The Nagahama Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition started in 1952, and has now become the number one plum tree bonsai exhibition in Japan in terms of both history and scale, as well as a much beloved annual springtime tradition in Kansai.

The wide grounds of the Fisheries Center includes a number of ponds, providing plenty of opportunities to get close to the water and the fish swimming in it.

With its connection to the opening poem of the famous collection known as the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, Omi Jingu Shrine plays host to the “Karuta Opening Ceremony,” based in the Japanese card game.

A great place to enjoy some shopping, with tableware, vases, sundry items, glass goods and gardening products all on offers, centered around the historical Shigaraki-yaki ceramics of Japan.

The experience and exchange style agricultural park “Aguri Park Ryuo” is a facility where you can enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer, through “looking, picking and eating.

Experience hand-making accessories using precious rare wood beads.

The ruins of Omizo-jo Castle and the old castle town were reorganized by the powerful Wakebe clan, and the old waterworks and water channels that draw water from mountains and wells are still being used by residents today.

Mt.

Biwako Terrace offers a sophisticated resort for adults and delivers soaring views looking out over the lake.

Shiga Prefectural Kibogaoka Culture Park covers approximately 416 hectares and is divided into three zones; the culture zone, outdoor activities zone, and sports zone.

The Hachiman-bori Canal was a mainstay in regional economics and transportation until the start of the Showa period (1926 – 1989).

Hokoen Garden was created in 1909 on the ruins of Nagahama-jo Castle, which was abandoned in the start of the Edo period (1603 – 1868).

The large, holy forest in the center of the town is the location of the Namura-jinja Shrine, a National Treasure.

Kamo-jinja Shrine is also known for its famous water called “Isame no Shimizu.

Humans have lived alongside waterways since ancient times, and you can still feel the roots of that lifestyle here, from Lake Biwa to the rivers and inner lakes, stone walls and common wells along the shoreline, the fishing industry and the vicinity of the sand dunes.

The grounds of Tachiki-kannon Temple are located up a flight of 800 steep stone steps.

The principle object of worship here is a Buddhist image, normally withheld from public view, of Hobashira Kannon.

The “Ishitatami no Komichi” (Cobbled Lanes) is a commercial area that offers everything from shopping through to dining, preserving the historical scenery of Hachiman waterways while letting you experience what it must have been like to walk those streets in olden times.