Nagahama Castle Historical Museum

The castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1574 (the 2nd year of Tensho Era), or during the Hashiba era, after he had united the country. The name of the area, which was called "Imahama" at that time, was changed to "Nagahama", and a town was constructed and developed around the castle. It was the first castle built by Hideyoshi as a feudal lord and is known as the "Castle of Success". The castle was abandoned in the Edo period, and its remains can be seen in the Tenbin Yagura, Tower of Hikone Castle.

In 1983, the castle was rebuilt with donations from the citizens, and the architecture of the Azuchi-Momoyama period was revived after all these years. The inside is open to the public as a history museum. On the second and third floors, the history of Nagahama and the relationship between Hideyoshi and Nagahama are introduced with various materials, and special exhibitions are also held. In particular, the permanent exhibition on the theme of "Hideyoshi and Nagahama" introduces warlords associated with Nagahama, including Hideyoshi and Ishida Mitsunari. It also presents the construction of Nagahama Castle, with materials and dioramas that are easy to understand, allowing visitors to learn more about the history of Nagahama.

The observation deck on the 5th floor has a corridor that goes around and offers a view of Lake Biwa and the Kohoku area.