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
11 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
-
1See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway
Kagoshima - Sponsored -
2Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
3Adventure Travel For All In Chitose
Hokkaido -
4A GranClass Journey to Aomori and Morioka
Culture - Sponsored -
5How to Handle Illness Or Injury While Traveling in Japan
Planning - Sponsored -
6Traveling Japan: Safety tips App, Travel Insurance & More
Planning - Sponsored -
7I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
8Japan Claims Two Spots on Nat Geo's 20 Must-Book Trips for 2026
Planning -
9Year-Round Escapes Along Japan’s Edo Roads
Tokyo - Sponsored -
10Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea
Ibaraki
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo -
5Happy New Year Tokyo
Tokyo -
6Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
7Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
8Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
9Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
10January Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo