I've visited this canal in both summer and winter, and it is definitely one of Shiga Prefecture's treasures. In winter the bare trees and traditional buildings along the canal banks are reflected on the calm water, and wooden tourist boats wait for spring to bring them customers. You can visit the fascinating Roof Tile Museum beside the canal at the same time, and round off your explorations with Japanese sweets and tea at magnificently traditional Taneya, or if you prefer coffee and cake, Club Harie is just opposite. Both are wonderful places!
- 1 min read
Omi-Hachiman Canal in Winter
A beautiful place to visit on a cold day in winter

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Soft yellow evening light

Many tourist boats are moored on the sides of the canal

The canal water is very still

Steps lead up to the Roof Tile Museum

Roof tiles instead of flowers in this winter garden

A stark leafless tree stands next to the Roof Tile Museum

The boats must be fun in spring and autumn

Canal-side buildings reflected in the water

Daikon roots drying on a clothes rail

Looking along the canal

A stone lantern on a bridge over the canal

This traditional restaurant near one of the bridges is a great place to get Japanese style refreshments after your canal walk
Join the discussion
Mandy Bartok
10 years ago
I've heard this is a beautiful town and your pictures prove that. Nice job!
Thank you Mandy. Yes, it's a lovely place.
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Tokyo Ranks 12th on Vegan-friendly Cities List
Food -
2
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
3
Ushikoi: Lean Meat Yakiniku Specialist
Tokyo -
4
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
5
Pokémon Center Fukuoka Reopens This June
Fukuoka -
6
Kamenoi Hotel Atami
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
7
Sakai’s Hidden Gem: Konpeito Kingdom and the Art of Candy Making
Osaka -
8
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
9
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
10
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
4
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
10
Kanda Matsuri
Tokyo