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Hachiman-bori is quite long and it even connects to Lake Biwa. The main part of moat is about 1 km long. I started walking here on the west end near the Omi-Hachiman Public Library. MAP
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Hachiman-bori is also part of the National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区).
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If the cherry blossoms are in bloom, I recommend walking along the canal from the west end since the sun will be on your back and on the flowers.
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The cherry trees start from near the Omi-Hachiman Public Library. They continue all the way to the main torii of Himure Hachimangu Shrine.
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Also during sakura season, the yakata-bune boats offer moat rides for 1,000 yen for adults. Boats leave from near The Kawara Roof Tile Museum on the east end of the moat.
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I was in Omi-Hachiman to see the Hachiman Matsuri fire festival on April 14. I was lucky to find the cherries in full bloom at Hachiman-bori moat on a sunny day.
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Perfect day to shoot cherry blossoms.
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Mt. Hachiman-yama is in the background. An aerial tramway goes up the mountain which was the site of Hachiman Castle.
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A few bridges also cross the moat. This is Meijibashi Bridge. 明治橋
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Bridge in Osugi-cho. 大杉町
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Yakata-bune tourist boat cruising through Hachiman-bori moat in Omi-Hachiman.
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You can easily walk along the entire moat except for this section which is a little flooded. My waterproof shoes came in handy.
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Hachiman-bori's highest concentration of cherry blossoms is near Hakuunbashi Bridge.
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This bridge leads to Himure Hachimangu Shrine (to the left). This is the heart of Hachiman-bori moat.
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Near Hakuunbashi Bridge, you can see two of the giant torches to be lit for the Hachiman Matsuri fire festval later in the evening.
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Being the heart of Hachiman-bori, Hakuunbashi Bridge is where the sakura is concentrated the most. 白雲橋
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Hakuunbashi Bridge and stone lantern. 白雲橋
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View from Hakuunbashi Bridge. 白雲橋
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View from Hakuunbashi Bridge. 白雲橋
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Beyond Hakuunbashi Bridge, the moat goes to Kawara Roof Tile Museum and the moat boat dock. The cherry trees also stop, but there a few more on the far end of the most.
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Unique, but controversial, bridge supported by two boats underneath.
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Near the Kawara Roof Tile Museum is this dock where you board the moat boat. Fare is 1,000 yen for adults.
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum in spring.
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum's weeping cherry tree.
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum's koinobori carp streamers and weeping cherry tree.
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum
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Kawara Roof Tile Museum's ground is covered with roof tiles, looking like cobblestones.
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Outdoor sculpture at Kawara Roof Tile Museum, Omi-Hachiman, Shiga
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Formerly a primary school built in 1877, Haku'unkan is now a tourist info office, souvenir shop, and exhibition space (2nd floor). 白雲館
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Inside 1st floor of Haku'unkan. The building was beautifully restored in 1994.
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2nd floor exhibition space of Haku'unkan.
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Omi-Hachiman's manhole depicts Hachiman-bori moat adorned with cherry blossoms. Shiga Prefecture.
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Another sakura spot is Hachiman Park next to Omi-Hachiman Pubic Library on the west end of the moat. 八幡公園
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Hachiman Park cherry blossoms.
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Hachiman Park is at the foot of Mt. Hachiman-yama.
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Map of Hachiman Park.
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Way to Toyotomi Hidetsugu statue.
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Statue of Toyotomi Hidetsugu at Hachiman Park in Omi-Hachiman, Shiga.
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Statue of Toyotomi Hidetsugu at Hachiman Park in Omi-Hachiman, Shiga.
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Toyotomi Hidetsugu (豊臣 秀次 1568 – 1595) was a nephew and retainer of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi who lived during the Sengoku period of the 16th century.
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Hachiman-bori goes all the way to Lake Biwa. This is toward the west end of the moat.
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