Nagahama

Kaiyoudou Figurine Museum

An otaku's paradise! Figurines of all shapes and sizes inhabit this museum, a recent boom for collection, 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!

Daitsuji Temple

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.

Ohmi Kouhouan Temple

Ohmi Kohouan 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 Kohouan in Daitoku Ji temple in Kyoto, and this temple in contrast is called Ohmi Kohouan. 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

Hikiyama Museum

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.

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 currently stands was rebuilt in 1983 and houses a museum in Japanese only about the history of Nagahama. Nagahama Castle is located 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.

Jinshouji Temple

Jinnshouji 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.