Shiga’s Tourism Design as Seen from Ōmi-Hachiman

Hello, this isKototsuki Design.

Omihachiman is one of the landscapes that symbolizes Shiga. Of course, the famous sights left a lasting impression. But what stayed with me even more was the beauty of the way the entire town “blends together”—a sense of comfort that washed over me as I walked through it.

In this post, rather than simply touring the sights, I’ll interpret the “aesthetic sense of mutual recognition and coexistence” that flows through this town from a designer’s perspective, distilling it into four design principles. In fact, these principles are the very same values we cherish when designing our own website.

Sincerity Toward Materials: “Believe, Don’t Just Decorate”

My time in Ōmihachiman began with lunch at Kōkoan. This is a somewhat unusual dining spot housed in a traditional Japanese house, which also serves as the workshop of a seal engraver.

“An artisan’s workshop” and “a dining spot.” Looking back, this space itself—where two different livelihoods coexist seamlessly within a single old building—may have been the first glimpse of the theme of “coexistence” that we would later experience throughout the entire town.

The dishes we were served were unpretentious, yet had a very natural feel—as if they firmly believed in the inherent power of the ingredients themselves. Rather than surprising us with flashy presentations, they gently offered the true goodness of what was born from the earth, just as it is.

The same principle applies to website design. Rather than layering on decorations or flashy effects, a design that trusts in a company’s inherent strengths—its products, services, and the words of the people who work there—and conveys them directly is ultimately what resonates most.

An experience cannot be created through a one-way street: “The relationship between the viewer and the viewed”

We make our way to “Hachimanbori,” a symbol of the city. It is an artificial waterway once built to protect the castle and transport people and goods throughout the town.

A boat glides slowly along this canal. The back of the person rowing and the passengers swaying gently on board.That scene was more than just a “beautiful view” for those simply watching; it was a “tourist experience” in itself, savored by both those on the boat and those who witnessed it. Passengers enjoy the view from the water’s surface, while pedestrians feel a sense of charm in the scenery featuring the boat. They complement each other, creating a single, enriching moment.

Websites, in fact, are built on the same principle. If the operators simply list “what they want to show” in a one-sided manner, it does not create a meaningful experience. Only when the design takes into account how visitors feel and how they interact does it become a truly enjoyable experience.

Novelty does not negate tradition; it coexists with it

As the rain begins to fall, I walk down Shinmachi Street, enveloped by the texture of the damp stone walls and roof tiles. Take, for example, the doctor’s office housed in a traditional Japanese home. The sign—featuring “transparent acrylic panels and dark-colored lettering” set within a wooden frame—blended seamlessly into the scenery, allowing the building’s texture to shine through.

The same is true of the shops and restaurants lining the street. Rather than forcefully asserting “convenience” or “newness,” they respect the context of the town and simply exist within it. New elements do not negate the old history but are added with respect.

This is an important perspective to keep in mind when redesigning a website as well. Aligning with the latest trends is entirely different from erasing the unique identity a company has built up over time.We place great importance on “complementing” a company’s unique character with a new form. As these small overlaps quietly accumulate, they create an unshakable sense of comfort throughout the entire town. This may be a form of aesthetic sensibility unique to Shiga—one that resonates with the sense of harmony we prioritize in our website design.

Small choices foster a sense of attachment

At the end of our stroll, we headed to Jinnosuke Coffee.

We were warmly welcomed and treated to iced coffee and a rich cheesecake.

Glancing at the shelf, I noticed a row of stylish mugs. I was told that if you order hot coffee, you can choose your favorite one from the selection, and they’ll brew it for you. Being able to choose “one just for yourself”—that small joy seems to speak volumes about the kindness of this shop.

Similarly, a website is more memorable when it leaves a little breathing room—allowing visitors to find “what suits them”—rather than being rigidly structured down to the last detail with the creator’s intentions.

Summary

As I sipped my coffee and reflected on my visit, what left the strongest impression—more than the buildings or famous landmarks themselves—was, after all, the “spirit of the town.” It’s not about making things stand out, nor is it simply about arranging them in order; it’s the power of everything acknowledging and interacting with one another to create the landscape.

Sincerity toward materials, interactive experiences, approachable innovation, and the freedom to choose. These four lessons we learned from Ōmihachiman are precisely the principles we cherish when creating our own website. Perhaps there is still more of this “beautiful coexistence” hidden throughout Shiga.