Lake Biwa Photo Gallery - Omi-Hachiman

Lake Biwa is Japan's largest lake at 674 sq km. Named after a musical instrument that resembles the lake's shape, it is surrounded by historic towns and lake views.

Omi-Hachiman was once a major merchant town thanks to its location along the old trade road from Edo to Kyoto. Its distinct geographic features include canals, with many grand merchant homes, temples and public works.

While the moat is typically used to defend a castle, this town adapted it into canals for merchant use, taking advantage of its location on Lake Biwa. The yfell into disuse in the 1950s and were repurposed into a popular tourist attraction today.

The tourist information cente was originally a school building. Dating from 1871, construction was funded by local merchants to educate the area's youth.

Himurehachimangu Shrine has been worshipped by local merchants for over a thousand years.

As with most Japanese tourist destinations, there are plenty of food snacks to bring home or for your friends.

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