Imagine a place where the sweetness of freshly baked treats meets the serene beauty of a rural Japanese landscape, all while evoking the whimsical charm of a Studio Ghibli film. That’s La Collina Ōmihachiman, a destination that has captivated hearts for nearly a decade. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it just a sweets shop, or is it a masterclass in blending tradition, nature, and innovation? Let’s dive in.
Nestled on the southeast shore of Lake Biwa, in the city of Ōmihachiman, La Collina sits on what was once a public leisure facility. Today, it’s Shiga Prefecture’s crown jewel, drawing visitors with its delectable confections and pastoral vistas. Since its opening in 2015, it has consistently ranked as the top tourist attraction in the region, winning both domestic and international acclaim—including the prestigious Cool Japan Award in 2025. But what makes it so special?
A Sweets Shop Like No Other
La Collina is the flagship store of Taneya Group, a confectionery powerhouse founded in 1872. While Taneya initially gained fame for its traditional Japanese sweets—think kuri-manjū (chestnut buns), monaka (bean jam wafers), and dorayaki (pancake sandwiches)—it expanded its repertoire post-World War II to include Western-style treats. By the 1980s, its Club Harie brand had become synonymous with Baumkuchen, a layered German cake, alongside other pastries and cookies. La Collina, whose name means “the hill” in Italian, is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. But it’s more than just a shop; it’s an experience, offering factory tours that reveal the meticulous craftsmanship behind every treat.
Architecture That Blends with Nature
Designed by architect Fujimori Terunobu, La Collina’s buildings seamlessly integrate into the surrounding mountains and countryside. The main shop’s grass-covered roof is just the beginning. Inside, visitors find a treasure trove of Taneya and Club Harie sweets, while the upstairs café serves freshly made dorayaki and beverages. The souvenir selection is so extensive that you’ll likely lose track of time. And this is the part most people miss: the property’s 11.5 hectares are dotted with unique structures, from a cylindrical factory resembling a slice of Baumkuchen to earthen towers with tiny, Instagram-worthy doors.
A Taste of Freshness
The star of La Collina is its mini Baumkuchen, baked fresh daily. Since 2023, the Baum Factory has allowed visitors to witness the entire process—from batter mixing to packaging—through glass windows. Fresh from the oven, the cake has a light, fluffy texture that’s a world apart from its overnight-moistened counterpart. But here’s the question: Is the experience worth it, or is it just a gimmick? We’ll let you decide.
Beyond Sweets: A Celebration of Nature
La Collina isn’t just about indulgence; it’s a testament to sustainability. The property, once a resort, was transformed in 2009 into a rural haven where employees cultivate organic rice and over 450 varieties of wild plants by hand. Visitors can participate in workshops on tree planting, terrace farming, and more. This commitment to nature aligns perfectly with the growing global interest in sustainability, making La Collina a pioneer in its field.
A Few Final Thoughts
As you sip tea in the outdoor seating area, surrounded by fields that change with the seasons, it’s hard not to appreciate La Collina’s unique formula. But we want to hear from you: Is this the future of tourism, or just a passing trend? Does its blend of tradition and innovation resonate with you? Let us know in the comments!
Visit La Collina Ōmihachiman
- Address: 615-1 Kitanoshō-chō, Ōmihachiman, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (food court: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm)
- Closed: January 1
- Access: 10 minutes by Ōmi Tetsudō bus from JR Ōmihachiman Station to Kitanoshō La Collina bus stop
- Website: https://taneya.jp/la_collina/
(Originally published in Japanese. Reporting, text, and photos by Nippon.com.)
