- Nagahama was the site of Hideyoshi Toyotomi's first castle construction after he was awarded the Nagahama fief in 1573.
- The city is home to the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event that has been celebrated for over 400 years.
- Nagahama serves as a major hub for the Hikone-Nagahama-Maibara corridor, historically linking the region to the Tokaido road via the lake.
- The local 'glass' identity originated from the conversion of a former bank building into the Kurokabe Glass Shop in the late 1980s, which sparked a broader urban regeneration project.
- Lake Biwa, bordering the city, is one of the oldest lakes in the world, estimated to be approximately four million years old.
About Nagahama, Shiga
Nagahama is a lakeside city located on the northeastern shore of Lake Biwa, known for its preservation of historic Edo-period streetscapes and its deep connections to the Sengoku period. The centerpiece of the city is Kurokabe Square, where traditional merchant houses have been repurposed into glass-focused galleries and workshops. Visitors can explore the legacy of regional feudal lords at the Nagahama Castle Historical Museum or delve into cultural traditions at the 長浜市曳山博物館. The city’s identity is further defined by its blend of specialized museums, such as the Kaiyodo Figure Museum Kurokabe, and tranquil spiritual sites like Daitsu-ji Temple.
Highlights of Nagahama, Shiga
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Explore a collection of restored merchant buildings now serving as glass-art galleries and boutique shops.
Museums
Engage with interactive agricultural and industrial displays at this facility founded by the Yanmar machinery company.
Museums
Visit the reconstruction of the castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to view artifacts from the Azai and Toyotomi clans.
Museums
Discover a vast collection of intricate pop-culture figurines produced by the world-renowned Kaiyodo model-making company.
Museums
Walk through former station buildings and examine decommissioned steam locomotives from Japan's early railway era.
Temples
Appreciate the architecture of this temple, which features a main hall moved from the former Fushimi Castle.
Museums
View the ornate, traditional parade floats used in the city's annual UNESCO-recognized Hikiyama Festival.
Temples
Observe the large bronze statue that serves as a landmark on the shores of Lake Biwa.
Top things to do in Nagahama, Shiga
The 247 highest-rated places in Nagahama, Shiga, ranked by travellers.
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Kurokabe Square is a revitalized district in central Nagahama featuring restored Meiji-era buildings repurposed into gla...
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Hogonji is a Buddhist temple complex located on Chikubushima, a small, steep island in the northern part of Lake Biwa. I...
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Nagahama, Shiga on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Nagahama, Shiga
Spring (April) for the Hikiyama Festival and cherry blossoms, or Autumn (November) for fall foliage at lakeside gardens.
2 days, which allows sufficient time to cover both the historic glass district and the surrounding castle-related ruins and museums.
The city center is highly walkable, while outlying historical sites are accessible via local bus routes or regional train lines.
Staying near Nagahama Station provides the best access to the central historic district and easy transport links to Lake Biwa.
Mid-range; travelers can find a mix of affordable guesthouses and standard business hotels along with moderately priced regional cuisine.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 247 curated attractions in and around Nagahama, Shiga, ranked by traveller ratings.
Kurokabe Square is the highest-rated place to visit in Nagahama, Shiga right now.
The largest category is temples, with 100 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Toshima, Osaka, Kyoto.
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