Nagahama Castle Historical Museum

Nagahama Castle Historical Museum is about an 8-minute walk from JR Nagahama Station. Nagahama Castle was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late Sengoku period, but it was once abolished in the early Edo period. Later, in 1983 (Showa 58), it was reconstructed thanks to strong public support and donations, recreating the Azuchi–Momoyama-era castle as a “modern Showa castle,” with its interior serving as a museum. Today it is cherished as a symbol of Nagahama. Inside, you can learn about Nagahama’s history and the city’s connection to Hideyoshi through valuable documents and exhibits. The 2nd floor focuses on the history of Kohoku and Nagahama, while the 3rd floor centers on Hideyoshi and Nagahama. Lectures linked to exhibitions are also held regularly. From the observatory on the 5th floor, you can see Chikubu Island and Okishima floating on Lake Biwa. The surrounding Toyokoen Park features seasonal flowers, and the scenery of Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms encircling the castle is selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.”