Shiga Omihachiman Cafés & Attractions Guide
1. Hachiman-bori Canal Area
Why Visit: This enchanting canal district preserves the charm of Edo-period Japan, with its historic wooden warehouses and narrow waterways. Taking a traditional boat cruise offers a peaceful journey through the city’s living history, surrounded by weeping willows and quaint old houses. The riverside paths are lined with artisanal shops and cafés, perfect for soaking up authentic Japanese atmosphere while capturing stunning photos that transport you back in time. It’s a rare blend of nature, history, and culture—ideal for travelers eager to experience Japan beyond the typical tourist spots.
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Omihachiman Station.
Boat Tour Info: Operator: Omihachiman Hachiman-bori Canal Cruise / Phone: +81 740-33-7101 / Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last boat departs 4:30 PM). Reservations recommended in peak seasons.
2. La Collina Omi-Hachiman
Why Visit: Nestled amid rolling green hills, La Collina is an architectural marvel that seamlessly fuses nature, modern design, and local culinary traditions. This breathtaking complex is home to the world-famous Club Harie bakery, where the iconic Baumkuchen is crafted fresh daily. Beyond sweets, the site offers beautifully landscaped gardens and wooden walkways that invite visitors to stroll, relax, and immerse themselves in a uniquely Japanese sensory experience. The blend of rustic elegance and gourmet treats makes La Collina a must-visit for anyone seeking to indulge in both taste and aesthetic pleasure.
Access: Bus #11 from JR Omihachiman Station; get off at “La Collina” bus stop (approx. 10 mins).
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Popular Items: Signature Baumkuchen, seasonal sweets, artisan coffee.
3. Cafe Kotori
Why Visit: Step into a piece of history with Cafe Kotori, a quaint café housed in a beautifully restored century-old Japanese home. The serene ambiance, soft natural lighting, and rustic wooden interiors create a warm, inviting space perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Here, attention to detail is everything—from hand-crafted desserts made with seasonal ingredients to expertly brewed coffee and matcha lattes. It’s an intimate spot where visitors can truly savor the fusion of tradition and modern café culture.
Address: 141-3 Minamikawara-cho, Omihachiman City
Access: About 10 minutes walk from JR Omihachiman Station.
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Closed Wednesdays
Website & Social: cafekotori.com
Popular Items: Seasonal handmade cakes, matcha latte, hand drip coffee.
4. Cafe Gallery Bon
Why Visit: For art aficionados and coffee lovers alike, Cafe Gallery Bon offers a harmonious blend of contemporary gallery space and specialty café. The minimalist design enhances the showcased artworks, while the rich aromas of expertly brewed espresso and the delicate flavors of seasonal cakes create a multi-sensory delight. It’s a cultural oasis within Omihachiman that invites visitors to slow down, appreciate creativity, and engage with local art in an inspiring environment.
Address: 100-4 Okubo-cho, Omihachiman City
Access: 12-minute walk from JR Omihachiman Station
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Closed Tuesdays
Website: cafegallerybon.com
Popular Items: Seasonal cakes, espresso, herbal teas.
5. Cafe Gallery SLOW
Why Visit: Escape into calm at Cafe Gallery SLOW, where the slow pace of life is embraced through thoughtfully roasted coffee and a cozy, minimalist interior. This café is a haven for those who appreciate the craft behind every cup—each pour-over and espresso is prepared with precision and passion. The inviting atmosphere is ideal for reading, working, or quiet conversations, making it a favorite local retreat and hidden gem for travelers seeking a more contemplative café experience.
Address: 90 Hommachi, Omihachiman City
Access: 8-minute walk from JR Omihachiman Station
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Closed Mondays
Website: cafeslow.com
Popular Items: Hand drip coffee, seasonal sweets, espresso drinks.
6. Club Harie Main Store
Why Visit: The heart of Omihachiman’s confectionery fame, Club Harie is synonymous with premium Baumkuchen. This flagship store within La Collina is a vibrant hub of sweet craftsmanship where visitors can watch the confectioners at work. The sophisticated café space invites guests to savor a slice of the signature cake paired with rich coffee or green tea, surrounded by artful design and lush greenery. It’s a sensory celebration of taste and tradition.
Access: Inside La Collina complex (see #2)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Popular Items: Baumkuchen, matcha sweets, coffee.
7. Suisha no Sato (Waterwheel Village Cafe)
Why Visit: Nestled in tranquil nature, Suisha no Sato offers a unique blend of rustic heritage and modern refreshment. The iconic waterwheel sets a serene scene as visitors enjoy handcrafted, locally sourced fruit desserts and refreshing teas. The peaceful surroundings and traditional aesthetics create an idyllic escape, perfect for those wanting a quiet moment amidst natural beauty.
Address: 1207 Nishihara-cho, Omihachiman City
Access: Taxi approx. 15 min from JR Omihachiman Station
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed Tuesdays
Popular Items: Seasonal fruit desserts, local teas, light lunch sets.
8. Taneya Chaya (Himure Village Tea House)
Why Visit: Experience the refined art of wagashi and matcha in a serene, modern space steeped in tradition. Taneya Chaya offers a calming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy beautifully crafted sweets that reflect the seasons, paired with ceremonial-grade matcha. It’s an immersive cultural experience that beautifully balances history and contemporary hospitality.
Address: 75 Himure-cho, Omihachiman City
Access: 10 min bus or 20 min walk from JR Omihachiman Station
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Popular Items: Seasonal wagashi sets, matcha tea.
