Shiga Prefecture is an attractive tourist destination centered around the majestic Lake Biwa, where nature and history harmonize beautifully. Located in central Japan, this area features historically significant sites surrounding Lake Biwa, which occupies about 1/6 of the prefecture’s total area. These sites include Hikone Castle, a National Treasure, and Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors to Shiga can experience everything from rich natural environments to historical exploration and unique food culture.
This article introduces recommended tourist spots centered around Lake Biwa for first-time visitors or those wanting to discover Shiga’s charm more deeply. We prioritize locations that offer fresh experiences for international travelers, conveying the natural beauty, historical background, and modern attractions of Shiga Prefecture.
Overview of Shiga Prefecture: Nature and History Nurtured by Lake Biwa
Shiga Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu island, surrounded by Fukui, Gifu, Mie, and Kyoto prefectures. Lake Biwa, which spreads across the center of the prefecture, is one of the world’s oldest ancient lakes with a history of about 4 million years. A rich natural environment and unique culture have formed around it. Lake Biwa is also known as a treasure trove of living creatures. Throughout its long 4-million-year history, some of Lake Biwa’s organisms have evolved uniquely, resulting in more than 60 endemic species found nowhere else in the world. In total, over 1,700 aquatic flora and fauna species inhabit the lake.
Flourishing as a key transportation hub since ancient times, Shiga was the stage for numerous battles during the Warring States period and developed as post stations along the Tokaido Road during the Edo period. Known as the homeland of Koga ninja, the area contains many historical heritage sites and hidden gems. Furthermore, unique cultures and foods have been passed down through generations in the Konan, Koto, Kosei, and Kohoku areas on either side of Lake Biwa.
Tourism in Shiga can be broadly divided into three elements: “lakeside tourism” to enjoy the natural scenery around Lake Biwa, “historical and cultural tourism” to visit historical buildings and cultural properties, and “food culture experiences” to taste local specialties and regional cuisine.
Access Information to Shiga Prefecture
The main access routes to Shiga Prefecture are as follows:
From Tokyo:
- Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to “Maibara Station” or “Kyoto Station”
- From Maibara Station, take the JR Biwako Line/Hokuriku Main Line to various locations in the prefecture
- From Kyoto Station, take the JR Biwako Line or Keihan Electric Railway to the Otsu area
From Osaka:
- Take the JR Biwako Line (about 40 minutes by rapid service) to “Otsu Station,” “Kusatsu Station,” “Omihachiman Station,” etc.
- Take the Keihan Electric Railway to the Otsu city area
From Nagoya:
- Take the JR Tokaido Main Line (rapid service) or Tokaido Shinkansen to “Maibara Station”
- Take the Meishin Expressway to various interchanges
Highway Buses:
- Direct buses available from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto to major cities such as Hikone, Nagahama, and Otsu
Main Tourist Areas in Shiga Prefecture
Shiga Prefecture is divided into areas with different attractions centered around Lake Biwa.
Konan Area (Otsu, Kusatsu, Moriyama):
- Adjacent to the ancient capital of Kyoto and includes Otsu, the prefectural capital
- Features spots where history and culture merge, such as Hieizan Enryakuji Temple and Lake Biwa Museum
Koto Area (Hikone, Omihachiman):
- Rich in historical buildings such as Hikone Castle (National Treasure) and townscapes of Omi merchants
- New tourist spots like La Collina Omihachiman are also popular
Kosei Area (Takashima):
- Features beautiful natural landscapes on the western shore of Lake Biwa
- Includes photogenic spots such as the Metasequoia Avenue and Biwako Terrace
Kohoku Area (Nagahama, Maibara):
- Towns with unique cultures such as Kurokabe Square and Chikubushima Island
- Known for distinctive food cultures like “saba somen” (mackerel with somen noodles)
Koka/Shigaraki Area:
- Known as the home of Koga ninja and the production center of Shigaraki pottery
- Features sites where contemporary art and nature merge, such as MIHO MUSEUM
You can choose which area to visit based on the length of your stay and interests.
Top 10 Popular Tourist Spots
According to surveys of Shiga tourism rankings, Hikone Castle ranks first among international tourists, followed by La Collina Omihachiman in second place. Many historical sites like castles and temples where visitors can experience history rank highly, with tourist spots concentrated particularly around Lake Biwa. The following introduces especially popular tourist attractions.
1. Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle (Hikone-jo), located on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, is currently the most popular tourist spot among international visitors to Shiga Prefecture. Built in the early Edo period, it is one of only twelve surviving original castle towers in Japan and is designated as a National Treasure.
Completed in 1622, Hikone Castle was the castle of the Ii family and is a Specially Designated Historic Site. Built over approximately 20 years by Ii Naotsugi and Naotaka, the castle is known for its beauty, with its silhouette in the moonlight counting as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa.
Inside the castle grounds, visitors can see various turrets designated as Important Cultural Properties, Genkyuen Garden (the garden of the lower mansion), and inner and middle moats that have preserved their original appearance well. The preservation state is extremely good compared to other castles nationwide. Additionally, Hikone Castle is listed on Japan’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites and is aiming for World Heritage registration.
When visiting Hikone Castle, you can enjoy the view of Lake Biwa from the castle tower and the natural beauty that changes with the seasons. The castle is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage. Multilingual pamphlets in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages are available for international tourists.
Access:
- About 15 minutes on foot from JR Biwako Line “Hikone Station”
- About 10-15 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway “Hikone IC”
Opening Hours:
- Open daily (8:30-17:00, last entry at 16:30)
- Admission fee: Adults 800 yen, Elementary/Junior High School students 200 yen
2. Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple is the head temple of the Tendai sect, with an extensive temple complex on Mt. Hiei. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The temple began when Saicho (767-822), at the age of 19, climbed Mt. Hiei and built a hermitage at the end of the Nara period.
Located in Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Enryakuji Temple considers the entire Mt. Hiei (848m above sea level) as its precinct. Spanning across Kyoto and Shiga prefectures, the “Hieizan Enryakuji Temple,” the head temple of the Tendai sect, is located within the mountain.
Enryakuji Temple is also called the “Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism,” and major Japanese Buddhist sects branched off from here, playing an important role as the center of Japanese Buddhist culture. The temple grounds consist of three areas (Todo, Saito, and Yokawa), with numerous temple buildings including the Konpon Chudo Hall.
Although the temple was destroyed by Oda Nobunaga in 1571, it was later rebuilt and maintains a solemn atmosphere today. At Enryakuji, visitors can experience traditional religious practices such as zazen meditation and copying sutras, providing a chance to engage with traditional Japanese religious culture.
From Mt. Hiei, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city and Lake Biwa, especially breathtaking during the autumn foliage season. As the temple grounds are extensive, it is recommended to visit efficiently in the order of the Todo area (including Konpon Chudo Hall), the Saito area (with Shakado Hall), and the Yokawa area.
Access:
- About 15 minutes by bus from JR Kosei Line “Hieizan-Sakamoto Station,” then about 11 minutes by Hieizan Cable Car
- About 40 minutes from Meishin Expressway “Kyoto-Higashi IC” via Hieizan Driveway
Opening Hours:
- Open daily (8:30-16:30, hours may vary by season)
- Admission fee: Adults 1000 yen, High School students 700 yen, Junior High School students 600 yen, Elementary School students 500 yen
- One-day pass for all three areas: Adults 3000 yen
3. Kurokabe Square
“Kurokabe Square” in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, is a popular tourist spot visited by about 2 million people annually. Its attractions include black plastered buildings, local Nagahama cuisine, and Instagram-worthy cafes.
Located in the central part of Nagahama City on the northeastern shore of Lake Biwa, Kurokabe Square is a tourist area centered around a black-plastered building that was used as the “Kurokabe Bank” during the Meiji era. The first floor is a showroom and shop for glass crafts, while the second floor is a stained glass museum where visitors can see beautiful glass products collected from Japan and abroad.
Around 30 shops utilizing old townscapes from the Meiji to early Showa periods line the surrounding area, including glass workshops, experience classrooms, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Particularly popular are workshops where visitors can create original glass works through glass blowing or fusing experiences.
Also, “Yaki-saba Somen” (grilled mackerel with somen noodles), a specialty dish of Nagahama, is a must-try. The mackerel, simmered in sweet and savory soy sauce, is so tender that even the bones are soft, and you can enjoy its rich flavor together with the sauce-soaked noodles. Various other dishes using Lake Biwa fish and ingredients from Shiga Prefecture are also available.
