Higashiōmi(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Ōmihachiman, the best hotel is Omi-Hachiman Castle Town Ryokan, located just steps from the historic Ōmihachiman Castle. This traditional Japanese inn features tatami rooms, wooden beams, and views of Lake Biwa. Guests enjoy authentic tea ceremonies and seasonal kaiseki meals using local ingredients. Nearby, Lakefront Family Resort offers spacious cabins with private gardens and kid-friendly activities like pottery workshops and nature trails, making it ideal for families. Both properties emphasize cultural immersion and serene lakefront settings.

The best area to stay in Ōmihachiman is Ōmihachiman Castle Town, nestled near the Ōmihachiman Castle and lined with preserved Edo-period merchant houses. This district offers easy access to Lake Biwa’s scenic walking paths, charming cafes, and cultural events. Accommodations here blend history and comfort—try Hachiman Koya Guesthouse, a renovated old shop house with modern amenities. The area is walkable, quiet at night, and perfectly positioned for exploring nearby temples, museums, and the annual Water Festival.

Ōmihachiman offers immersive cultural experiences like the Ōmihachiman Water Festival, held annually on Lake Biwa, featuring traditional boat processions, folk dances, and local food stalls. Visitors can also join washi paper-making or lacquerware workshops in historic townhouses. For tea lovers, Tsuiun-tei Tea House provides a tranquil setting to savor Biwako green tea harvested from nearby mountains. These hands-on activities, led by skilled artisans, allow travelers to connect deeply with the city’s heritage and craftsmanship.

For families, Lakefront Family Resort Ōmihachiman stands out with spacious cabins, a children’s playground, outdoor hot spring pools, and hands-on workshops like pottery and nature scavenger hunts. Located just 10 minutes from Ōmihachiman Castle, the resort offers free shuttle buses to nearby attractions. Many rooms include kitchenettes for self-catering, and staff provide multilingual assistance. Weekly events such as family tea ceremonies and night lantern walks make it an ideal destination for creating lasting memories together in a peaceful lakeside environment.

Must-visit attractions include Ōmihachiman Castle, one of Japan’s few well-preserved Edo-period castles, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa and surrounding rice fields. Next, explore the Old Town District, a charming cluster of 18th-century merchant homes now housing art galleries, cafés, and craft shops. Don’t miss the Lake Biwa Riverside Path, perfect for cycling or strolling with birds and lotus blooms along the way. For history buffs, visit the Ōmihachiman Museum, which showcases the region’s ceramic traditions and ancient water trade routes, revealing the city’s rich legacy.

Try Ōmi beef sukiyaki at Yakitoriya Restaurant, known for its melt-in-your-mouth quality and rich broth. Another highlight is Lake Biwa carp miso stew, made with fresh fish caught from the lake and simmered in savory miso. Local specialty Ōmihachiman ramen features a clear dashi broth with handmade noodles and seasonal vegetables. Don’t skip the grilled freshwater fish skewers sold at lakeside night markets, served with chilled sake. Many ryokans offer kaiseki dinners featuring seasonal ingredients, including wild mountain vegetables and handcrafted tofu, showcasing the region’s culinary purity.

Start your day at Ōmihachiman Castle for sunrise views over Lake Biwa. Then stroll through the Old Town District, visiting artisan shops and enjoying a matcha latte at a vintage tea house. Head to the Lake Biwa Riverside Path for a leisurely walk or bike ride, stopping at birdwatching spots. Have lunch at Yakitoriya Restaurant for Ōmi beef sukiyaki. In the afternoon, take a guided paddleboat tour on the lake or join a pottery workshop. End your day with a sunset tea at Tsuiun-tei, followed by the evening Lantern Procession during festivals. This balanced mix of culture, nature, and cuisine captures the soul of Ōmihachiman.

Yes, transportation in Ōmihachiman is highly convenient. The main station, Ōmihachiman Station, is served by the Ōmihachiman Line and connects directly to Otsu Station and Kyoto Station in about 30 minutes. Free community buses run through the historic district and lakefront areas. For lake access, Ōmihachiman Pier offers regular sightseeing ferry services. The Shiga Prefecture Tourist Information Center provides multilingual maps and travel tips. Consider purchasing the Shiga Rail Pass for unlimited rides on local trains and buses, saving money and enhancing your exploration efficiency.

Absolutely. Ōmihachiman is a photographer’s paradise: capture misty mornings at Ōmihachiman Castle, the red-brick merchant houses of the Old Town District, and reflections on Lake Biwa’s calm waters. The Water Festival at night, with illuminated boats and lanterns, creates dramatic visuals. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage along the riverbanks offer stunning backdrops. Visit Tsuiun-tei Tea House rooftop for serene shots of the lake under starlight. Bring a tripod and telephoto lens—this city blends timeless beauty with dynamic cultural moments, perfect for both landscape and portrait photography.

Relaxation in Ōmihachiman centers around nature and tradition. Soak in the open-air hot springs at Ōmihachiman Onsen Villa, where the view of Lake Biwa enhances the tranquility. Join a morning lakefront yoga session in a garden surrounded by old trees. Rent a paddleboard and glide silently along the lake’s edge, listening to birdsong. At night, enjoy a quiet tea ceremony at Hachiman Koya Guesthouse, with no city lights—just stars above and still water below. These experiences emphasize mindfulness and harmony with nature, offering a deep reset from urban life.