(Trip was made back then on 28 Nov 2019, 2 years before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit) Stayed overnight at Nagahama and visited their Kurokabe Square, which was said to be a bustling tourist area popular with the locals. But instead of a street bustling with activity, we were greeted to a quiet, almost empty street. It seems what was once a lively town with crowds streaming down the streets, now lay barren as many merchants struggle to stay afloat while many others have closed, with some sections of the street having already turned into a ghost town. We thought it was because we arrived on a Thursday afternoon, but we were greeted with the same scene when we returned the following Friday morning. It is actually a pretty townscape, with historical architecture dating back to the Edo and Meiji era. Many interesting shops lined the streets, each with their own individual character and charm. It’s very disheartening to see such places fade away. Hopefully the local government and community can revitalise this lovely little town.

If you like beautiful Crystal and glass items you'll really enjoy this spot. Very well decorated with boutiques fascinating little

Just another arcade shopping street in Japan. Nothing too special. It's small compared to other arcade streets in Japan.

I lived in Nagahama for four years, and still continued to have new experiences all the time. There is always something new to discover.

Good place to have food and shopping forn afternoon

Great place to visit!! Very chic shops and best of all not over populated by tourists

Great place. Lively , but not crowded. Lots of interesting shops and lovely canals and streams flowing through the area. Historic too. Not far from the train station and other areas of interest.

Very nice place to get artificial works as gift to friends.... glasses n dishes are great.

Worth a visit if you are interest to see old japanese street and traditional house.

Inside a small town shopping street. At least half closed when we were here

Stunning island with a lot of stairs to climb, there were 3 stores open when we came that served snacks and refreshments. I wish they sold fridge magnets! I was surprised for the entrance fee since the boat ticket was a little more than what you’d expect.

(Translated by Google) Today I went to Chikubu Island in Lake Biwa. I took a boat from Nagahama Port and crossed to Chikubu Island. The Biwako Kisen around Takefushima was also very busy today because the weather was good and it was relatively warm. It is a ship heading for Takefu Island, which stands in the northern part of Lake Biwa, but the view of Hubei from the deck of the ship is also wonderful, and it takes about 30 minutes to sail Lake Biwa. Takefu Island is also said to be the island where the god of mystery and romance lives. Chikubu Island is Lake Biwa with a circumference of 2km and an area of ​​0.14㎢ off the coast of Nagahama City, and is the second largest island after Oki Island. It is counted as one of the eight scenic spots of Lake Biwa, and there are several shrines and temples on the island, and it seems that pilgrims and worshipers come and go. Chikubu Island is also known as the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage Hall, and when you land at the dock, you will suddenly see steep stone steps, and if you count up, you will reach 165 steps. The place where you climbed up is Hogonji Temple, and Benzaiten, the principal idol, is one of the three Benzaiten in Japan along with Itsukushima in Aki and Enoshima in Sagami. The three-storied pagoda, which can be said to be the symbol of Chikubu Island, is also wonderful. Built in 1487, it disappeared due to a lightning strike in the early Edo period, but it was rebuilt in 2000 for the first time in about 350 years after the drawings were discovered. Built based on an ancient construction method, 32 heavenly gods are drawn on the four pillars, and eight high-ranking ancestors of the Shingon sect are placed on the four walls. The view of Lake Biwa from the top of the stairs was also dynamic and impressive. Takefu Island, also known as a power spot, has the most spectacular view of the dragon worship place, and it seems that you can also throw it. It seems that it is famous to throw your name on one of the two torii and write your wish on the other and throw it to Miyazaki Torii. It is said that if you throw it, your wish will be fulfilled. The trip on the Lake Biwa cruise ship was also quite attractive, but Lake Biwa boasts an area equivalent to one-sixth of the entire Shiga prefecture, and although it is a lake, the deepest part is 104 m deep. It was named Lake Biwa because it looks like a loquat when viewed from the sky, but its area is larger than the 23 wards of Tokyo, and it seems to be equivalent to 1434 Tokyo Domes. (Original) 今日は琵琶湖の竹生島へ行ってきました。 長浜港から船に乗り、竹生島へ渡りました。 竹生島めぐりの琵琶湖汽船も今日は天気も良好で比較的暖かかったので、船もかなり賑わってました。 琵琶湖の北部にポツンと佇む竹生島へ向かう船ですが、船のデッキから湖北の眺めも素晴らしく、約30分の琵琶湖航行です。 竹生島は神秘とロマンが潜む神の住む島とも言われてますね。 竹生島は長浜市の沖合にある周囲2km、面積0.14㎢の琵琶湖で沖島に次ぐ2番目に大きな島です。 琵琶湖八景のひとつに数えられ、島内には複数の神社や寺が存在し、巡礼者や参拝者が往来しているようです。 竹生島も西国観音霊場札所とも言われ、船着場に降り立てば、いきなり勾配の急な石段がせまり、数えて登れば165段にもなるようです。 登りつめたところが宝厳寺で、本尊の弁才天は安芸の厳島、相模の江ノ島とともに日本三弁才の一つに数えられます。 竹生島のシンボルとも言える三重塔も素晴らしいものです。 1487年に建立され、江戸時代初期の落雷で消失しましたが、図面が発見されて2000年に約350年ぶりに再建されました。 古来の工法に基づいて建築し、四本柱に32本の天部の神々を描き、四方の壁に真言宗の八人の高祖を配しています。 階段の上から琵琶湖の眺めもまたダイナミックで印象的でした。 パワースポットとしても知られる竹生島には一番の絶景の竜神拝所があり、かわらけ投げもできるようです。 2枚のかわらけに1枚に自分の名前、もう1枚に願い事を書き、宮崎鳥居への投げるかわら投げが有名なようです。 投げると願い事が成就すると言われています。 琵琶湖クルーズ船の旅もなかなか魅力的でしたが、琵琶湖は滋賀県全体の6分の1に当たる面積を誇り、湖ではあるものの、最深部は104mの深さです。 上空から見るとビワの形をしていることから琵琶湖と名付けられましたが、その面積も東京23区より広く、東京ドーム1434個分に相当するようです。

