Recommed Tourist Information of Shiga

Tourist Areas in Shiga See more

Hikone Castle, one of the five castles whose castle tower is designated as a national treasure, and the surrounding castle town have been revitalized, creating an area that beautifully reproduces the nostalgic atmosphere of the Edo and Taisho periods with daimyo gardens and museums. There are many historical sites where you can feel the remnants of that time, making it an irresistible city for history fans. Omihachiman, which has developed over time as a water town and a town of Omi merchants, offers a retro atmosphere where you can enjoy a streetscape that feels like a time slip.

Otsu, Mount Hiei

滋賀県

4.3

Otsu is famous for its summer "Biwako Dai Hanabi Taikai" fireworks festival, and the Biwako Kisen, where you can ride on the "Bianca" and enjoy the scenery of Lake Biwa. In addition, there are large amusement facilities, making it a recommended area for couples. At Otsu's symbol, the "Otsu Prince Hotel" and "Minato Park," you can enjoy an elegant time. The "Enryaku-ji Temple" on Mount Hiei has produced many founders of various sects, such as Saicho, the founder of Tendai Buddhism, Honen, the founder of Jodo Buddhism, and Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. It also houses a large number of national treasures and important cultural properties.

Shigaraki, Koka

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4

Shigaraki-cho, Koka City, which was the stage for the morning drama "Scarlet," is known as a town famous for Shigaraki-yaki, which is counted as one of Japan's six ancient kilns. Among them, "tanuki pottery" can be seen everywhere as you drive around, and sometimes there are even very large tanuki, which are also properly made of pottery. Koka is a ninja village, so why not try a ninja experience at the "Koka Ninja House," which is full of tricks?

Nagahama, Maibara

滋賀県

4.2

Nagahama developed as a castle town of "Nagahama Castle" built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for the first time, and prospered as a merchant town along the Hokkoku Kaido in the Edo period, with temples and shrines related to warlords and ancient battlefields scattered around. There are many tourist spots and shops that are perfect for SNS, such as traditional events like the "Nagahama Hikiyama Festival," the retro atmosphere of "Kurokabe Square," and "Chikubu Island" floating in Lake Biwa. Maibara boasts beautiful nature, and its symbol, "Mt. Ibuki," is one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. The mountaintop, where various flowers bloom, is truly a "natural flower garden."

Popular Spots in Shiga Prefecture See more

Shiga Prefecture is a tourist destination where nature and history blend seamlessly, centered around Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. There are a variety of spots scattered throughout the prefecture, such as the "Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum," where you can learn about the relationship between the lake and humans, the "Koka Ninja Village," where you can experience being a ninja, and the park "Shiga Prefectural Ceramic Forest," where you can touch ceramic works. Additionally, at the "MIHO MUSEUM," you can experience ancient art from around the world, and at the "Enryaku-ji Temple" on Mt. Hiei, you can also experience training. もっとみる

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Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum

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This museum focuses on the theme of "Lake and Humans" and teaches about the history and development of Lake Biwa. It is a large museum with the lake as its main feature, and various interactive exhibits are available. The museum offers a fun learning experience for children and adults alike, as it engages all five senses.

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Hieizan Enryaku-ji

滋賀県

Hieizan Enryaku-ji is a World Heritage Site that refers to the entire Hieizan mountain range, which has an elevation of 848m. With a history of approximately 1200 years, there are nearly 150 halls and pagodas within the precincts. There are also training halls where you can experience ascetic practices, and it may be a good idea to try it out to calm your mind or to focus your attention.

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Miho Museum

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This museum houses over 3,000 pieces of ancient art from various regions around the world. It was designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, with the theme of "the fusion of nature, building, and art" and "the fusion of the West and the East". In addition to the art, the restaurant and cafe that serve organic, pesticide-free food are also recommended.

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Azuchi Castle Ruins

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This is the site of a castle built by Oda Nobunaga, who aimed to unify the country, and has been designated as a special historic site by the government. Only the stone walls remain today, but the journey to the complex castle tower ruins may tickle your sense of exploration. Why not enjoy the scenery that Oda Nobunaga saw?

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Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park

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The park has a ceramic theme and includes a museum and art gallery. Inside the museum, you can view works by artists from around the world and purchase souvenirs at the Shigaraki-yaki shop. The outdoor grassy park is perfect for picnics, and it's also a great place to experience ceramic art while enjoying a meal.

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Koka Ninja Village

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This is a theme park where you can learn and experience ninja culture. The park has many exciting facilities, such as the Ninja Museum, the Trick House with many hidden mechanisms, and the Shuriken Dojo where you can experience throwing shuriken. You can rent a ninja costume and enjoy feeling like a real ninja too.

Spots with Historical Buildings

Shiga Prefecture is an attractive tourist destination with beautiful nature and historical buildings centered around Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa. There are many places worth visiting, such as Nagahama Castle Historical Museum, built by Hideyoshi, and Omi Shrine, known for bringing good luck and academic achievement. Additionally, the autumn leaves at Ishiyama Temple and the breathtaking view from Ukimi-do are a must-see. In Shiga Prefecture, you can spend a wonderful time feeling both nature and history. もっとみる

This shrine enshrines Emperor Tenchi, who carried out the Taika Reforms. It is revered as the "god of good fortune" and the "god of guidance," and is believed to bring good luck, ward off evil, and aid in academic pursuits. The grounds are surrounded by nature, and there are many highlights such as the bright red tower gate and Japan's first water clock.

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Nagahama Castle Historical Museum

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This is a castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which is now a museum. Exhibitions on the history of Nagahama and Lake Biwa, as well as displays focusing on Hideyoshi and Asai Nagamasa, are held on the second and third floors. It's a must-visit for those who love warlords from the Warring States period. The view of Nagahama's townscape from the observation deck on the fifth floor is very beautiful, as you can see the entire town at a glance.

