The Lake Biwa area in Shiga Prefecture has been attracting increasing attention in recent years for its easy access from Kyoto and Osaka.
Around Lake Biwa, there are not only scenic spots where you can enjoy stunning views of the lake, but also plenty of activity options on its calm waters that are perfect even for beginners.
Among them, La Collina Ōmihachiman stands out as a popular destination known for its warm, nostalgic countryside atmosphere. It’s also a great place to shop for Shiga’s specialty products and souvenirs.
In this article, we’ll introduce the highlights of La Collina Ōmihachiman, how to get there, and nearby sightseeing spots.
What is La Collina Ōmihachiman?
Do you know the famous “Club Harie” Baumkuchen, a signature sweet from Shiga?
The flagship store La Collina Ōmihachiman, operated by Taneya Club Harie, is beloved for its design that recreates the nostalgic rural landscape of Ōmihachiman.
Based on the belief that “we can make sweets only because we have the land that produces the ingredients and the pure water that sustains it — and we should keep learning from nature as we evolve,” the facility expresses the natural beauty of Ōmihachiman through its architecture and scenery.
It was designed by Terunobu Fujimori, a world-renowned architect and architectural historian known for his deep knowledge of ancient to contemporary architecture. His work gives the site a fairy-tale-like charm.
As you stroll through the fields and quaint shops that evoke a bygone era, you’ll feel a sense of calm and nostalgia.
Highlights of La Collina Ōmihachiman
At La Collina Ōmihachiman, visitors can experience the changing beauty of nature throughout the seasons.
For example, from late summer into autumn, large rice paddies spread across the grounds, and traditional farm tools called naruko are set up to protect the rice ears. In the past, locals would recognize the arrival of autumn when they saw these wooden clappers hanging from hemp ropes in the fields. As you stroll through the landscape, take a moment to imagine the lives of the people who once worked this land and cherished the seasonal changes.
For those who want to learn more about La Collina’s rice paddies, confectionery making, and dedication to craftsmanship, joining the La Collina Tour is highly recommended. On this guided tour, participants can see, touch, and experience the soil and living creatures on-site.
Tours last between 30 and 60 minutes, so you can choose one that best fits your schedule and interests for the day.
Must-Try Treats & Souvenirs at La Collina Ōmihachiman
※Quotation：https://taneya.jp/la_collina/guide/buy/
https://taneya.jp/la_collina/guide/eat/
Access to La Collina Ōmihachiman
To get to La Collina Ōmihachiman, take a train to JR Ōmihachiman Station, then from Bus Stop No. 6 at the North Exit, board the Ōmi Tetsudō Bus bound for either “Chōmeiji” or “Kyūkamura via Chōmeiji.”
Get off at the “Kitanoshō / La Collina-mae” bus stop.
Approximate travel times from major cities are as follows:
| Departure Station | Duration |
| Osaka | about 1 hour and 10 minutes |
| Kyoto | about 45 minutes |
| La Collina Ōmihachiman Address: 615-1 Kitanochō, Ōmihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Closed: Irregular holidays Website:https://taneya.jp/la_collina/ |
Tourist Attractions Around La Collina Ōmihachiman
【LAGO Ōtsu】Opening March 2025! Don’t miss the limited-edition castella cakes and the stunning “Eight Views of Ōmi.”
Quotation：https://taneya.jp/lago/
For those who don’t have enough time to visit La Collina Ōmihachiman, “LAGO Ōtsu”, located about 30 minutes from Ōtsu Station, is a great alternative.
The name “LAGO,” which means “lake” in Italian, reflects the idea of conveying how the blessings of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains nurture abundant life, which in turn supports our food culture.
At LAGO Ōtsu, you’ll find a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring seasonal specialties such as limited-edition castella cakes (e.g., “Taneya Castella Setouchi Lemon” in summer) and sticky rice topped with sweet-savory seasoned Omi beef, highlighting the rich flavors of local Shiga ingredients.
You can also purchase the elegant “Omi Hakkei” (Eight Views of Omi) Japanese sweets, created through a collaboration between Taneya and Seian University of Art and Design as part of the “Omi Hakkei Project.”
“Omi Hakkei” refers to eight scenic landscapes around Lake Biwa. These beautifully crafted sweets are a delight to look at and make thoughtful gifts for older relatives, parents, superiors, or other special people.
| LAGO Ōtsu Address: 4 Yumihama, Ōtsu City, Shiga Prefecture Closed: January 1 and during the Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival (August 8, 2025) Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Café: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) Website:https://taneya.jp/lago/ |