It’s a nice historical site with pretty scenery but not worth the time and money it takes to get here. 3200 for the ferry, then another 600 to enter the island, which you can walk around in half an hour. A couple of small shops at the entrance charging 250 for a bottle of water. Ouch.

The mysterious and quiet island takes 45 minutes to reach by boat, and you can visit the island for 70 minutes, which is enough time. Write your name and wish on the tiles and throw it in the middle of the torii gate, so that all your wishes will come true.

One of the best experiences of my Japan trip. I've visited twice. I can't believe some people are complaining about the price - being able to visit the island see some of these exceptionally beautiful temples and shrines is priceless, in my opinion!

Pleasant place to visit. Its a nice 25 minute ferry boat ride to the island from Nagahama. The accessible part of the island has some steep steps up to a shrine and a temple. There is nothing dramatic about the place but it does have some fascinating history and is worth checking before you arrive. Its considered a national treasure and each time I have visited there are craftsman working on one of the structures. By the dock there is a small cafe selling drinks and snacks. Worth a trip if you are in the area.

good☺️

It’s obvious that ALL areas have to be non-smoking.

Hidden gem. Castle that re-construction with elevator and nice air conditioner. Nice place for you who are travelling in summer. Very close to Nagahama station. If you want to go sightseeing in Shiga, going to Nagahama is the best choice. Not far from the castle, there are a lot of sightseeing spot that you can enjoy all day such as Kurokabe and Kaiyodo figure museum, etc. Enjoy Shiga, everyone!

