Nagahama

Nagahama is a small historic city on the northeastern shore of Lake Biwa that punches above its weight for cultural depth. The reconstructed Nagahama Castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1575-76, and the city preserves one of Japan's three great float festivals—the Hikiyama Matsuri—along with a thriving glass-art tradition centered in Kurokabe Square. Most sights cluster within a 10-minute walk of Nagahama Station, making it an easy half-day or overnight stop for travelers routing between Kyoto and the Hokuriku coast.

Nagahama Station sits on the JR Hokuriku Line, with direct service to Kyoto (about 1 hour), Maibara (15 minutes), and north toward Fukui and the Sea of Japan coast. From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Kyoto then transfer to the Hokuriku Line. Buses connect to surrounding towns and attractions including the lakeside Kohoku area and Torahime Station for visits to Omi Kōhō-an Temple.

Most tourist destinations, hotels, and Kurokabe Square are within easy walking distance of Nagahama Station. Buses depart from Stop 1 at the station for Jinshoji Temple (¥280) and other outlying sites. The flat terrain makes cycling a viable option for exploring the lake shore area.

April 15 is the date of the Hikiyama Matsuri, when elaborately carved festival floats parade through the streets and young boys perform kabuki. The Nagahama and Kita-Biwako Fireworks Festival takes place every August 5th on the lake harbor. The Bonbai Exhibition (January 20 – March 10) showcases Japanese apricot trees in bonsai form, including trees over 400 years old. Cherry blossoms around Nagahama Castle in Hokoen Park make spring visits particularly scenic.

Hotels cluster around Nagahama Station. Green Hotel Yes Nagahama Ekimae-kan (2 min from station) serves budget travelers, while Art Hotel Nagahama (10-min drive east) offers business-hotel amenities at Toyoko Inn price points. The ritziest option is Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa near the castle, which includes onsen (hot springs). For a traditional Japanese inn experience, Hamakogetsu sits north of the castle with shuttle buses from the station. Onsen-focused travelers can consider Sugatani Onsen Hotel or the more elaborate Onoe Onsen Beniayu (about ¥25,000 per night including meals).

Nagahama's dining scene is modest but includes a few standout options. Yum Thai (7 min drive east from station) serves Thai food with most dishes around ¥1000 in a casual setting where some staff speak English. Yakiniku Den offers Japanese BBQ with notably lower prices for women. Nagahama Roman Beer is the city's only brewery, located across the Yone River from the station, with beers ranging ¥380–2600 and food averaging ¥1000 per dish. One Coin bar charges ¥600 for all drinks and is run by an English-speaking owner named Sumi.

Nagahama Castle (¥400 adults) sits in Hokoen Park with views of Lake Biwa and cherry blossoms in spring. The Hikiyama Museum (¥600 adults) displays the elaborate festival floats from the Hikiyama Matsuri, with a film showing boys performing kabuki as they have for over 400 years. The Kaiyoudou Figurine Museum in Kurokabe Square (¥800 adults) houses anime figures and dinosaur dioramas. Daitsuji Temple (¥500 adults) features sliding door paintings by the Kano school and is designated as a national scenic garden. The Nagahama Railway Square preserves Japan's oldest existing station house and exhibits steam locomotives.

Nagahama is known for glass art, centered in Kurokabe Square. The Kurokabe Glass Shop occupies a 1890 bank building with two floors of glassware and jewelry. Studio Kurokabe next door sells handmade pieces, with a viewing window where visitors can watch artists at work.

From Nagahama, the JR Hokuriku Line runs north to Fukui and the Sea of Japan coast (Tsuruga). Southbound trains connect through Maibara to Hikone (home to Hikone Castle), Omihachiman, and Otsu before reaching Kyoto. Sekigahara, site of the famous 1600 battle, is reachable by bus. The Meishin Expressway provides driving access westward toward Ogaki and the Kisei region.