Spots List

Tarobogu Shrine

Tarobogu Shrine

"Tarobogu (Aga Shrine)," enshrined on Mt. Akagami in Higashiomi City, is a power spot where professional athletes and business leaders from all over Japan come to pray as a deity of victory and happiness. The approach passing between the massive "Wedded Rocks" soaring midway up the mountain is overwhelming, with a legend that liars will be crushed if they pass through. From the high elevation of the precincts, you can overlook the peaceful rural scenery of the Omi Basin, experiencing a sacred atmosphere like a shrine floating in the sky. The dynamic landscape where natural giant rocks and faith become...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Koka City

Located in southeastern Shiga, Koka City is the world-famous home of the "Koka Ninja" and a cultural city renowned as the production center of "Shigaraki-yaki," one of Japan's six ancient kilns. It's packed with unique Japanese charms found nowhere else, such as trick experiences at authentic ninja houses and tanuki figurines overflowing in the town. Surrounded by deep mountains, the terrain is also suitable for tea cultivation, allowing visitors to enjoy high-quality products like "Asamiya Tea." For history fans, craft enthusiasts, and overseas fans interested in ninjas through anime and movies, it is an exciting area to touch Japan's "authentic...

Shiga
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Eigen-ji Temple

Eigen-ji Temple

"Eigen-ji Temple" in Higashiomi City is the head temple of the Eigen-ji branch of the Rinzai sect, founded in 1361. It is especially renowned as a spot for autumn foliage, and the sight of burning red maples coloring the tranquil precincts is a spectacular view symbolizing autumn in Japan. The mountain gate and Buddha hall, standing along the clear streams of the Echi River, harmonize with the deep mountains and let you feel the dignified spirit of Zen. Trying zazen (meditation) in the precincts or enjoying the famous "Eigen-ji Konnyaku" is also a highlight of the trip. For travelers wanting...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shigaraki Tanuki Village

Shigaraki Tanuki Village

Located in Shigaraki, Koka City, "Tanuki Village" is Japan's largest display and sales spot for Shigaraki-yaki tanuki (raccoon dog) figurines. The sight of thousands of tanuki in various sizes is breathtaking, and their humorous expressions are extremely popular as photo spots for international travelers. The facility offers extensive "pottery experiences" and "painting experiences" where you can actually touch the clay, allowing you to learn about traditional Japanese crafts while having fun. With a tour of climbing kilns and a restaurant serving local ingredients, it's an entertainment facility where you can enjoy the village of Japanese crafts with all five senses,...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hikone City

Located on the east bank of Lake Biwa, Hikone City is a historical city where the atmosphere of a beautiful castle town centered on the National Treasure "Hikone Castle" still remains strongly. Around the castle, areas like "Yume Kyobashi Castle Road," which recreates the streetscapes of the Edo period, and samurai residences are scattered, making it the best environment for enjoying historical strolls. It is also famous as the production area for "Omi Beef," one of Japan's top-class brand wagyu, where you can savor authentic tastes at famous restaurants in the city. Craft cultures such as traditional "Hikone Buddhist Altars"...

Shiga
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Nature
Spring
Summer
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Shigaraki-yaki Meizan Pottery

Shigaraki-yaki Meizan Pottery

"Meizan Pottery," an established Shigaraki ware kiln continuing since the 1600s, is a workshop that continues to create innovative works suited to modern lifestyles while respecting tradition. Within the vast grounds, a climbing kiln that lets you feel history, a sophisticated gallery, and a space for pottery experiences are fully equipped. Especially, sake vessels and interior goods utilizing the warmth of Shigaraki's earth are highly regarded by international travelers for their simple and powerful beauty. Observing artisans' work up close and actually touching the earth to create a work will be the best opportunity to feel Japanese craft culture closely...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Omi Ikkan-bari Ebitani Kogei

Omi Ikkan-bari Ebitani Kogei

"Ebitani Kogei" in Aisho Town is a workshop that continues to protect the techniques of Shiga Prefecture's traditional craft "Omi Ikkan-bari," which has a history of over 400 years. These crafts, made by applying washi paper to baskets woven from bamboo and finishing them with lacquer, are surprisingly light and have a unique flavor where the luster increases the more they are used. The workshop also offers an experience course for applying washi paper, allowing you to experience with your own hands the "spirit of valuing things," which can be said to be the forerunner of Japan's recycling culture. It...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Ichiewado

"Ichiewadō" in Otsu City is an experiential cultural facility that conveys the charm of traditional Japanese Sukiya architecture and tea rooms to the present day. While gazing at the beautiful garden, you can touch on unique Japanese techniques such as the tea ceremony, traditional wagashi making, and even Kumiko woodwork. Thanks to careful guidance by skilled artisans and instructors, even first-time international travelers can learn the "Heart of Wa (Harmony)" with peace of mind. Setting itself apart from flashy tourism, it will be a special hideaway for sensitive travelers who want to leisurely savor Japanese spirituality and the depth of...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
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Winter

Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei

Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei

"Enryakuji Temple," spreading across Mt. Hiei with Lake Biwa below, is a World Heritage site known as the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism. Established by Saicho, this sacred site features the Konpon Chudo hall where the "Inextinguishable Dharma Lamp" has burned for over 1,200 years without ever going out, along with over 100 temple buildings scattered across the vast mountain. Walking through the precincts surrounded by deep forests, one feels the dignified sacred air and the weight of long history, providing deep spiritual inspiration to visitors. From ascetic training experiences in the lodgings to the spectacular view of Lake Biwa...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Otsu City

Otsu City, the capital of Shiga Prefecture, is a city where history and nature harmonize brilliantly, having once been Japan's capital (Otsu-kyo). Home to the World Heritage site "Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei," it has flourished since ancient times as a gateway to sacred sites. Located at the southern tip of Lake Biwa, it offers extensive lake-based entertainment, such as the massive "Biwako Flower Fountain" and cruises on the sightseeing boat Michigan. Despite its excellent location just 10 minutes by train from Kyoto, you can luxuriously enjoy quiet temple tours, hot springs, and lakeside strolls, making it ideal for travelers...

Shiga
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Higashiomi City

Higashiomi City

Located in eastern Shiga, Higashiomi City is a city where rich rural culture and history breathe within a vast area stretching from the Suzuka Mountains to Lake Biwa. It is dotted with spots where you can deeply learn about Japan's spiritual culture and commercial history, such as ancient temples associated with Prince Shotoku and the townscape of Gokasho, the roots of Omi Merchants. The city also features attractive regional events like Eigen-ji Temple with its beautiful autumn foliage and the powerful "Yokkaichi Giant Kite." With thriving natural activities like cycling and camping, it is a profound area where you can...

Shiga
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimido

Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimido

"Ukimidō" at Mangetsu-ji Temple in Katata, Otsu City, is a Buddhist hall built jutting out into Lake Biwa, known worldwide as "The Descending Geese of Katata" from the Eight Views of Omi. Established in the Heian period to pray for safety on the lake, this hall appears mystical as if floating on the water and is extremely popular with international travelers as a photo spot. Walking the corridor surrounding the hall, you can overlook a vast panorama of Lake Biwa while directly feeling the breeze from the lake. The scenery woven by the pine tree avenues and historic architecture symbolizes...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kita Biwako Hotel Grazie

Kita Biwako Hotel Grazie

"Kita Biwako Hotel Grazie," standing on the lakeshore in Nagahama City, is an attractive hotel with a sophisticated design reminiscent of Venice, Italy. The panoramic view of Lake Biwa spreading before your eyes is overwhelming, and the sight of the sky and lake dyed orange at sunset is especially engraved deeply in the hearts of visitors. Located very close to Nagahama Port, it is extremely convenient as a sightseeing base for Chikubushima. You can enjoy French, Italian, and Japanese cuisine utilizing fresh local ingredients, providing a comfortable stay that merges the historical atmosphere of a regional Japanese city with high-quality...

Shiga
Accommodation
Spring
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Ogoto

Located on the west bank of Lake Biwa, "Ogoto" is a hot spring area spreading at the foot of Mt. Hiei, boasting a history of approximately 1,200 years. The alkaline simple spring water, known as "hot water for beautiful skin," elegantly heals the fatigue of travel. Many ryokans feature open-air baths overlooking Lake Biwa, promising a blissful time as you gaze at the sunrise or the night moon over the lake. With good access to Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, it is also ideal as a base for pilgrimage. It is Shiga's premier hot spring resort area, filled with heartwarming...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

GLAMP ELEMENT

Located at the foot of Mt. Ibuki in Maibara City, "GLAMP ELEMENT" is one of Japan's largest glamping facilities. Stylish tents and cabins arranged around a large pond offer hotel-level comfort and the liberating feeling of nature simultaneously. Luxurious BBQs enjoyed on private decks and canoeing on the pond provide extensive outdoor experiences. At night, you can spend romantic time around a campfire while gazing at the starry sky, making it ideal for travelers who want to luxury-refresh in Japanese nature away from city bustle.

Shiga
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kaizu-osaki Peninsula

Kaizu-osaki Peninsula

Located in northwestern Lake Biwa, "Kaizu-osaki" is a scenic spot counted as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa. In spring, about 800 cherry trees along the lake bloom for about 4km, selected as one of Japan's "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots." The dynamic scenery woven by cherry blossoms viewed from a cruise ship and the steep reefs in the background is an overwhelming beauty found nowhere else. Besides driving and cycling, kayaking on the quiet lake surface is also popular. The unique silence of Oku-Biwa and the brilliance of highly transparent water provide healing and inspiration to visitors.

