Azuchi Castle Museum

Azuchi Castle Museum in Omihachiman, Shiga, is a facility that shares the full appeal of Azuchi Castle, a magnificent fortress built by Oda Nobunaga, a leading warlord of the Sengoku period. Nobunaga aimed to rule all of Japan and brought political innovations, and the splendid Azuchi Castle is a symbol of that vision.

Inside the museum, there’s plenty to see, including reproductions inspired by the lavish wall and screen paintings of Azuchi Castle by Kano Eitoku, and the Azuchi Library collection of valuable books related to Nobunaga. The must-see highlight is a 1/20-scale reconstructed model of Azuchi Castle! With its gold-leaf roof tiles shining, the tenshu (main keep) and gorgeous interiors are realistically recreated, giving you a sense of Nobunaga’s ambition to unify the country.

There’s also an experience corner where you can try on Nobunaga’s Nanban-style armor (reservation required), plus a cafe where you can enjoy family-crest cappuccinos. The souvenir corner also sells original Nobunaga-themed goods.

It’s also just a short walk from the station, so why not stop by and experience Nobunaga’s larger-than-life scale for yourself?