Ohmi

Ohmi, also romanized as Ōmi or Omi, was a historic province of Japan located in the area of modern Shiga Prefecture. The province centered on Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, and its geography supported valleys and lake routes that linked Kyoto with eastern provinces. In the Heian and medieval periods, Ohmi served as an important corridor for trade and movement within the Kinai region, with waterways and roads facilitating commerce and communication.

In terms of administration and borders, Ohmi formed part of the central and western regions of Japan’s early state system. Its capital or major centers included areas around present-day Ōtsu and other lake-adjacent towns. The province played a role in the region’s political and economic life, and its proximity to Kyoto helped shape cultural and religious exchanges with the capital.

Economically, Ohmi was known for its merchants and artisans. The Ōmi merchants (Ōmi shōnin) developed extensive trading networks across Japan during the Edo period, contributing to the province’s enduring commercial legacy. The province also retained religious and cultural sites connected to the Lake Biwa basin and the broader Kyoto region.

During the Meiji Restoration and subsequent reforms, the old provinces were reorganized into prefectures, and Ohmi became part of Shiga Prefecture. The name Ohmi remains in historical references and in the cultural memory of the region, with many traditions and place-names continuing to reflect its historical presence around Lake Biwa.