Shiga Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is a prefecture surrounded by mountains such as the Hira Mountains and Mt. Ibuki. In addition to beautiful nature such as the Eight Views of Lake Biwa and the Eight Views of Omi, there are also many historical buildings such as temples and shrines and buildings from the Sengoku period.
This time, we will introduce the highlights of each of the four areas: "Otsu", "Konan & Koka Areas", "Koto & Higashi Omi Areas", and "Kosai & Kohoku Areas". Shiga it is adjacent to Kyoto, so it is perfect to double your fun with two visits!
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Otsu Area: Cruise around Lake Biwa on a sightseeing boat & visit shrines and temples
The Otsu (大津) area is home to most of the "Eight Views of Omi" that were selected as Places of Scenic Beauty around Lake Biwa about 500 years ago. It is the closest to Kyoto in Shiga Prefecture, taking a mere 10 minutes from JR Kyoto Station to JR Otsu Station - just two stations away. Otsu Port has a dock for sightseeing boats that tour Lake Biwa, while off the coast of Otsu Port, the world's largest flower fountain welcomes many visitors. There are many majestic temples and shrines in this area where you can feel the history such as "Hieizan Enryakuji" temple.
Hieizan Enryakuji, the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, is the head temple of the Tendai sect and encompasses the 848-meter-high Mt. Hiei. Opened about 1,200 years ago by the buddhist monk "Saicho", it is one of the most representative temples in the vicinity of Lake Biwa. Since the founders of each sect around the end of the 12th century studied on Mt. Hiei, the temple came to be called the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism.
The vast grounds of Mount Hiei's Enryaku-ji Temple, a Tendai sect headquarters, are divided into three districts, each with its own main hall and over 100 sub-temples. Many buildings such as halls are designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, exuding a deep sense of history and the beauty of Japan surrounded by nature.
*National Treasure Konponchudo Hall is undergoing renovations from 2016 to the end of December 2027 (visiting is possible).
Konan & Koka Areas: Abundance of museums such as Lake Biwa Museum and MIHO MUSEUM
The Konan and Koka areas are dotted with cultural and artistic facilities such as art galleries and museums. One of the spots in the Konan area is the "Lake Biwa Museum", which also has an aquarium where you can see the creatures of Lake Biwa. The best part is that many of the exhibits are touchable. Here you can experience Lake Biwa, one of the world's most ancient lakes, with a history of over 4 million years.
In addition, you can also visit the "Sagawa Art Museum", which holds various special exhibitions centering on the works of Japanese painter Ikuo Hirayama, sculptor Churyo Sato, and the ceramic artist Kichizaemon Raku XV.
After going through the dreamy tunnel, you will find the "MIHO MUSEUM", where excellent works from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia are gathered.
Another popular spot is "Koka Ninja Village", where you can experience being a ninja unique to the birthplace of Koka ninja. The vast grounds are dotted with facilities related to ninja, such as the Ninja Museum and Karakuri Mansion. Let's experience being a ninja at the Ninja Dojo!
Koto & Higashi Omi Areas: Historic towns such as Hikone Castle and Hachimanbori
The two adjacent areas of Koto and Higashi Omi are towns with a sense of history.
In the Koto area, a must-visit is the Hikone Castle, one of the 5 National Treasure castles that still has a National Treasure castle tower. The place is also a viewing spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. During the illumination period in spring and autumn, you can admire the beauty of the castle that stands out in the darkness of the night.
On the other hand, the "Azuchi Castle Ruins" in the Higashi Omi area is a castle that was destroyed in a fire after Nobunaga Oda, the ruler of the Sengoku period, fell in a rebellion just before he could unify the whole country. The stone walls that still remain today give you a taste of local history. Meanwhile, Omihachiman in Higashi Omi area was an area where commerce developed as a castle town from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the Edo period. Nowadays, the boat dock at Hachimanbori has been restored, and the scenery of the white-walled storehouses and old houses lined up conveys the atmosphere of that time.
