A Day in Nagahama Self Guided Walk with Sightseeing Pass

Model Course: Start your day at Nagahama Station at 9AM, where you pick up your Nagahama Sightseeing Pass and begin exploring at your own pace. After a short 5-min walk, arrive at Nagahama Railway Square and discover Japan’s railway history until around 10AM. From there, it’s just a quick walk to Keiun-kan, where you can enjoy the traditional garden and historic atmosphere until about 11:10AM. Continue with a 10-min walk to the Former Kaichi School Building, and explore its history until 12PM. Next, head to Kurokabe Square, just a minute away. This lively area is perfect for strolling, visiting spots like the Kurokabe Glass Museum, and enjoying lunch at your own pace. In the afternoon, take a 10-min walk to the Yanmar Museum, arriving around 3:30PM. Spend about 30 min exploring the interactive exhibits (some experiences require advance reservation). Finally, walk back to Nagahama Station, about 10 min away, wrapping up a relaxed day of discovering Nagahama’s history, culture, and charm

This museum complex features one of the oldest existing railway station buildings in Japan, along with valuable railway heritage. Highlights include the ED70 No.1 electric locomotive, an early AC-powered train, and other historic railway equipment. Visitors can learn about the development of rail transport in Japan through real exhibits, and also enjoy detailed model train displays, making it an engaging experience for both adults and children. -Explore one of Japan’s oldest preserved station buildings -See historic trains, including the ED70 No.1 electric locomotive -Learn about the history of Japanese railways -Watch model trains running in detailed setups Opening hours: 9:30 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays Access: 3-minute walk from Nagahama Station Duration: 45 to 60 minutes

Keiun-kan was built as a guesthouse for Emperor Meiji in the late 19th century. It features a traditional Japanese garden that is designated as a national scenic site. Seasonal exhibitions are held throughout the year. -Walk through a traditional Japanese garden -Visit a historic imperial guesthouse -Enjoy seasonal exhibitions such as the plum blossom display Opening hours: 9:30 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: None (open daily) Access: 3-minute walk from Nagahama Station Duration: 30 to 60 minutes

An interactive experience facility operated by Yanmar, a Japanese company known for manufacturing engines, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment. Visitors can learn through hands-on exhibits by seeing, touching, and trying different activities. One of the highlights is the opportunity to experience operating machinery such as excavators through simulations and interactive setups. Some activities require advance reservation. -Try interactive exhibits where you can see, touch, and experience technology -Experience operating construction machinery such as excavators (simulation-based and hands-on) -Learn about Yanmar’s role in industry, agriculture, and engineering -Participate in activities designed for both adults and children (some require advance reservation) Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:30 (entry from 9:45, last entry 16:30) Closed: Mondays (or next weekday if Monday is a holiday) Access: 13-minute walk from Nagahama Station Duration: 1-2 hours

This museum is dedicated to collectible figures produced by Kaiyodo, a well-known Japanese company famous for highly detailed miniature models and figures. The museum can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and features a wide variety of exhibits, including dinosaur and animal dioramas as well as life-size figures of popular anime characters. In addition to the permanent displays, the museum also offers special exhibitions and hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to engage more actively with the exhibits. -View detailed dioramas of dinosaurs and animals -See life-size figures of popular Japanese anime characters -Explore a wide range of collectible figures created by Kaiyodo -Enjoy special exhibitions and interactive experiences (content may vary) Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: Irregular holidays Access: Approximately 10-minute walk from Nagahama Station Duration: 60 to 90 minutes

This museum introduces the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival, a traditional festival registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival is known for its large, beautifully decorated wooden floats called hikiyama, which are crafted using advanced traditional techniques. Inside the museum, visitors can see actual full-size hikiyama floats on permanent display. One unique feature of this festival is children’s kabuki (traditional Japanese theater) performances, where young performers act on the floats. Visitors can watch video recordings of these performances to better understand this rare cultural tradition. -See full-size festival floats up close -Learn about a traditional Japanese festival -Watch video recordings of performances by local children Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: Mondays (or next weekday if Monday is a holiday) Access: 14-minute walk from Nagahama Station Duration: 30 to 60 minutes

Visitors can learn about the history of matchlock guns and the detailed craftsmanship process involved in making them. One of the highlights is the opportunity to hold a matchlock gun, allowing visitors to better understand its weight and structure (under supervision). The museum also introduces Kunimoto Ikkansai, an Edo-period scientist and inventor from the Kunimoto area, known for his contributions to science and technology in early modern Japan. -Learn about the history and structure of matchlock guns See the manufacturing process Hold a matchlock gun (hands-on experience) Learn about Kunimoto Ikkansai, an Edo-period scientist from the area Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: Mondays (or next weekday if Monday is a holiday) Access: About 35 minutes by local bus from Nagahama Station Duration: 30 to 60 minutes

