Imazu Town is where the "Song of the Voyage around Lake Biwa," known for the lyrics "I am a child of the sea," was born.
This song, a lyrical sung song about circumnavigating Lake Biwa and beloved by many, began in 6 when Taro Oguchi, a member of the water division of the former Third High School (now Kyoto University), presented his lyrics at an inn in Imazu on the second day of a circumnavigation of Lake Biwa. His friends then sang the song to the tune of "Hitsujigusa," which was popular at the time. The Lake Biwa Circumnavigation Song Museum exhibits materials related to the song, including the lyricist Taro Oguchi and composer Chiaki Yoshida (who also composed the original version of "Hitsujigusa").
It is a busy gateway to Chikubushima Hogonji Temple, the 30th temple of the XNUMX Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Regular sightseeing boats operate to Chikubushima, with round-trip routes and a crossing route to Nagahama Port on the opposite shore.
A restaurant specializing in eel and river fish dishes. The restaurant is proud of its Kansai-style grilled eel, savory and charcoal-grilled using a sauce that has been handed down for many years.
William Merrell Vories (1880-1964) was an American architect who made many achievements, including architectural design. Originally designed as a bank, this museum displays materials that will let you know everything about Vories' architecture, and is a place where people of all ages can learn.
There are about 130 wild Edohigan cherry trees in the plains of Imazu Town, which bloom beautifully in early April every year. They are known as long-lived cherry trees, and many of them are large. The Edohigan tree at Sanamidera in particular is fondly known as the "Gyoki Sakura."
At Hiraike Pond, located near Villadest Imazu, an auto camping site overlooking Lake Biwa, irises begin to bloom in early summer, covering the water surface in a purple hue. Every year in June, the flowers are in full bloom, attracting many photographers.
The flower of the skunk cabbage heralds the arrival of spring in the west part of Lake Biwa. The colony in Imazu Town, known as the southernmost natural habitat of the flower in Japan, is designated as a green space conservation area by Shiga Prefecture.
We will guide you through a fun course around Imazu's tourist spots.
JROmi Imazu Station
Omi Imazu Station
JROmi Imazu Station
You can also use the bus or conveniently rent a bicycle.
Take the gondola from the parking lot to the top of the mountain! Biwako Hakodateyama is the largest resort park in the Kansai region, located at an altitude of 680m. In autumn, the area is covered with kochia flowers. In winter, it opens as Hakodateyama Ski Resort. It is well-known for its abundant snow volume and good quality, and the varied slopes can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers. With artificial snowmaking machines, skiing is available from December.