The Omi merchant houses of "Townscape of Gokasho Kondo" in the neighboring Higashi-Omi area are also famous spots that convey the atmosphere of the castle town to the present day. Be sure to enjoy a retro town walk here.
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Kosai & Kohoku Areas: Beautiful nature such as metasequoia trees
The Kohoku area is blessed with rich nature such as beautiful mountains and cherry blossom viewing spots, while the Kosai area is home to seasonal nature and various activities such as skiing. One of the must-see spots in this area is "Mt. Ibuki", the highest peak in Shiga Prefecture, as well as one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. From the summit at an altitude of about 1,377m, you can see not only Lake Biwa but also the Japanese Alps and Mt. Hiei.
"Kaizu Osaki", which has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots", is also a recommended spot. The cherry blossoms planted along Lake Biwa create a beautiful sight reflecting in the water of Lake Biwa.
And don't miss the metasequoia trees planted for about 2.4km on the prefectural road Koaraji Makinozawa Line. It is characterized by its beautiful appearance that changes with the seasons. In addition, "Shirahige Shrine", with its vermilion-lacquered torii gate towering over the lake, is also a place you'll want to stop by. This shrine is said to bring blessings on everything related to life, such as longevity, marriage, and good luck.
Shopping spots in Shiga Prefecture
Shiga Prefecture has a variety of unique shopping spots, both new and old. Among them, "Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo", one of the largest commercial facilities in western Japan, is a hub of many famous brands and restaurants. There are many rest areas such as chairs, so you can enjoy shopping at your leisure.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy shopping while enjoying the retro atmosphere, we recommend "Kurokabe Square", which is lined with traditional buildings. There is a famous glass workshop, where you can experience glass blowing and stained glass.
Food and restaurants in Shiga Prefecture
Shiga offers many specialty dishes. For example, “Kamonabe” using wild mallard ducks, “Omi Beef”, a luxury brand of Wagyu beef, and “Funazushi”, a traditional fermented product. Dishes that use 8 kinds of fish called Biwako Hacchin are also not to be missed. Many restaurants serving these specialty dishes are gathered around the lakeside, especially in the Koto and Higashi Omi areas.
Hotels, inns and hot springs in Shiga Prefecture
Accommodations in Shiga can be found mainly in the Otsu & Kohoku areas. Among them, Otsu is the area with the most ryokan.
Hotels are concentrated in the central cities of each area, such as Otsu City, Omihachiman City, and Hikone City. If you're looking for the most reasonably priced accommodations, we recommend Otsu City or Kusatsu City in the Konan area. There are plenty of economy hotels specializing in lodging. Room rates range from ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per night. (As of February 2023)
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Recommended hot spring resorts in Shiga Prefecture
Shiga is dotted with various hot springs in each area. One of the must-see spots is "Ogoto Onsen", which is located in Otsu City and has a history of 1,200 years. This hot spring was opened by Saicho, the founder of Hieizan Enryakuji Temple. There are also unique hot springs such as the famous "Sugatani Onsen", which is said that Oichi, the sister of Nobunaga Oda, took a therapeutic bathing, and "Koka Onsen" in Koka City whereShigaraki pottery and ninja are famous. You can enjoy a comfortable time while enjoying Lake Biwa and the rich nature in each area.
Access to Shiga Prefecture
If you want to go to Shiga, then let's head for JR Otsu Station, the center of tourism. To get to JR Otsu Station, it is best to head to JR Kyoto Station from either Tokyo or Osaka. It takes about 10 minutes from JR Kyoto Station on the JR Biwako Line.
Spot information
- Spot name: Shiga Prefecture (JR Otsu Station)
- Address: 1-3 Kasugacho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture 520-0055
- Access: JR Kyoto Station → [JR Biwako Line] about 10 minutes → JR Otsu Station
- Wi-Fi: Available (Biwako Free WiFi)
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