八幡堀
八幡堀は、近江八幡の商業発展に大きな役割を果たした人工の水路である。1585年、八幡山城の防御のためと同時に、琵琶湖と町を結ぶ運河として建設された。この運河と湖を利用した物資の輸送が町の繁栄に貢献し、地元の商人は全国に勢力を拡大することになった。
戦後、八幡堀は運河として利用されなくなり、排水のヘドロで埋まるようになった。1970年代、市は堀を埋め立てる計画を打ち出したが、町の遺産が失われることを懸念した住民たちは、水路の保存運動を始めた。その努力が実り、かつての美しさを取り戻した八幡堀は現在、伝統的な船に乗って散策することができる。
Hachimanbori Moat
The Hachimanbori Moat is an artificial waterway that played a significant role in the commercial development of Omihachiman. The moat was constructed in 1585 as part of the defense works for Hachimanyama Castle but also as a canal connecting the town with Lake Biwa. The transport of goods via the canal and the lake contributed to the town’s prosperity and helped local merchants extend their influence throughout Japan.
In the decades after World War II, Hachimanbori ceased to be used as a canal and began to fill with sludge from local drainage. In the 1970s, the city government proposed a plan to fill in the moat, but residents were concerned about the loss of the town’s heritage and began a campaign to save the waterway. As a result of their efforts, Hachimanbori was restored to its former beauty, and visitors can now explore the waterway on traditional-style boats.