9. Pelican Coffee
Why Visit: A specialty coffee roastery dedicated to quality and craft, Pelican Coffee offers an intimate setting where each cup is a work of art. The aroma of freshly roasted beans fills the air, promising a rich and smooth experience. Perfect for coffee connoisseurs seeking single-origin brews and personalized service.
Address: 1039 Kanaya-cho, Omihachiman City
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Omihachiman Station
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Closed Sundays
Popular Items: Single-origin espresso, cold brew, pour-over coffee.
10. Cafe El Sol
Why Visit: This bright, welcoming café near the station specializes in fresh, seasonal fruit desserts and carefully brewed artisan coffee. The cozy interior offers a perfect setting to relax after sightseeing or shopping. The friendly staff and quality menu make it a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
Address: 12-5 Otemachi, Omihachiman City
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Omihachiman Station
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Closed Mondays
Popular Items: Fruit parfaits, artisan coffee.
11. Cafe TRIM
Why Visit: Stylish interiors and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Cafe TRIM a top choice for friends, couples, and anyone seeking quality homemade sweets. The café balances modern design with a cozy vibe, offering a menu filled with chocolate tarts, creamy lattes, and seasonal delicacies that pair perfectly with the atmosphere.
Address: 112 Hommachi, Omihachiman City
Access: 7-minute walk from JR Omihachiman Station
Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Closed Tuesdays
Popular Items: Chocolate tarts, specialty lattes, seasonal cakes.
Website: cafetrim.com
12. Bar Capriccio
Why Visit: By day, a cozy café serving coffee and light snacks; by night, a vibrant wine bar perfect for relaxing with a glass of local or imported wine. The atmosphere is intimate and stylish, making it ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. Friendly staff often offer wine pairing recommendations.
Address: 38 Chuo-cho, Omihachiman City
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Omihachiman Station
Hours: 12:00 PM – Midnight (Bar opens at 5:00 PM)
Popular Items: Wine selections, espresso, light snacks.
Instagram: @bar_capriccio_ohmi
Reservation Support
1. Reservation Email Template (English)
Subject: Reservation Request for [Date] at [Shop/Café Name] Dear [Shop/Café Name] Team, I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am planning to visit Omihachiman on [Date]. I would like to make a reservation for [number of people] at your [café/shop] at [preferred time, e.g., 2:00 PM]. Could you please confirm availability for this date and time? Additionally, if there are any special instructions or requirements, please kindly let me know. Thank you very much for your assistance. I look forward to your reply. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Contact Email] [Your Phone Number (optional)]
Example:
Subject: Reservation Request for May 15 at Cafe Kotori Dear Cafe Kotori Team, I hope this message finds you well. My name is Tetsu, and I am planning to visit Omihachiman on May 15. I would like to make a reservation for 2 people at your café at 2:00 PM. Could you please confirm availability for this date and time? Additionally, if there are any special instructions or requirements, please kindly let me know. Thank you very much for your assistance. I look forward to your reply. Best regards, Tetsu tetsu@example.com
2. Telephone Reservation Quick Guide
- Call during weekdays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM JST.
- Start with: “Hello, this is [Your Name]. I’d like to make a reservation, please.”
- Clearly state date, time, and number of people.
- Speak slowly and clearly. Ask “Do you speak English?” if needed.
- Confirm details and request confirmation.
3. Important Tips
- Be flexible with times if fully booked.
- Inform promptly if you need to cancel.
- Mention allergies or special requests upfront.
- Always ask for confirmation email/message.
4. Sample Phone Script
Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I want to make a reservation for [number of people] on [Date] at [Time]. Is that available? Thank you!
5. Contact Summary
| Shop/Café Name | Phone Number | Email Address | Reservation Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cafe Kotori | +81 740-26-8567 | info@cafekotori.com | Best to email on weekdays |
| Suisha no Sato | +81 740-33-2166 | contact@suishanosato.jp | Phone recommended |
| Taneya Chaya | +81 740-33-3131 | info@taneya.jp | Walk-ins ok, groups email ahead |
| Pelican Coffee | +81 740-22-5522 | info@pelicancoffee.jp | Walk-ins preferred |
| Cafe El Sol | +81 740-33-7087 | info@cafeelsol.jp | Phone on weekends recommended |
| Cafe TRIM | +81 740-25-7890 | info@cafetrim.com | Phone reservations accepted |
| Bar Capriccio | +81 740-23-5557 | Instagram DM preferred | Evening visits, call preferred |
6. 予約メールテンプレート（日本語版）
件名: [日付]の予約について（[店名]） [店名] ご担当者様 お世話になっております。 私の名前は[あなたの名前]と申します。[日付]に[人数]名で貴店を訪問したく、[希望時間（例：午後2時）]の予約をお願いしたくご連絡いたしました。 ご予約の空き状況をお知らせいただけますでしょうか。また、何か注意事項などございましたらご教示いただけますと幸いです。 お忙しいところ恐れ入りますが、どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。 [あなたの名前] [メールアドレス] [電話番号（任意）]
例文：
件名: 5月15日の予約について（カフェコトリ） カフェコトリ ご担当者様 お世話になっております。 私の名前はテツと申します。5月15日に2名で貴店を訪問したく、午後2時の予約をお願いしたくご連絡いたしました。 ご予約の空き状況をお知らせいただけますでしょうか。また、何か注意事項などございましたらご教示いただけますと幸いです。 お忙しいところ恐れ入りますが、どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。 テツ tetsu@example.com