In recent years, the number of international tourists has increased, and pamphlets in English, Chinese, and Korean are available. It is a spot where visitors can experience the charm of a Japanese provincial city, where historical townscapes and modern shopping experiences converge.
Access:
- About 5 minutes on foot from JR Hokuriku Main Line “Nagahama Station”
- About 10 minutes by car from Hokuriku Expressway “Nagahama IC”
Opening Hours:
- Varies by store (most are open 10:00-18:00)
- Kurokabe Glass Museum: 9:00-18:00 (open daily)
- Admission: Free (Glass Museum: Adults 410 yen)
4. MIHO MUSEUM
“MIHO MUSEUM” in Shigaraki, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, is an art museum built in the lush mountains, housing about 3,000 pieces from Japanese to ancient world art. The architectural design was done by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, who designed the Glass Pyramid at the Louvre Museum, creating a space that blends with the nature of Shigaraki with the image of a “utopia.”
The design theme is “Taohuayuan” (Peach Blossom Spring). It realizes the story described in Tao Yuanming’s “Peach Blossom Spring,” where a lost fisherman discovers a paradise—a utopian land—in Shigaraki.
The main museum building follows the themes of “merging nature and architectural art,” “tradition and modernity,” and “East and West,” restoring nature even on top of the building. More than 80% of the building volume is buried underground, designed to harmonize with the surrounding natural environment.
The approach to MIHO MUSEUM is an artistic experience in itself. On the way from the entrance to the main museum building, visitors must pass through a weeping cherry tree-lined path, a silver tunnel reflecting a single beam of light, and a suspension bridge crossing a deep valley. All of these express the journey to the “Peach Blossom Spring.”
Inside the museum, visitors can appreciate valuable collections including ancient art from Egypt, Greece, Rome, West Asia, South Asia, and China, as well as Japanese Buddhist art and tea ceremony art. As the exhibition content changes with the seasons, there are always new discoveries even with repeated visits.
Especially in spring, the weeping cherry trees planted along the road leading to the museum bloom magnificently, creating a fantastical landscape as they reflect on the silver walls of the tunnel. This scenery is particularly popular among photography enthusiasts.
Access:
- About 50 minutes by Teisan Bus bound for “MIHO MUSEUM” from JR Ishiyama Station
- About 15 minutes by car from Shin-Meishin Expressway “Shigaraki IC”
Opening Hours:
- Spring (mid-March to mid-June), Summer (mid-July to late August), Fall (mid-September to mid-December)
- 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00)
- Closed on Mondays (next weekday if Monday is a holiday)
- Admission fee: Adults 1,300 yen, High School/University students 1,000 yen, Elementary/Junior High School students free
5. Biwako Terrace
When you ascend the ropeway at Biwako Valley, you arrive at “Biwako Terrace,” which offers a spectacular view of Lake Biwa from an altitude of 1,100 meters. This sky cafe features a stepped wooden terrace that provides an unobstructed panoramic view of Lake Biwa. The magnificent mountains rising behind the vast lake are also a sight to behold.
A distinctive feature is the terraced wooden deck, designed so that visitors can enjoy the majestic view of Lake Biwa unobstructed from any position. The water basin encircling the terrace is also attractive, reminiscent of overseas infinity pools, allowing for photos where the water seems to merge with the sky.
Sunny summer days are especially beautiful, with the contrast between the cloudless blue sky and the blue of Lake Biwa making a striking impression. In winter, visitors can also enjoy fantastic scenery amid the snowy landscape. The “Sky Lounge,” accessible only by ropeway in winter, offers warm drinks to enjoy with the snow scenery.
The cafe serves menus using local ingredients and special sweets while overlooking Lake Biwa. It is highly popular as a photo spot, offering scenery that looks great on social media. Seasonal events are also held, so checking the website before visiting is recommended.
Access:
- About 5 minutes by ropeway after taking a bus from JR Kosei Line “Shiga Station” to “Biwako Valley”
- About 40 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway “Kyoto-Higashi IC”
Business Hours:
- Ropeway operating hours: 8:30-17:00 (last ascent 16:00/last descent 17:00) *May vary by season
- Irregular holidays
- Ropeway round-trip fare: Adults 3,500 yen, Children 1,800 yen
6. Chikubushima
“Chikubushima,” a small island with a circumference of about 2 km floating in the northern part of Lake Biwa, is attracting attention as a power spot.
The “power spot” Chikubushima is home to Hogon-ji Temple, which enshrines one of Japan’s three great Benzaiten deities, “Dai-Benzaiten,” and Tsukubusuma Shrine (Chikubushima Shrine). The National Treasure “Karamon Gate” of Hogon-ji Temple, which completed its restoration in May 2020, the “Kannon-do Hall” (an Important Cultural Property), and the “Three-storied Pagoda” rebuilt in 2000 after 350 years, are among the historically valuable buildings gathered on the island.
Chikubushima is the most famous of the islands floating in Lake Biwa. Made entirely of a single granite rock, it is surrounded by steep cliffs creating a mystical landscape. Long revered as an island where gods dwell, it still attracts many worshippers as a power spot.
The island houses two important religious facilities: Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine. Hogon-ji Temple is the 30th temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage and is counted as one of Japan’s three major Benzaiten sites along with Enoshima and Itsukushima. The Kannon-do Hall is designated as an Important Cultural Property, and the treasure house stores valuable cultural properties.
Tsukubusuma Shrine’s main hall is designated as a National Treasure and is said to have been relocated from the remains of Fushimi Momoyama Castle, which was donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A unique prayer method called “kawara-nage” (plate throwing) is also popular, where small plates with written wishes are thrown toward the torii gate, and if they pass through the gate, the wish is said to come true. The “Funaro” corridor, 30 meters long, uses parts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s ship “Nihon-maru” and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Chikubushima can be visited by regular boats operated by Biwako Kisen. There are departures from Nagahama Port and Imazu Port, and visitors can also enjoy the magnificent scenery of Lake Biwa from the boat.
Access:
- About 25-30 minutes by Biwako Kisen’s Chikubushima Cruise from Nagahama Port or Imazu Port
- Cruise fare: 3,020 yen round-trip (from Nagahama Port), 3,120 yen round-trip (from Imazu Port)
Island opening hours:
- March-November: 9:00-16:00
- December-February: 9:30-15:30
- Admission fee for facilities on the island: Adults 500 yen, Elementary/Junior High School students 250 yen
7. Metasequoia Avenue
Along the prefectural road Koaro-Makino-Sawa Line, which runs through the Makino Pick Land agricultural park, about 500 metasequoia trees have been planted along a 2.4 km stretch. These trees harmonize with the backdrop of the Nosaka mountain range, forming a highland-like landscape as an approach to Makino Highlands.
The beautiful scenery of budding and fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, autumn foliage, and bare trees with snow in winter changes with the seasons. This harmony with the backdrop of the Nosaka mountain range captivates visitors.
The Metasequoia Avenue in Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, is a popular tourist spot located in the northwestern part of Lake Biwa. The landscape of about 500 metasequoia trees lined up in a straight line for about 2.4 km is especially popular among photography enthusiasts and driving enthusiasts.
This tree-lined avenue began when the Makino Town Fruit Production Association planted the trees as part of the “Makino Learn from the Soil Village” development project in 1981, and has been carefully nurtured by local people. In 1994, it was selected as one of the “New 100 Japanese Roadside Tree Landscapes” by the Yomiuri Shimbun and became nationally known.
Metasequoia is a deciduous tall tree native to China, with the Japanese name Akebono-sugi. The charm lies in the scenery that changes with the seasons, especially during the autumn foliage season when the brick-colored tree-lined road creates a fantastic atmosphere. However, even at the peak of autumn colors, the trees do not turn “bright red” like maple leaves. Expressions like “brick color” or “brown” are more appropriate. The silhouette of snow-covered trees in winter is also beautiful, making it worth visiting throughout the year.
Note that the area is particularly crowded during the autumn foliage season, so using public transportation is recommended. Also, there is no special illumination at night, just street lights, so daytime visits are preferable.
Access:
- About 6 minutes by Community Bus Makino Highland Line from JR Makino Station
- About 50 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway “Kyoto-Higashi IC”
Viewing hours:
- Freely accessible (24 hours)
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Use Makino Pick Land parking lot (free)
8. Ukimido (Mangetsu-ji Temple)
“Ukimido” is a Rinzai sect temple built by Eshin Sozu Genshin of Hieizan Yokawa during the Heian period to pray for the safety of lake transportation. Its formal name is “Kaimon-zan Mangetsu-ji Temple,” and the seated statue of Kannon, an Important Cultural Property, is enshrined in the Kannon-do Hall on the grounds.
