Things To Do
in Higashiōmi
Higashiōmi is a city located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its picturesque natural landscape, including lush forests, mountains, and serene lakes. The city is also home to historical sites such as Nagahama Castle and Chōmei-ji Temple.
Higashiōmi offers a peaceful and traditional Japanese atmosphere, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking cultural experiences and outdoor activities.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Hirata tollgate, where you can admire the architecture and learn about its significance. Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local café afterwards.
Explore the beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa by taking a leisurely boat ride. Visit the nearby temples for some peaceful reflection.
Dine at a local izakaya to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. Stroll through the charming streets as the sun sets, enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Visit the Kōrinji Temple in the morning to experience its tranquil gardens and stunning architecture. Participate in a short meditation session for a refreshing start.
Take a guided tour of the local craft workshops to learn about traditional pottery and textiles. Engage with artisans to appreciate their skills.
Dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor seasonal dishes made from regional ingredients. Immerse yourself in the night atmosphere of Higashiōmi.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and traditional Japanese architecture.
- Beautiful natural scenery including mountains and rivers, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Community-oriented atmosphere, making it a friendly place for residents and visitors.
- Access to local festivals and events that showcase regional traditions and food.
- Relatively low cost of living compared to larger Japanese cities.
- Limited job opportunities, particularly for younger professionals.
- Fewer entertainment and dining options compared to urban centers.
- Public transportation may not be as frequent or extensive as in larger cities.
- Limited access to international amenities and services.
- Potential challenges in accessing healthcare specialists compared to metropolitan areas.
Best Activities in Higashiōmi
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historic Hikone Castle and its beautiful surrounding gardens, offering a glimpse into Japan's feudal past and scenic views of Lake Biwa.
Take a ferry ride to Chikubu Island, a serene and scenic destination known for its ancient temples, lush forests, and panoramic views of Lake Biwa.
Enjoy a leisurely or challenging bike ride around Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, with its picturesque shoreline and stunning natural scenery.
Tours
Uncover the best of Higashiōmi with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Higashiōmi
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding area, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
Scenic terraced rice fields that provide a picturesque backdrop for photography, particularly during the rice planting and harvesting seasons.
A great location to capture the stunning vista of Lake Biwa and its surrounding mountains, especially during sunset.
Food in Higashiōmi
Higashiōmi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A pungent fermented dish made with crucian carp and rice, often served with pickled vegetables. Sample this local delicacy at specialty shops like Oumi Sagawa Shokudo.
Must-Try!
A type of buckwheat noodle dish enjoyed with a flavorful dipping sauce. Try this traditional fare at local establishments such as Higashiomi Kiyomizu or Oumi Kiyomizu.
Grilled or fried Japanese eggplant, a popular ingredient in Higashiōmi. Seek out Kamo-nasu dishes at izakayas and traditional Japanese restaurants in the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Experience the vibrant local food scene at this bustling market, offering fresh produce, street snacks, and regional specialties like Omi beef skewers and grilled mochi.
Explore this historic street filled with food stalls selling delectable treats such as grilled fish on sticks, takoyaki (octopus balls), and various sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Higashiōmi, it is important to show respect for others, especially elders, through polite language and gestures.
Being on time is highly valued in Japanese culture, so it's important to be punctual for meetings and appointments in Higashiōmi.
When in public spaces in Higashiōmi, it's important to be mindful of cleanliness and noise levels to show consideration for others.
Safety
Tipping in Higashiōmi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Higashiōmi, Japan. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
Payment in Higashiōmi, Japan is commonly made using cash, although credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, especially in urban areas. Mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Higashiōmi to see cherry blossoms in bloom and enjoy pleasant weather.
Expect hot and humid weather, with the potential for typhoons. This season is ideal for enjoying the local festivals and water activities.
Great time to visit Higashiōmi due to the beautiful fall foliage. The weather is generally mild and pleasant.
Expect cold temperatures and occasional snow. This season is perfect for enjoying winter sports and festivals in the region.
Higashiōmi at Night
Hiking in Higashiōmi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic mountain with trails offering panoramic views, especially beautiful during autumn foliage.
A pleasant walking trail along the Seki River, suitable for a leisurely hike amidst nature.
Explore the historical trails around the Koka Ninja Village, where hiking combines history and adventure.
A popular mountain known for its temple and various hiking routes, offering an immersive nature experience.
A beautiful trail along Lake Biwa that provides stunning lake views and opportunities for bird watching.
Aiports
How to reach Higashiōmi by plane.
Located approximately 80 km southwest of Higashiōmi, Kansai International Airport is a major international gateway serving the Osaka area and is one of Japan's largest airports.
Situated about 140 km to the east of Higashiōmi, Central Japan International Airport serves the Nagoya region and is a significant international hub in central Japan.
Also known as Itami Airport, located around 75 km from Higashiōmi, it primarily handles domestic flights but has some international flights.
Located 140 km east from Higashiōmi, mainly serves the Nagoya area and offers various international and domestic flights.
Approximately 85 km from Higashiōmi, Kobe Airport handles domestic flights and limited international services, serving the Hyogo area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary demographic group, consisting of individuals who hold Japanese nationality and identify with Japanese culture and language.
A significant portion of the population, reflecting Japan's aging demographic trend.
This group includes individuals who are typically engaged in the workforce, contributing to the local economy.
A demographic group that includes school-age children and younger, which is gradually decreasing due to lower birth rates.
Includes immigrants and expatriates from other countries living in Higashiōmi for work or study; this group is smaller compared to the native population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Higashiōmi, with local teams and schools participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Soccer has a strong following in Higashiōmi, with community clubs and school teams fostering youth participation and local matches.
Basketball is widely played in Higashiōmi, with both recreational and competitive leagues available for various age groups.
Volleyball is popular in schools and community centers in Higashiōmi, often featuring teams that compete at local and regional levels.
Various forms of martial arts, such as judo and karate, are practiced by many individuals in Higashiōmi, with numerous dojos available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Higashiōmi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Higashiōmi's traditional cuisine often features seafood and meat, some restaurants and cafes in the area offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. It is advisable to communicate dietary preferences clearly and seek recommendations from locals or restaurant staff.
Options for gluten-free dining may be limited in traditional establishments, but some modern cafes and international cuisine restaurants may offer gluten-free alternatives. Inquire about ingredients and cooking methods to ensure a suitable dining experience.