Shiga
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hikone Castle

A National Treasure representing Shiga Prefecture, "Hikone Castle" is a very precious fortification where the Edo-period keep remains as it was. Its white castle walls and graceful curved rooflines are beautiful, and the architecture combining military function and artistic beauty fascinates castle lovers worldwide. Inside, there are complex structures to deceive enemies and the beautiful daimyo garden "Genkyuen," where you can experience the scenery the feudal lords saw. With performances by the popular character "Hikonyan," it's a historical sanctuary you must visit in Shiga, where heavy history and modern friendliness coexist.

Shiga
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shigaraki Town

"Shigaraki Town" in Koka City is the production center of Shigaraki ware, one of Japan's six ancient kilns. Throughout the town, humorous "Tanuki (raccoon dog) figurines" welcome tourists. The townscape, with its climbing kilns and old brick chimneys, lets you feel the history of traditional Japanese crafts. Many workshops offer pottery-making experiences, and the time spent creating your own original work is highly regarded by travelers seeking cultural experiences. Shigaraki ware, with the simple and powerful warmth of the earth, is loved as vessels coloring Japanese dining tables, making it an attractive town to deeply learn about the connection between...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Lake Biwa

Boasting the largest area in Japan, "Lake Biwa" is the symbol of Shiga Prefecture and one of the world's few ancient lakes with a history of about 4 million years. Activities like cycling (Biwa-ichi), canoeing, and SUP are thriving along the shores, and leisure on the clear waters is extremely popular with international travelers. You can feel the dynamic power of nature with your whole body through the spectacular mountain views surrounding the lake, beautiful sunsets that change expression every season, and mystical islands floating in the lake. With historic temples and hot springs dotted around, it's a supreme area...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hata-no-Kami Toyomitsu Shrine

Hata-no-Kami Toyomitsu Shrine

"Toyomitsu Shrine" in Aisho Town is a historic shrine whose beautiful "Shikyakumon" gate is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. As the name suggests, it's known as the "God of Banners" (Hata-no-Kami), where Sengoku warlords once came to pray for victory. Today, it also draws faith as a deity for "Beauty" and "Beautiful Legs," making it a popular power spot for visitors wishing for beauty and athletes seeking victory. Surrounded by a deep forest, the sacred precincts allow you to quietly feel Japan's natural worship and the culture of prayers passed down through the ages.

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ohmi Railway

With a history since the Meiji era, "Ohmi Railway" is a local railway that runs slowly through eastern Shiga, full of a retro atmosphere. The yellow trains, affectionately nicknamed "Gachakon," and old wooden station buildings are the very image of good old Japan. You can look out over vast rural areas and the beautiful mountains of the Suzuka range from the window, making it perfect for a trip to experience "the authentic Japan" away from major tourist spots. Connecting historical sites like Hikone and Taga Taisha, it's a popular line for railway fans and slow travelers looking to tour Shiga's...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Restaurant Matsukiya

Restaurant Matsukiya

Located in Otsu City, "Matsukiya" is a historic restaurant founded in the Meiji era that spread the charm of "Omi Beef," one of Japan's three major wagyu brands, to the world. You can taste high-quality Omi beef, once appointed to the Imperial Household Agency, through traditional methods like sukiyaki, steak, and shabu-shabu. The meat, with its beautiful marbling, features a melting texture and rich aroma that will surely impress from the first bite. For gourmets wanting to luxuriously experience Japan's top-tier food culture (Wagyu) in a refined space with Japanese charm, this is an unmissable establishment.

Shiga
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Biwako Valley

"Biwako Valley," spreading across a summit at an altitude of 1,100 meters, is one of Shiga's leading mountain resorts offering an overwhelming panoramic view of Lake Biwa. After an aerial walk on the ropeway, you'll find "Biwako Terrace," which feels as if it's floating in the sky, where you can enjoy a world of blue where the sky and lake melt together. With outdoor activities like ziplining in summer, autumn leaves, and a ski resort in winter, you can enjoy dynamic nature year-round. Especially, the panoramic view from the terrace is of Japan's finest beauty, making it a highlight of...

Shiga
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Biwako Hall

Located on the shores of Lake Biwa, "Biwako Hall" is a world-class arts theater known as a hub for opera and classical music in Japan. The building itself is beautiful, with large windows in the lobby offering a panoramic view of the vast lake, allowing for an elegant interlude. It hosts a wide range of programs from authentic opera to traditional arts and contemporary dance, showcasing the high level of Japanese cultural arts. Highly rated by music and architecture lovers, it is a luxurious space where you can enjoy both the beautiful lake view and superb arts.

Shiga
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter