East Asia
Nagahama is a historic castle town on the northeastern shore of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. I visited Nagahama as a member of Kakahashi - a Japanese government sponsored program designed to build connections between foreign universities and Japan. I was fortunate enough to have lunch with the mayor of Nagahama and learn more about this beautiful city that sits on the shores of Lake Biwa. Known for its well-preserved Kurokabe Square, the town blends traditional machiya architecture with a thriving glass arts scene, making it one of Shiga Prefecture's most charming destinations.
Things to Do
Stroll the Kurokabe Square historic district, a few blocks of preserved Meiji-era black-walled merchant buildings now filled with glass studios, cafes, and craft shops. Visit Nagahama Castle (Nagahama-jō), a striking white reconstruction overlooking Lake Biwa, with a small history museum inside and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Take a boat trip across Lake Biwa to Chikubu Island, a sacred shrine island that rises dramatically from the water. Browse the daily food and pickle stalls along Otemon-dōri, and try saba-zushi (mackerel sushi), the region's specialty.
Best Time to Visit
Late March to early April is magical — Nagahama Castle Park is one of Shiga Prefecture's best cherry blossom spots, and the lake reflects the pink trees. Autumn (November) brings beautiful red foliage. The Hikiyama Festival in mid-April is a UNESCO-listed event with elaborate child kabuki performances on towering wooden floats. Summer is hot and humid; winter can bring lake-effect snow.
Where to Stay
Nagahama is small, so anywhere in the central area near the station and Kurokabe Square works well — most visitors stay just one or two nights.
Budget: Hotel Route-Inn Nagahama Inter, a reliable, modern chain hotel a short drive from the center with onsen-style baths and an excellent breakfast for the price.
Mid-range: Hotel & Resorts Nagahama, a comfortable lakeside hotel on the shore of Lake Biwa with hot spring baths, lake views, and easy access to the castle park.
Luxury: Ryotei Hachigatsu, an intimate traditional ryokan with refined kaiseki dinners, tatami rooms, and a beautifully old-Japan atmosphere right in the historic district.
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Getting Around
Nagahama is on the JR Hokuriku Line, about 30 minutes from Maibara (a Shinkansen stop) and 1 hour from Kyoto by local train, making it an easy day trip or overnight from Kyoto. The town itself is small and entirely walkable; bicycles can also be rented near the station for exploring the lakeshore.
Hidden Gems
Skip the main souvenir lanes and walk the quiet residential streets between Kurokabe and the castle — you'll find beautifully maintained machiya townhouses, tiny sake shops, and almost no other tourists. The Nagahama Glass Museum often has live blowing demonstrations included in the ticket. Also worth seeking out: a late lunch at Torikiyo, a tiny family-run spot famous for its locally raised duck dishes — book ahead, it's a favorite of weekend visitors from Kyoto.
