Hachimanbori, Shiga Prefecture: The commercial foundation of Lake Biwa's water transport

Hachimanbori is an artificial waterway in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It was built during the Warring States Period and is about 6 kilometers long and 15 meters wide. It connects Lake Saino and Lake Biwa, promoting the commercial prosperity of Hachimanyama Castle Town and the rise of Omi merchants. Hachimanbori not only played an important commercial role, but also had military significance in defending the castle, and was the cornerstone of logistics at the time. Hachimanbori was dug to connect Hachimanyama Castle Town and Lake Biwa to facilitate material transportation and urban development. As the number of ships and people increased, commercial activities gradually flourished. During the Edo period, Hachimanyama Castle was abandoned, but Hachiman merchants played an important role in the city, making it an important trade center connecting Osaka and Edo. At the same time, the white-walled warehouses and old houses of wealthy merchants built along Hachimanbori have also become a beautiful scenery along the Hachimanbori coast. Today, Hachimanbori has become a great place for citizens to relax and sightsee. The entire Omihachiman Water Village is one of the eight scenic spots of Lake Biwa, and you can also take a Japanese boat tour. In the surrounding area there are some well-preserved old buildings, such as white-walled warehouses and old houses of Omi merchants, which show visitors the historical features of the commercial city at that time. The old town including Hachimanbori is designated as an important traditional building preservation area of ​​"Omihachiman City Hachiman". Here, you can get a glimpse of the Japanese townscape at that time and experience the local people's lifestyle and culture. #Japan Attractions #Hachimanbori #Omi Merchants #Lake Biwa #Japan History #Shiga Prefecture #Water Transport #Ancient City Scenery #Water Transportation #Japan Historical Sites