🗺️ Omi Hachiman Water Town Boat Tour近江八幡水郷めぐり

Once upon a time, Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered his nephew Hidetada to build "Hachiman-yama Castle" in Omi to replace "Azuchi Castle," marking the origin of Omi Hachiman. By bringing boats traveling across Lake Biwa into the castle's moat, Hachiman became an economic hub of Omi Province and later the birthplace of Omi merchants. It is said that the boat tours in Omi Hachiman began 400 years ago when Toyotomi Hidetada imitated the elegant pleasure boats of the imperial court and held poetry gatherings on board. Today, the boat tours feature skilled boatmen who deftly maneuver oars and poles, gliding through the picturesque waterways. There are two types of boats: chartered boats that require a reservation and shared boats that do not. The chartered boats offer three routes: the standard route (80 minutes), the long route (120 minutes), and the Kawahara moat route (60 minutes). Additional options for bento boxes or drinks can be purchased. The famous Omi beef sukiyaki, enjoyed in the special setting of dining on a boat, has received rave reviews for its unforgettable taste. The shared boats only operate on the standard route and do not run from December to March during winter.

You can experience the elegant pleasure boat rides that were also favored by the high-ranking officials and nobles of ancient times. There are two types of boats: chartered boats that operate year-round and shared boats that stop service in winter. Only chartered boats can add meals or drinks (reservation required in advance).