Imagine stepping into a real-life fairytale where delectable sweets meet breathtaking natural beauty. That's La Collina Ōmihachiman, and if you're craving a unique travel experience, it's calling your name. But here's where it gets interesting: it's not just about the sugar rush; it's a testament to sustainability and the power of nature.
Located on the southeastern shore of Lake Biwa, in the charming city of Ōmihachiman, La Collina has transformed the former grounds of a public leisure facility into Shiga Prefecture's crown jewel of tourism. Prepare to be captivated by stunning pastoral views and an array of sweet treats that will leave you wanting more.
Think of it as stepping into a scene straight out of a Ghibli anime. Nestled at the foot of Mount Hachiman, southeast of the glistening Lake Biwa, La Collina Ōmihachiman isn't your average sweets shop. Since opening its doors in 2015, it has proudly held the title of Shiga Prefecture's top tourist destination for an impressive nine consecutive years. Both Japanese and international visitors flock to this remarkable place, which was even honored with a Cool Japan Award in 2025.
Sprawling across 11.5 hectares of lush natural landscape, La Collina serves as the flagship store of the Taneya Group, a confectionery company with roots dating back to 1872. Initially, Taneya made a name for itself with traditional Japanese sweets like kuri-manjū (chestnut and white bean paste buns), monaka (bean jam wafers), and dorayaki (bean paste pancakes). Following World War II, the company expanded its horizons to include Western-style sweets. From the 1980s onwards, they strategically opened outlets within department stores throughout Japan. Their Club Harie brand, known for its exquisite Baumkuchen (a classic German cake) and other delectable cakes and cookies, boasts shops and upscale cafés across the country. La Collina, meaning "the hill" in Italian, is truly a haven for those with a sweet tooth. This flagship store showcases the full spectrum of Taneya's treats, while also offering fascinating factory tours that provide a glimpse into their meticulous production methods.
But La Collina is more than just a confectionery paradise; it's a feast for the eyes. The architecture, conceived by architect and architectural historian Fujimori Terunobu, is designed to seamlessly blend with the majestic mountains and surrounding rural landscape. The roof of the main shop is even covered in grass! Inside, you'll find a vast selection of Taneya and Club Harie sweets, while the upstairs café serves freshly made dorayaki and beverages. And with a seemingly endless array of souvenirs, you might find yourself lingering longer than you planned.
Beyond the main shop, the expansive grounds are scattered with numerous buildings, many sporting grass-covered roofs, nestled amidst terraced rice fields and paddies. Unique structures, like the cylindrical factory resembling a slice of Baumkuchen, the copper-roofed head office, and whimsical earthen towers with tiny doors and windows, add to the enchanting atmosphere. It's no surprise that social media is flooded with descriptions comparing the fairy-tale-like scenery to a Studio Ghibli anime. And this is the part most people miss: the integration of architecture and nature creates an immersive experience that transcends simply buying sweets.
One of the biggest draws at La Collina is, without a doubt, the freshly baked mini Baumkuchen. These have been a beloved favorite since the very beginning. Since 2023, with the opening of the Baum Factory, visitors can now savor these delightful treats straight from the oven.
Baumkuchen, which translates to "tree cake" in German, is celebrated for its layered cross-section, reminiscent of a tree's growth rings. The cake batter is thinly spread onto a cylinder that rotates within the oven, with successive layers of batter added gradually.
Club Harie's Baumkuchen are allowed to rest overnight to enhance their moisture. However, when enjoyed fresh from the oven, they boast an incredibly light and fluffy texture. This is a taste that can only be experienced directly at the factory, on the same day, and visitors gain a deeper appreciation for it after witnessing the painstaking processes involved firsthand.
The gift shop, designed to resemble a garage, houses an outlet of J’Oublie le Temps, Club Harie's bakery from the city of Hikone. Adjacent to it is a food court and kitchen van, offering a diverse menu of savory and sweet options, including okowa (steamed glutinous rice) topped with Ōmi beef, red konnyaku soup (a local specialty), soft-serve ice cream, and beverages. A light lunch here leaves you with just enough room to indulge in sweets for the rest of your visit.
A café operated by Kurihyappon, a brand specializing in the Portuguese-inspired sponge cake castella, is adorned with chestnut wood beams (a nod to the brand name). The outdoor seating area, surrounded by picturesque fields, provides a tranquil setting to savor the delicious sweets. According to public relations representative Uehara Yūka, visitors are captivated by the ever-changing natural scenery, which undoubtedly lures many tourists back to La Collina.
La Collina's success is rooted in a deep appreciation for nature. The property, which previously housed a resort operated by Japan's public pension fund (complete with a hotel, golf driving range, and swimming pool), underwent a transformation starting in 2009. The goal was to restore the natural rural village environment, based on the conviction that learning from nature is crucial for producing safe food. The entire property was cleared, and the soil was repeatedly plowed and planted.
Today, employees meticulously cultivate organic rice and over 450 varieties of wild plants by hand. The property also hosts various tours and workshops, giving people opportunities to participate in tree planting, terrace rice farming, and other activities. La Collina is more than just a sweets paradise; it's a place where visitors can connect with nature through all their senses. With the growing emphasis on sustainability, it's easy to see why it has become Shiga's leading attraction.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that La Collina, despite its focus on nature, is still a commercial enterprise capitalizing on the "natural" aesthetic. Is it truly a genuine effort at sustainability, or is it cleverly disguised marketing? What do you think?
La Collina Ōmihachiman
- Address: 615-1 Kitanoshō-chō, Ōmihachiman, Shiga Prefecture
- Open: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (food court: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm)
- Closed: January 1
- Access: Approx. 10 minutes from JR Ōmihachiman Station by Ōmi Tetsudō bus to Kitanoshō La Collina bus stop
- Official website: https://taneya.jp/la_collina/
(Originally published in Japanese. Reporting, text, and photos by Nippon.com.)
So, what do you think? Is La Collina a genuine celebration of nature and sustainability, or is it primarily a cleverly marketed tourist attraction? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
