Nagahama
Discover Nagahama
Nagahama (or Shiga Prefecture more generally) is not well served by airports. While the nearest airport is Nagoya-Centrair, Osaka's two airports (Itami and Kansai) are at least as convenient, if not more. Travelling from Centrair or Kansai Airports to Nagahama is basically a case of taking a train towards Nagoya or Osaka respectively and then continuing on as described below. Two morning Haruka trains run direct to Kansai Airport from Maibara, returning in the evening.
What to Experience in Nagahama
Taste of Nagahama...
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Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsNagahama (or Shiga Prefecture more generally) is not well served by airports. While the nearest airport is Nagoya-Centrair, Osaka's two airports (Itami and Kansai) are at least as convenient, if not more. Travelling from Centrair or Kansai Airports to Nagahama is basically a case of taking a train towards Nagoya or Osaka respectively and then continuing on as described below. Two morning Haruka trains run direct to Kansai Airport from Maibara, returning in the evening. From Itami, the best option is to take a bus to either Shin-Osaka or Kyoto station, and continue from there on the train. Nagahama is served by two trains per hour to Maibara (10 minutes, ¥200), the nearest Shinkansen station. These are in fact Special Rapid services, which offer a fast direct service to many places in Kansai. Note that these trains usually run as 12-car trains to Maibara, but only the front 4 (or sometimes 8) cars continue to Nagahama, so make sure you travel in the front part of the train....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Most of Nagahama's tourist destinations and hotels are within easy walking distance of the station. There are buses available, but they are mostly used by locals to commute to places on the outskirts of the city proper. There are veritable hordes of taxis just waiting for your patronage outside the station, should you need to get somewhere a bit farther away. Bikes can also be rented, but you would need to speak Japanese to do this. The bike rental place is located near the west exit of the station. Ferries connect Nagahama to the island of Chikubu in Lake Biwa. Nagahama is famous for its glass art. There are many places in Kurokabe Square to see, buy, and even learn to make glass art! The following are two of the more well-known ones.
Money & Budget
Nagahama is famous for its glass art. There are many places in Kurokabe Square to see, buy, and even learn to make glass art! The following are two of the more well-known ones.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Nagahama
Traditional japanese buildings nestled on a forested mountainside.
green grass field near mountain under white clouds during daytime
people walking on street near building during daytime
Traditional japanese temple with stone lanterns and trees
A white boat docked at a pier with people walking.
Boats docked at a pier surrounded by lush trees.
Looking up at a tall tree.
People boarding a ferry at a sunny dock
Boats docked at a serene coastal harbor with lush greenery.
A mountain range overlooks a city and the sea.
Traditional japanese buildings nestled on a forested mountainside.
green grass field near mountain under white clouds during daytime
people walking on street near building during daytime