Up to the Top of Mount Hachiman!
Mount Hachiman Ropeway
Just behind the Himure Hachimangu area, where shops from the Taneya Group are gathered, is Mount Hachiman. I decided to take the ropeway up to the summit.
Toyotomi Hidetsugu once had his castle on this mountain, but it lasted only a short 10 years. It’s a tourist spot now, but it doesn’t seem to have seen much major investment, and the Hachimanyama Observatory at the top felt a little worn-down, haha.
Inside, there was a distinctive water-based object that definitely showed its age.
Since it was during the BIWAKO Biennale, some artworks were also on display.
Despite being called an observatory, I was struck by how completely the space was filled with exhibits—to the point that you could hardly see the view outside, haha.
After leaving the building, I went for a short walk. The autumn leaves were absolutely beautiful.
Hachimanyama Castle: Nishi-no-Maru Ruins and Honmaru Ruins
I walked over to the Nishi-no-Maru Ruins of Hachimanyama Castle. It’s just a short distance from the ropeway station, and from here you get a sweeping view of Lake Biwa.
There was a stray cat that was oddly comfortable around people, which added to the relaxed atmosphere.
After seeing this spot—the Nishi-no-Maru Ruins—and the Honmaru Ruins, I decided to head back down.
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