The castle park is just infront of the nagahama station. Here the lake view is wonderful especialy during sunset. Which is qbout 5.30-6.00 pm. The park seem doesnt have a gate to block off visitor, so straight from the nagahama station we just walk and cross the street and then enter the castle park. Nagahama is very near to hikone. Just afew station apart. At Hikone you cannot look at the castle near without paying the fee because it hid on top of the mountain. But at nagahama castle is so acessible where you can even touch the castle base rock. Just dont try to climb😅

A neat little museum with a cheap ticket cost. They do not cater to foreigners so if you don't read Japanese you're mostly just paying to look at some dioramas, archaeological finds from the surrounding area, and a 360 scenic view of the surrounding area. My Japanese is limited but I had a great time.

Do go up to the observation deck to see Lake Biwa & surrounding areas.

Smallish castle with good selection of old artefacts. Nice view of lake Biwa from the top but not so nice from other side's. English info is lacking and it costs 410 yen to enter. A local passport which costs 1000 yen for 5 sites is also accepted here

The history within is just amazing. You can also see the vast view of Biwa-lake from the top valcony of the castle.

I'm giving it the full 5 stars as the small surrounding park is a nice place for relaxing in and it's an easy walk over to downtown Nagahama city. The castle itself is pretty small compared to other castles. Not worth a trip in its self unless you're visiting other parts of Nagahama. If its just a castle your want to see, visit Hikone castle which is not too far by car from Nagahama. In my opinion one of if not the best castle and gardens for sightseeing in Japan.

Small castle but good view when climb up.

The beginning of Toyotomi Hideyoshi‘s great dream. But this castle seems to be rebuilt by concrete. You can learn some history here and have a good view of Biwa lake.

Great park with a range of areas including a new children's play area. There is seating, toilets and free parking for 3 hours.

Amazing place to watch sunrise and sunsets from. Not too crowded as this place is not too well known for tourists, which is perfect for people who hate crowds. I bet this place will be amazing on the spring. Will definitely go back then!

It's an epic castle by the sea. The castle is now a very well exhibited museum with great artifacts. Caution Japanese language museum only. The staff are helpful though. The sea location makes for amazing photo ops

Perfect view of Biwako, Castle and kids playground. Cherry Blossom is best here in Spring.

There's not too much to see but the place is really beautiful

If you want a walk in the park with a Japanese castle along a huge lake, this is it! Had a morning walk with my wife here and the place is so relaxing.

I’m not particularly interested in railways, but I had fun visiting this museum. It shows how Nagahama train station used to be in the past.

museum for railroad fan、2locomotives、models good!

Fun place to be! Almost unknown place but it is a great place to visit if you are steam engine fan. Old station is also a nice experience!

Great railway museum! The kids loved the decommissioned locos and model trains they could play with!

Small train museum with two trains you can get up and close to. Great place for small kids

It's s very cute building with information about trains. Even though it's all in Japanese is still interesting to see the massiv steam trains and see the historical building. Entrance fee 200¥

A very interesting museum.

A must visit lively place in Nagahama

A better than expected museum which costs 800 yen or can be entered as a part of the 1000 yen for 5 sites in Nagahama passport. Lots of details in the figurines with a strong emphasis of Evangelion

A great museum with a wide range of figures to see and explore. I had a great and fun experience seeing all of those amazing figures. In the end you can buy your own figure from the store. It is also very cheap for what it is.

Lots of figurines, especially about Evangelion, military vehicles and other otaki interests. Not a massive museum but decent time killer in Nagahama.

An amazing museum! Lots of toys and cheap entry tickets. The souvenir shop is free entry and it is interesting to look at all of the toys for sale!

A figure museum where various figures are displayed. You would be amazed by how many figures there are in this museum. It costs 1,000 yen for a person which I think is a bit over-priced. They give you a token with the entrance tickey. With this token, you can insert it in a gatcha machine and hopefully get a decent figure on your way out. The token itself costs 300 yen.

I can almost live here… My Haven… #toys #toys #kaiyodomuseum sample of my toy photography which I bought from Kaiyodo

Surprisingly fun museum retracing the history of figures. Dioramas were entertaining. Covered by the Nagahama museum pass and very close to the Hikiyama museum. Perfect for a rainy day.