Omihachiman

Hometown of Omi Merchants

Omihachiman is one of the birthplaces of "Omi merchants" who traveled for business throughout Japan during the Edo period. The Omi merchant spirit known for "sanpo yoshi" (good for seller, buyer, and society) resonates with modern business ethics.

Hachimanbori Canal and Waterways

Hachimanbori Canal, built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu, connects the castle town with Lake Biwa. The beautiful scenery with stone-paved promenades and white-walled storehouses is preserved, often used as period drama filming locations.

Azuchi Castle Ruins

Within Omihachiman City are the ruins of Azuchi Castle, the "legendary castle" built by Oda Nobunaga. Though the castle burned before the completion of national unification, magnificent stone walls remain, evoking the power and technology of the time.

Fusion of Western Culture

Western-style buildings designed by William Merrell Vories in the Meiji period remain throughout the city, creating a unique landscape combining Omi merchant townscapes with Western architecture.