Omi-Hachiman Canal in Winter

A beautiful place to visit on a cold day in winter

Cathy Cawood Dec 03, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Many tourist boats are moored on the sides of the canal</p>

<p>Steps lead up to the Roof Tile Museum</p>

<p>Roof tiles instead of flowers in this winter garden  </p>

<p>A stark leafless tree stands next to the Roof Tile Museum</p>

<p>The boats must be fun in spring and autumn</p>

<p>Canal-side buildings reflected in the water</p>

<p>Daikon roots drying on a clothes rail</p>

<p>A stone lantern on a bridge over the canal</p>

<p>This traditional restaurant near one of the bridges is a great place to get Japanese style refreshments after your canal walk</p>

I've visited this canal in both summer and winter, and it is definitely one of Shiga Prefecture's treasures. In winter the bare trees and traditional buildings along the canal banks are reflected on the calm water, and wooden tourist boats wait for spring to bring them customers. You can visit the fascinating Roof Tile Museum beside the canal at the same time, and round off your explorations with Japanese sweets and tea at magnificently traditional Taneya, or if you prefer coffee and cake, Club Harie is just opposite. Both are wonderful places!

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...