Azuchi castle ruins are a nationally designated Special Historic Site. The castle was started in 1576 by Nobunaga Oda and completed three years later. Although it was constructed to mark the start of the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573 – 1603), after Nobunaga Oda was defeated at Honnoji Temple the castle was burned down and now only the stone walls remain.

This ropeway takes around four minutes to transport you from the base of the mountain to the top, from where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama that includes Lake Biwa, Lake Nishinoko and the old town below, all wreathed in the glory of the current season.
【Trip Report】
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2016/09/20160917hachimanborimatsurifestival.html
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2016/09/20160917-hachimanbori-matsurifestival-part2.html

The Hachiman-bori Canal was a mainstay in regional economics and transportation until the start of the Showa period (1926 – 1989). White-walled storehouses and old houses stand along the canal, clearly imparting the atmosphere of the area at its peak. In recent years it has become a famous spot for sightseeing, with such features as the harbor being renovated. It is also a spot often used for filming TV shows and movies, and was recently featured in the live action adaptation of the popular anime “Rurouni Kenshin.”
You can also take a pleasure cruise down the Hachiman-bori Canal, enjoying the seasonal scenery that includes cherry trees and iris flowers planted along its banks.

●Route: Round trip along the route Hachiman-bori Pier → Himure Hachimangu Shrine → Shinmachihama → Red Brick Factory Ruins

【Trip Report】
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2016/09/20160917hachimanborimatsurifestival.html
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2016/09/20160917-hachimanbori-matsurifestival-part2.html

The Omi-Hachiman suigo canals are known as one of the three great canal networks of Japan, and are of particular note even among the three due to retaining their natural, historic state even today. All of this has led to the Omi-Hachiman canals being called the greatest in Japan. Feel the natural history of Japan all across your body while enjoying a gentle rowboat cruise along the canals.

Take the long, 808 stone steps up from the lakeside and you will see the roofs of the temple buildings move into perfect alignment as you climb. Devoted to thousand-armed Kannon, the temple has real pedigree, with many nationally designated Important Cultural Properties placed here, including those relating to Shokannon, Eleven faced Kannon and Bishamonten, and all the buildings are prefecture or city designated cultural properties. It is also a Japan Heritage site.