Ukimido (Mangetsu-ji Temple on Mt. Kaimon)

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Spots to Enjoy Nature

If you want to enjoy nature in Shiga Prefecture, start with Japan's largest lake, "Lake Biwa." You can enjoy fishing and cruising. Also, at "Chikubu Island," you can experience a mysterious power spot and spend a pleasant time with beautiful views. "Mount Ibuki" is also recommended, with trails and scenic spots scattered throughout. And at "Genkyu-en Garden," the charm lies in the Japanese garden with its seasonal beauty. もっとみる

Genkyu-en is a garden located within Hikone Castle, which was developed by the fourth lord of the Ii clan, Naooki Ii. The highlights of the garden are the pond that spreads throughout the garden and the view of the garden that spreads across the pond! It gives you a sense of the beauty of a Japanese garden. The illumination held during the autumn leaves season is also attractive!

With a history of approximately 4 million years, it is the oldest and largest lake in Japan. There is no doubt that you can heal yourself in the large Lake Biwa, which spreads across Shiga Prefecture! You can enjoy unique activities on the lake, such as fishing or taking a boat to Chikubu Island.

Floating on Lake Biwa, it has become a power spot as it has been said that gods have lived there since ancient times. There are many shrines, temples, and important cultural properties on Takeshima. You can also spend a comfortable time of about 30 minutes on a cruise ship before arriving.

Shiga Agriculture Park Blume-no-Oka

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Recommended Spots in Spring

In Shiga Prefecture in spring, beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms in full bloom spreads out. In particular, at the "Yamashina Aqueduct," you can enjoy the collaboration of a nostalgic atmosphere and a cherry blossom-lined path, and at "Kaizu-Osaki," 600 Yoshino cherry trees bloom simultaneously against the backdrop of Lake Biwa. Additionally, the area around "Kawachi Fujian" is covered in fresh greenery, allowing you to savor a refreshing feeling. もっとみる

Kamakake no Byobu-iwa

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Recommended Summer Spots

In the summer, Shiga Prefecture is a great place to enjoy nature in the lush green Katsuragi Valley, or take a boat tour of the waterways lined with traditional wooden houses with the Omi Hachiman Wafune Tourism Cooperative. Don't miss the refreshing scenery of Lake Biwa either. Spend a wonderful summer in Shiga Prefecture, where history and nature blend seamlessly! もっとみる

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Omihachiman Wafune Tourism Cooperative Suigo Meguri

One of the scenic spots known for the Setagawa River. The name "Katsuragi" comes from the legend that a white deer carried Kukai, who was unable to cross the rapid stream. Although the river is narrow and the current is strong, the valley surrounded by greenery is sure to make you feel the greatness and healing power of nature.

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Omigawa Fabric Industry Hall

Kusatsu-juku Road Station

Recommended Spots in Autumn

In autumn, we recommend visiting Nishimyoji Temple, Koryuji Temple, and Hyakusaiji Temple in Shiga Prefecture, where the colorful autumn leaves are beautiful. In particular, the everblooming cherry blossoms at Nishimyoji Temple bloom even in autumn, allowing you to enjoy them along with the autumn foliage. Additionally, don't miss the rock garden at Koryuji Temple. It is a beauty that you won't forget once you visit. もっとみる

Momiji Park at Kanto-ji Temple

滋賀県

Popular Hotels in Shiga Prefecture See more

Accommodations in Shiga Prefecture are diverse, ranging from convenient urban locations to lakeside resorts. Hotels near Kusatsu Station are convenient as a base for business or sightseeing. Additionally, there are high-rise hotels with views of Lake Biwa and resorts with natural hot springs, allowing you to experience the ambiance of each season. Please come and spend a pleasant time in Shiga Prefecture. もっとみる

Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel

3.5

¥13,435~/person

Hotel Boston Plaza Kusatsu

Okubiwako Makino Grand Park Hotel

Hotels Enjoyable for Families with Children

Shiga Prefecture has a wide variety of hotels that are enjoyable for families with children. There are facilities like "Urban Hotel Minami-Kusatsu" that are fully equipped with kids' rooms, as well as places like "Yumoto Kan" where every room has an open-air hot spring bath, allowing the whole family to relax. In addition, you can also enjoy gourmet food, and the all-you-can-eat plan for local snow crabs at "Kame no I Hotel Hikone" is popular. You can spend a pleasant time with the nature unique to Shiga Prefecture. もっとみる

Urban Hotel Minami Kusatsu

KITABIWAKO HOTEL Grazie

Hotel Koo OotsuHyakucho

shiga

3

¥18,712~/person

Hotel & Resorts NAGAHAMA

shiga

3.5

¥11,034~/person

Hotels Famous for Hot Springs

Accommodations in Shiga Prefecture are attractive for their healing spaces surrounded by nature. Especially around the Ogoto Onsen area, you can spend a pleasant time in rooms with open-air baths overlooking the lake or special rooms with a view of Lake Biwa from the top floor. Additionally, you can enjoy natural hot springs at "Kurenai" and "Dantokan Kikunoya." Experience a blissful moment in Shiga Prefecture. もっとみる

Imazu Sun Bridge Hotel

Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel

shiga

4.5

¥15,695~/person

Local Cuisine in Shiga Prefecture

The local cuisine of Shiga Prefecture features dishes that utilize ingredients produced by the abundant nature, such as lake fish and Omi beef. You can enjoy a variety of dishes, including sushi and grilled fish made with fresh fish caught in Lake Biwa, as well as tender and delicious Omi beef steak and curry. When you visit, be sure to try them at least once. もっとみる