Nagahama Castle (Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Nagahama Castle is located northwest of Lake Biwa and is known for its castle ruins and restored castle tower (Nagahama Castle Historical Museum) which stand in a corner of Nagahama Castle Park. It is said that Hashiba (later Toyotomi) Hideyoshi built the castle here during the Sengoku period, and has a history of being abandoned and relocated since then. The current castle tower was rebuilt out of concrete in the 1980s and serves as a museum, housing and displaying local historical documents and castle-related exhibits.

With a view of Lake Biwa, the greenery of the park, the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, and the autumn leaves, it is a popular photo spot. It is also close to Kurokabe Square, where you can see the old townscape and glass craft shops, making it a convenient starting point for sightseeing.

Highlights

• Observation deck on the top floor of the castle tower: You can get a panoramic view of Lake Biwa and the cityscape of Nagahama. On a clear day, the view is great and it's perfect for taking photos.
• Nagahama Castle History Museum exhibits: History of Nagahama, history of the castle, materials related to Hideyoshi, armor, models, etc. There are plenty of permanent exhibits where you can learn about the history of the region.
• Nagahama Castle Park: The park surrounding the castle ruins is perfect for a stroll, and is especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms line the streets in spring and the leaves change color in autumn.
• Photo spot: The combination of the lakeside and castle tower is a classic sight. It is also beautiful in the evening and in the morning mist.
• Nearby events: We also recommend visiting during the town's festivals and seasonal events, such as the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival, held every April.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Train: Take the JR Hokuriku Main Line (Biwako Line) to Nagahama Station, then walk for about 10-15 minutes. From the station, you can walk straight towards the castle.
• By Shinkansen: From Tokyo or Osaka, take the Shinkansen to Maibara (or via Maibara), then take the local train to Nagahama (a short journey from Maibara to Nagahama).
• Bus: Tourist buses and local buses sometimes operate from Nagahama Station. If you have large luggage or the weather is bad, it is more convenient to use a bus or taxi.
• By car: Access from the Hokuriku Expressway (or Meishin Expressway). From Nagahama IC, it takes about 15 to 25 minutes on the local road (depending on traffic conditions). There are paid parking lots in the city and parking spaces around the park, but they can get crowded during festivals and peak tourist seasons.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Tour of the castle tower (museum): If you want to take your time looking at the exhibits, it will take about 45 minutes to an hour.
• Walking around the park + taking photos: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Sightseeing in the surrounding area (including Kurokabe Square): A half-day to full-day tour is recommended.

Nearby spots

• Kurokabe Square: A tourist area lined with glass craft shops, general goods stores, and cafes. Convenient for finding meals and souvenirs within walking distance.
• Nagahama Railway Square (Nagahama Railway Cultural Center): An exhibition facility for railway enthusiasts. Located near the station.
• Nagahama Hikiyama Hall and Hikiyama Exhibition: A facility where you can see exhibits and materials on the hikiyama (luxurious floats) used in festivals.
• Lake Biwa shore: Enjoy strolling and lake activities (depending on the season).

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Crowds: It gets very crowded during the spring cherry blossom season and the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival (mid-April every year). We recommend using public transportation.
• Opening hours, closing times, and fees: Museum opening days and times, admission fees, and temporary closures are subject to change, so please check the official website or the city's tourist information before visiting for the latest information.
• Photography and Exhibits: Whether photography is permitted inside the museum varies depending on the exhibit. Flash photography and touching exhibits are often prohibited, so please follow the signs.
• Weather and clothing: As the trail faces Lake Biwa, there may be windy days. Please prepare appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes for the season.
• Manners: Please take your trash with you when inside the parks and facilities, and be considerate of other visitors (quiet and considerate of others). Please note that there may be restrictions on the entry of pets.

Nagahama Castle is a spot where you can enjoy history and scenery. It's a great place to take your time exploring the surrounding old townscape, arts and crafts, and lakeside views.