Nagahama Castle History Museum
This castle’s history and the history of Nagahama are both tied to Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598), the samurai lord who founded the city and gave it its name. Hideyoshi built his first castle on the site in 1576, and the museum building is built to resemble a castle of that period. The museum’s five floors include exhibits on the history of Nagahama and the warlords who ruled its surrounding area.
The objects inside the museum highlight aspects of Nagahama’s medieval history. These include armor, maps, and folding screens that depict famous battles, such as the 1583 Battle of Shizugatake, fought only 15 kilometers north of the museum. Audio guides are available in English, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and visitors can use tablet computers to browse the museum’s collection of over 50 items.
There is also a tea room where visitors can take in the view as they sip tea prepared by a master of tea ceremony. (Use of the tea room may require a reservation.) The adjacent park is home to some 600 cherry trees and is a popular spot for admiring the spring blooms in late March and early April.
The observation platform on the 5th floor (top floor) allows visitors to overlook beautiful panoramic views such as Nagahama town area, Lake Biwa, etc.
- Address
- 10-10 Koencho, Nagahama City, Shiga Pref.
- Access
- [Public transportation] 5-min. walk from JR Nagahama Stn.
[Parking] Use the large parking at Ho Park (11 buses, 125 standard-sized cars)
- Business hours
- 9:00～17:00
- Price
- Adults: 500 yen; elementary and junior-high school students: 200 yen; Preschool children: Free of charge
You can also use Nagahama Passport(1500yen) to enter.
- Inquiry
- Nagahama Castle History Museum
