Nagahama Castle, located on the shores of Lake Biwa in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, is a historic Japanese castle built by Hashiba Hideyoshi during the Sengoku period. The reconstructed main keep now serves as the Nagahama Castle Historical Museum, preserving and sharing the history and culture of this popular Japanese castle town. Its scenic lakeside setting is particularly beautiful, and the panoramic view of Lake Biwa from the top of the tower offers visitors a memorable travel experience.
This article focuses on highlights of Nagahama Castle, along with nearby attractions and detailed access information for travelers. It introduces useful details for planning a visit while exploring the charm of this historic town.
Nagahama Castle and Lake Biwa Highlights
Lake Biwa Panorama from Nagahama Castle Tower
Standing about 30 meters above the ground, the main tower’s observation deck provides a sweeping view of Lake Biwa and Mount Ibuki, two of Shiga’s most scenic landmarks. The expansive scenery reflects the sky on the lake’s surface, offering changing landscapes with each season. On clear days, visitors can see the mountains across the lake, and the shifting light throughout the day adds to the experience. It is also a popular photo spot for travelers where visitors can capture the natural beauty of Lake Biwa and the surrounding cityscape.
Hashiba Hideyoshi Exhibits at Nagahama Castle
Inside the museum, historical exhibits showcase Hashiba Hideyoshi’s role in building Nagahama Castle and the growth of this important Japanese castle town. Displays include original documents from the Sengoku period, scale models, and dioramas reproducing the old town layout, helping visitors understand the castle’s connection to the community. Multilingual information panels make the exhibits accessible to international visitors. Even in a short time, the displays provide an engaging and informative experience.
Ho Park Cherry Blossoms and Lakeside Walks
Ho Park, surrounding Nagahama Castle, is one of Shiga Prefecture’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, featuring about 600 trees in full bloom each spring. The view of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the castle attracts photographers from across Japan, and petals reflected on the lake create a beautiful scene. During the blooming season, the park is illuminated at night, allowing visitors to enjoy a tranquil evening walk in an enchanting atmosphere. Blending history and nature, the park is loved by visitors throughout the year.
Kurokabe Square and Lakeside Town Walks
The area around Nagahama Castle offers many opportunities to enjoy history and city walks together. On the way from JR Nagahama Station to the castle, visitors will find Kurokabe Square, a historic district that retains the charm of the Edo period, lined with glass workshops, souvenir shops, and local cafés. Simply walking through the streets gives a sense of the castle town’s old atmosphere, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Learn more about glass artistry and local culture at the Kurokabe Square Official Website
Those who have more time can explore other attractions such as the Nagahama Railway Square or take a cruise to Chikubushima Island for a unique lakeside experience. By combining history, culture, and nature, travelers can enjoy a full day discovering the charms of Nagahama. The scenic view of Lake Biwa enhances the calm and pleasant experience of the region.
Nagahama Castle Access Guide from Osaka and Nagoya
