Gi to Kizuna Hall is a limited-time exhibition facility centered on the Azai clan and the three Azai sisters—Chacha, Hatsu, and Gō—where visitors can learn about the battles of northern Ōmi, including the Battle of Anegawa and the Battle of Odani Castle, through videos and display panels. Located next to a roadside station, it is also a convenient place to stop for some historical context before heading toward Odani Castle.
The venue is located just west of the roadside station “Azai Sanshimai no Sato” in the former Higashi-Azai Chamber of Commerce and Industry office. Opening hours are 10:00–17:00, with last admission at 16:30. Admission is ¥200 for adults and free for high school students and younger. Because details may change, it is best to check the official updates before visiting.
Below, I have summarized how to get there by car or bus, what the interior is like, the photography rules, and tips for visiting together with Odani Castle.
In 2026, in conjunction with the NHK Taiga drama Toyotomi Brothers!, the Kita-Ōmi Toyotomi Expo is being held in Nagahama, a city closely connected to the Toyotomi brothers. As part of the event, the exhibition facility “Gi to Kizuna Hall” has been set up right next to the roadside station “Azai Sanshimai no Sato,” a convenient stop in the Azai and Odani Castle town area of Uchiho-chō, Nagahama.
This is not the kind of facility where you simply look at props from the drama. Instead, it follows the history of the Azai clan and the lives of the three Azai sisters—Chacha, Hatsu, and Gō through videos and explanatory panels. Events such as the Battle of Anegawa and the fall of Odani Castle can feel distant if you only follow a timeline, but here they are presented through a more personal narrative, such as what happened to Nagamasa’s family afterward, making the history much easier to absorb.
There also appear to be periods when hands-on events are held in addition to the regular exhibits, so it is worth checking the official website before you go.
Because it is right next to the roadside station, you can easily stop by while taking a restroom break or doing some shopping. It is an ideal place to prepare before visiting Odani Castle.
Suggested visit time: Although no official estimate is listed, I spent about 25 minutes viewing the exhibits. This may vary depending on crowds and how much of the video content you watch.
Venue: Just west of the roadside station “Azai Sanshimai no Sato” The venue is the former Higashi-Azai Chamber of Commerce and Industry office.
Exhibition period: February 1 to December 20, 2026
Opening hours: 10:00–17:00, with last admission at 16:30. Hours may change due to organizer circumstances.
Closed: Generally open every day, though temporary closures may occur due to organizer circumstances.
For the latest information, check the official page before visiting.
Official URL: https://www.nagahama-sengoku.jp/kizuna/
Access
Address: 2843 Uchiho-chō, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture. This is the same address as the roadside station “Azai Sanshimai no Sato.”
Driving is the easiest option: Because the site is some distance from central Nagahama, coming by car works well, especially since you can use the parking area attached to the roadside station. It is located along National Route 365. There are also several rental car and car-sharing options around Nagahama Station.
It takes about 20 minutes by car from Nagahama Station. Travel time to the roadside station may vary depending on traffic conditions.
Public transportation: Take a local bus from Nagahama Station. Because the name of the bus stop may vary depending on the service, it is safest to check the latest timetable or route search by setting “Michi-no-Eki Azai Sanshimai no Sato” as your destination.
Admission
| Type | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Adults | ¥200 |
| High school students and younger | Free | |
| Groups 20 people or more | Adults | ¥150 |
| High school students and younger | Free | |
| 3-Facility Combo Ticket Taiga Drama Museum, Gi to Kizuna Hall, and Daitsūji Temple See here for details | Adults | ¥1,000 |
| Elementary and junior high school students | Not available |
Visitors with a physical disability certificate, rehabilitation certificate, or similar documentation, plus one accompanying person, are admitted free of charge. Eligibility follows the official guidance.
Photos Inside the Hall
Inside the hall, there were a variety of portraits and historical explanation panels on display.
There were also materials about the conflict between Nobunaga and Nagamasa.
There were quite a few portraits as well.
Important notes: Photography is not permitted except at designated spots, and video recording is prohibited. Eating, drinking, smoking, and phone calls are also not allowed inside the hall.
How to Visit Together with Odani Castle: Recommended Route
Recommended order: Gi to Kizuna Hall → Odani Castle, from the foot of the mountain to the climb
If you first learn the background of the Azai clan, the three Azai sisters, the Battle of Anegawa, and the Battle of Odani Castle at Gi to Kizuna Hall, the terrain and remaining features at Odani Castle will be much easier to understand once you arrive.
Visiting by Car: The Most Reliable Option
- First, head to the roadside station “Azai Sanshimai no Sato,” located next to Gi to Kizuna Hall, along National Route 365.
- After that, continue toward Odani Castle. Odani Castle is commonly described as being near the Odani Castle Smart IC.
Visiting by Public Transportation: Planning Required
- Many routes to Odani Castle start with a walking approach from JR Kawake Station, while Gi to Kizuna Hall, at the roadside station, has a different nearest station.
- The most reliable route is to return once to Nagahama Station and then travel via Kawake Station.
- It is about a 4 km walk to the Sengoku Guide Station.
- Because services are limited, it is best to check the route each time with a route search when traveling from Gi to Kizuna Hall to Odani Castle.
Note for Peak Travel Seasons: Shuttle Buses May Operate in Some Years
During peak travel seasons, there are sometimes announcements about a shuttle bus connecting the Sengoku Guide Station at the foot of the mountain with the Bansho Site halfway up. Operating dates vary by year and season.
FAQ
- Is it easy to get there from the nearest station without getting lost?
If you are driving, set your destination to “Michi-no-Eki Azai Sanshimai no Sato.” The venue is just west of it. - How much time should I allow?
No official estimate is listed. I spent about 25 minutes viewing the exhibits, though this may vary depending on crowds and how much of the video content you watch. - Can I visit even if it rains?
Yes. The exhibition is indoors, and because it is next to the roadside station, it is easy to take shelter nearby. Note that the hall closes at 17:00 and last admission is at 16:30, so be careful if visiting later in the day. - Are there actual ruins here, or is it a reconstruction?
Gi to Kizuna Hall is an exhibition facility. For historical remains, it is best to combine your visit with nearby sites such as the Odani Castle ruins. - Is it suitable for children or older visitors?
Because it is next to the roadside station, it is easy to take breaks. However, there are rules inside the hall regarding photography, eating, drinking, and other activities. - Can I take photos?
Photography is not permitted except at designated spots, and video recording is prohibited. - Are goshuin temple or shrine stamps available?
No. Since this is an exhibition facility, goshuin are not offered.
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