The resort hotel ‘KYUKAMURA OHMI-HACHIMAN’, located on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, in Omi Hachiman City, known for its Omi merchants and Azuchi Castle, is inviting participants to join the ‘Biwaichi’ bus tour, which immerses them in the historical romance of Shiga Prefecture, which has flourished as a key transport hub since ancient times, close to Kyoto and Nara.
To ensure that visitors can enjoy Omi in an easy-to-understand way, Mr Yoshiyuki Onuma, Senior Researcher at the National Institute for Historical Resource Development, will accompany them throughout the tour and provide explanations.

From 25 March to 6 April 2025, Kai Nagato Onsen Ryokan is offering a “Spring Stay” to enjoy the murmur of the Onshin River, which heralds the arrival of spring, and the cherry blossoms. In spring, the rows of cherry blossom trees along the Onshin River, which flows in front of Kai Nagato, are in full bloom, adding colour to the hot spring resort. This plan allows you to enjoy the rows of cherry blossom trees, which have attracted many tourists to the area, to your heart’s content. This plan offers guests a special seat on the Kawadoko Terrace before dinner so that they can enjoy the cherry blossoms at any time during their stay.

From Saturday 1 February to Thursday 27 March 2025, the Keio Plaza Hotel will host ‘Hinamatsuri at the Hotel – Setsubuku Cuisine Served with Arita Porcelain and Flowery Hina Furnishings’, featuring approximately 5,000 vines and other decorations. This is the 24th year of the Hinamatsuri event, which focuses on hanging ornaments.

Meiji Kinenkan’s confectionery brand ‘Kanomi no Mori’ is now available at Odakyu Noborito Station. Please take a look at the varied collection, including piece cakes, decorative cakes and other cakes perfect for Christmas, as well as standard popular sweets.

December sees the arrival of a number of Christmas breads. The Snowman with his cute smiling face is a sweet loaf with two different flavours: pudding cream and chocolate cream. It is a heartwarming treat with flavours that both children and adults can enjoy.

Also back this year is the popular Japanese Stollen, which was a big hit last year. This is a special cake that can only be tasted at Kimuraya, using Japanese-inspired ingredients such as persimmons, figs and koshi-an (sweet bean paste). Please take this opportunity to try Kimuraya’s limited edition Christmas bread.