Omihachiman Shinmachi-dōri

　Shinmachi-dōri, a 2-kilometre stretch of streets lining the town of the Omi merchants, is a 30-minute walk from Omihachiman Station. Lined with residences dating from the late Edo period through to the Meiji era, it has been designated a Nationally Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

　The Omi merchants, based in Hachiman and other parts of Omi Province, expanded their business throughout Japan. The philosophy of ‘Sanpo-yoshi’—conducting business that benefits the seller, the buyer and society as a whole—is said to have been popularised by Chubei Ito, the founder of Itochu Corporation.

　Among the Omi merchants, the merchants of Hachiman in particular ventured overseas at an early stage; in the 17th century, Nishimura Taroemon successfully traded with Vietnam, whilst Shamuya Kanbei did the same with Thailand.

　It is possible to visit as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, and it is a highly recommended destination for those wishing to take a leisurely stroll through the historic streetscape.