During the Sengoku period, it developed into Omizo Castle, built by Oda Nobuzumi, the nephew of Oda Nobunaga.
Even today, the old houses and waterways that divide the streets still retain the atmosphere of a castle town. Takashima was also a place that produced excellent Omi merchants. Among them, the Ono-gumi, which was active from the early modern period to the early modern period, was famous and was a wealthy merchant that rivaled the Mitsui-gumi in the Meiji period. A solid merchant building still remains on the street corner of Omizo, reminding us of the prosperity of those days. In addition, at the southern entrance, there is Shirahige Shrine, also known as "Omi's Itsukushima" because of its vermilion-painted torii gates standing in Lake Biwa, and in recent years many foreign tourists have come to see the magnificent scenery.
Along National Route 161, the large vermilion torii gate stands in the middle of the lake, creating a beautiful sight, and across the road is a magnificent shrine building. The shrine is said to be the oldest in Omi, and the main hall has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Located along Route 161, you can enjoy lunch while taking in the spectacular lake view. The recommended dish is the Shirohige Bukkake Soba Special Premium Mackerel Sushi (2 pieces) set. Free coffee is available on weekdays.
This restaurant is located in a scenic corner on the south side of Shirahige Shrine along National Route 161. Since opening in 27, we recommend our "pork soup" that has remained the same in taste, and our "oden" that can be enjoyed all year round. Popular menu items include "pork soup udon" and "pork soup ramen (spicy and rich version available)" that use the pork soup.
The main gate of Omizo Jin'ya is the only surviving building related to the Jin'ya, and is a valuable cultural asset. Currently, it serves as the "Omizo Townscape Information Center," an information center for the Takashima and Omizo area, and also sells Omizo Castle seals and castle cards.
Built by Oda Nobuzumi and designed by Akechi Mitsuhide, it is said to be the castle where Hatsu, the second of the three Asai sisters, lived as a newlywed couple with Kyogoku Takatsugu. Today, only the distinctive stone walls remain. Why not take a stroll around the outer moat of Omizo Castle and Otomegaike Pond, which holds many romantic historical stories?
The Nishi-Omi Road was opened early on as the shortest route connecting Yamato and the Hokuriku region, and was an important transportation route for government officials and travelers who were posted to the distant Hokuriku region. There are several poems left by Man'yoshu poets who wrote lyrical poems about their travels to and from Takashima on their way to and from the capital and the Hokuriku region.
The rice terraces spread across the mountainside at an altitude of 300 to 400 meters at the foot of Mt. Hira. With efforts to maintain and conserve them through an owner system, they are highly regarded as "Japan's original landscape," and have been selected as one of the XNUMX best rice terraces in Japan.
We will guide you through a fun course around Takashima's tourist spots.
The travel times below are for walking.
JROmi Takashima Station
JROmi Takashima Station
You can also use the bus or conveniently rent a bicycle.
Takashima Village, a renovated merchant's house, is a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy meals and experiences.