This local museum introduces the history of the Azai clan, a samurai family that ruled the region during Japan’s Sengoku period (a time of civil war in the 16th century). It focuses on the three generations of Azai rulers and also tells the dramatic life stories of the Azai Three Sisters, historical figures known for their connections to powerful political families. In addition, the museum features exhibits on traditional life and culture in the Azai region. A separate section allows visitors to learn about daily life in the past, and hands-on cultural experiences are available by advance reservation, offering a chance to try aspects of traditional living. -Learn about regional samurai history -Explore exhibits on traditional Japanese life -Optional: try cultural experiences (reservation required) Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) Access: About 60 minutes by car from Nagahama Station Duration: 30 to 60 minutes

This cultural facility introduces 5 historical figures born in the Nagahama area: Kobori Enshu, a tea master and garden designer; So’o Osho, a Buddhist monk; Kaiho Yusho, a painter; Katagiri Katsumoto, a samurai and military leader; and Ono Kozan, a scholar. Through exhibitions, visitors can learn about their achievements and contributions to Japanese culture, politics, and the arts. The facility also offers hands-on cultural experiences, allowing visitors to engage directly with traditional Japanese practices. Activities such as tea ceremony, incense appreciation, and Zen meditation are available with advance reservation. -Learn about 5 local historical figures -Participate in activities such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, or Zen meditation (reservation required) Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays (or the following day if a holiday) Access: About 25 minutes by car from Nagahama Station Duration: 30 to 45 minutes

Located at the foot of the ruins of Odani Castle, which is listed among Japan’s Top 100 Castles, this museum introduces the history of the Azai clan, a samurai family that ruled northern Omi (this region) during Japan’s Sengoku period (16th century, a time of civil war). The museum displays artifacts excavated from the castle ruins, as well as historical maps and illustrated materials, showing how the castle developed and how the Azai clan rose to power and eventually fell. Visitors can learn about both the prosperity and the downfall of this influential samurai family. -Learn about the Azai clan during the samurai period -View artifacts and historical documents from the castle site -Understand the history of the castle’s rise and destruction Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday) Access: About 40 minutes from Nagahama Station via JR Hokuriku Line (get off at Kawake Station) Duration: 15 to 30 minutes

This museum introduces the history and culture of the Kohoku region, an area often called the “Village of Kannon”, referring to its long tradition of devotion to Kannon, a Buddhist deity associated with compassion. The museum displays a large number of cultural properties, including Kannon statues, as well as other Buddhist and Shinto religious statues, offering insight into the region’s spiritual heritage. It is located next to Doganji Kannon Hall, a temple famous for its Eleven-Headed Kannon statue, which is designated as a National Treasure. -View Buddhist statues, including important cultural properties -Learn about regional religious traditions -Visit nearby Doganjii Kannon Hall, known for the Eleven-Headed Kannon statue Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday) Access: About 20 minutes from Nagahama Station via JR Hokuriku Line (get off at Takatsuki Station) Duration: 30 to 60 minutes

This museum focuses on Maruko-bune, traditional wooden cargo boats that were once used for transportation across Japan’s largest Lake Biwa. These boats played an important role in supporting the daily lives and economy of people in the region, especially in Nishiazai Town. The museum explains the connection between lake transportation and local life, showing how goods were carried and how communities developed around the lake. A highlight is the display of a rare, full-size original boat that still exists today. Also explore exhibits ranging from ship equipment and tools to household items, providing insight into both transportation and everyday life in the past. -See an actual preserved Maruko-bune boat -Learn about lake transportation and trade -Explore tools and daily life of local people Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday) Access: About 60 min from Nagahama Station via JR Hokuriku Line and JR Kosei Line Duration: 30 to 60 min

ical leader who later unified Japan in the 16th century, began his rise to power. The current structure was reconstructed in 1983 and now serves as a museum. Inside, travelers can learn about the history of Nagahama, local culture, and important historical figures. From the top floor, you can enjoy panoramic views over Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. -Learn about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Japan’s samurai era -Explore exhibitions on regional history and culture -Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa from the observation deck Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: Mondays (or next weekday if Monday is a holiday) Access: 7-minute walk from Nagahama Station Duration: 30 to 60 minutes