mountain and lake continues to breathe life into this sacred path of ascetic training.

Isaki-ji Temple is also revered as a guardian deity of lake transport, once guiding travelers and fishermen alike. Its architecture balances strength and delicacy, embodying the beauty of faith rooted in nature.

La Collina Omihachiman: Embracing Local and Seasonal Blessings

A short drive from Isaki-ji brings you to La Collina Omihachiman, where nature and architecture blend seamlessly. Thatched-roof buildings appear as part of the landscape, and sweet workshops nestled among rice fields warmly welcome visitors.

Surrounded by the aroma of freshly baked Baumkuchen, time flows slowly—inviting you to see, taste, and feel.

Here, confectionery and nature breathe together. Ingredients are largely local, and the buildings are designed with environmental mindfulness, preserving sustainable regional culture. Everything in view is crafted from local blessings and careful hands. La Collina is not just a tourist spot, but a landscape connecting to the future.

Hachiman-bori and Himure Hachimangu: Memories of a Canal Town

Hachiman-bori, an artificial canal built by Hideyoshi’s nephew Hideyoshi, reflects white-walled storehouses and willow trees in its calm waters, offering a scene seemingly frozen in time. Wooden boats gently sway, giving the canal town a nostalgic and proud charm, often chosen as a filming location.

At the end of the canal walk, you’ll find Himure Hachimangu. With 1,800 years of history, this shrine continues to welcome travelers with its serene presence at the foot of Mt. Hachiman. It's a profoundly quiet and powerful place that soothes the soul.

Hachiman-yama Ropeway: A View from History

Behind Himure Hachimangu lies a ropeway leading to the ruins of Hachiman-yama Castle and the Murakumo Goten. Passing between the sky and lake, you’ll see what samurai once saw. The spirit of those who lived through the tides of history still lingers in the mountain's silence.

The view from the observatory—Lake Biwa, Lake Nishinoko, and the town of Omihachiman—is only accessible until 4:00 PM, so be sure to go early and take your time.

Dusk at Lake Nishinoko: Wrapped in Silence

To end the day quietly, visit Lake Nishinoko, a tranquil inner lake connected to Lake Biwa. As the sun sets and the surface glows crimson, stand by the shore and let the sounds of birds, breeze, and the distant sun sink into your soul.

The silhouette of a sunken boat slightly sways on the water, a quiet testament to human presence here since ancient times. A perfect closing scene for your journey—a place where you meet the very essence of time, away from the noise.

Omihachiman: A Town of Life and Prayer Sustained by Water

A day beginning on Okishima led to spiritual moments at Isaki-ji, tasting the land’s blessings at La Collina, walking through history in the canal and shrine, enjoying panoramic views from Mt. Hachiman, and ending in the quiet of Lake Nishinoko.

This was not a journey of “seeing,” but of “feeling.” Omihachiman is not just a tourist destination—it is a place where daily life and prayer still thrive through water. It offers unforgettable moments where human life and nature coexist in harmony.

This town flows with a "quiet richness"—a blend of the nostalgic and new, like a deep breath of the heart you can’t find in the city.

Shops that Embrace Daily Life in Omihachiman

Omihachiman’s charm lies not only in tourist highlights but also in the quiet richness found in its small, everyday shops