If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Nagahama, Japan, you’re in luck! This charming city offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, from exploring the local castle to visiting a unique museum dedicated to the legendary samurai Oda Nobunaga. Nagahama is also home to a number of parks and playgrounds, making it a great place to let kids burn off some energy. And of course, no visit to Nagahama would be complete without a stop at the famous Netsuke Mingei-kan Museum, where you can see a wide collection of these traditional Japanese carvings.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Nagahama, Japan
1. Visit Nagahama Castle
Nagahama Castle is a must-see for any visitor to Nagahama. The castle was built in 1576 by Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s most famous warlords, and it is now a national historical site. The castle grounds are beautiful, and there is a small museum inside the castle keep that is worth seeing.
2. Take a boat ride on Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, and it is just a short boat ride from Nagahama. There are several different boat companies that operate on the lake, and you can choose from a variety of different boat tours.
3. Visit the Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine
The Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the Shinto god Hachiman. The shrine is located on the grounds of Nagahama Castle, and it is a popular spot for visitors to pray for good luck.
4. Stroll around Nagahama Old Town
Nagahama Old Town is a charming area of Nagahama that has been preserved as a historical district. The area is filled with traditional Japanese buildings, and it is a great place to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere.
5. Visit the Hokkoku Kaidan staircase
The Hokkoku Kaidan is a staircase that was built in the Meiji period. The staircase is located in the Nagahama Old Town area, and it is a popular spot for visitors to take photos.
6. Shop at the Nagahama Tori-no-Ichi market
The Nagahama Tori-no-Ichi market is a popular market that is held every November. The market is held on the grounds of Nagahama Castle, and it is a great place to find traditional Japanese arts and crafts.
7. Try the local food at the Nagahama Yatai Matsuri
The Nagahama Yatai Matsuri is a food festival that is held every October. The festival is held on the grounds of Nagahama Castle, and it is a great place to try local Nagahama dishes.
8. Take a walk around Sanjusangen-do
Sanjusangen-do is a Buddhist temple that is located in the Nagahama Old Town area. The temple is known for its 1001 statues of the Buddhist deity Kannon.
9. Visit the Nagahama Municipal Museum
The Nagahama Municipal Museum is a small museum that is located in the Nagahama Old Town area. The museum has a collection of historical artifacts from Nagahama, and it is a great place to learn about the history of the city.
10. Take a walk on the samurai path
The samurai path is a walking trail that is located in the Nagahama Old Town area. The trail takes you through the samurai district of Nagahama, and it is a great way to learn about the history of the samurai.