Ukimido is a hall built to appear as if floating on Lake Biwa, located in Katata, Otsu City. Its formal name is “Kaimon-zan Mangetsu-ji Temple.” Said to have been founded by Genshin at the end of the Heian period, its appearance of standing on the lake surface creates a fantastical landscape.
A seated statue of Kannon designated as an Important Cultural Property is enshrined inside the hall, and it is believed to bring benefits for warding off disasters, good fortune, and matchmaking. Ukimido has also long been familiar as one of the “Eight Views of Omi,” “Wild Geese Alighting at Katata,” and has been loved by many literary figures including Matsuo Basho.
Due to its unique location built over the lake, visitors can enjoy scenery that harmonizes with Lake Biwa’s changing seasonal views. The views are especially magnificent in the early morning when mist rises and at dusk when the sunset reflects on Lake Biwa. It is also a popular photography spot.
Visitors access Ukimido via a short bridge crossing the lake. Although the grounds are small, visitors can spend a quiet time feeling the refreshing breeze from the lake. Beautiful scenery can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons, but the combination of cherry blossoms and Ukimido in spring is particularly spectacular.
Access:
- About 5 minutes on foot from “Katata-demachi” bus stop, after taking a bus from JR Kosei Line “Katata Station”
- About 10 minutes by car from Kosei Road “Mano IC”
Opening Hours:
- 9:00-16:30 (March-November), 9:00-16:00 (December-February)
- Open daily
- Admission fee: Adults 400 yen, Junior/Senior High School students 300 yen, Elementary School students 200 yen
9. Lake Biwa Museum
The “Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum” is an experiential museum with the theme of “Lakes and Humans.” It underwent a complete renewal in 2020 and had its grand reopening, allowing families to learn while having fun about Lake Biwa’s formation and the relationship between humans and living creatures.
Located in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, the Lake Biwa Museum comprehensively explores the nature and history of Lake Biwa and its relationship with people under the theme “Lakes and Humans.” It boasts the largest freshwater organism exhibition in Japan, and the Baikal seals, which can only be seen in this museum in western Japan, are particularly popular.
The museum is divided into themed sections such as “Exhibition Room A: The Formation of Lake Biwa,” “Exhibition Room B: The History of People and Lake Biwa,” and “Exhibition Room C: The Environment of Lake Biwa and People’s Lives.” In particular, the life-sized “Aquarium” allows visitors to observe fish and aquatic organisms that inhabit Lake Biwa up close.
Visitors can observe the ecology of fish species endemic to Lake Biwa such as “Biwa trout,” “Honmoroko,” and “Nigorobuna,” and learn about the ecosystem around Lake Biwa and environmental issues. The fossil exhibition also includes valuable displays that unravel the ancient appearance of Lake Biwa and its 4-million-year history.
In the experiential “Discovery Room,” visitors can use their five senses to learn by touching actual fossils and observing microorganisms through microscopes. In the “Outdoor Exhibition,” visitors can see displays of traditional fishing tools and boats used for lake transportation, as well as the plant ecology around Lake Biwa.
The Lake Biwa Museum functions not only as an exhibition facility but also as a base for research and educational activities related to Lake Biwa’s environmental conservation, making a significant contribution to regional environmental education. English explanation panels and audio guides are available for international tourists.
Access:
- About 25 minutes by bus from JR Biwako Line “Kusatsu Station”
- About 5 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway “Kusatsu-Tanakami IC”
Opening Hours:
- 9:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
- Closed on Mondays (next weekday if Monday is a holiday)
- Admission fee: Adults 750 yen, High School/University students 400 yen, Elementary/Junior High School students free
10. La Collina Omihachiman
“La Collina Omihachiman” has grown to become Shiga’s number one tourist spot in recent years. It ranks second in popularity among international tourists.
La Collina Omihachiman is a complex facility centered around the flagship stores of the confectionery makers “Taneya” and “Club Harie” in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture. Since its opening in 2015, it has attracted many tourists with its unique architectural design and space design that harmonizes with nature.
The facility was designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori, featuring distinctive “green roofs” with grass planted on the roofs. The site includes a vast lawn area, and visitors can also enjoy seasonal flowers and waterside scenery. The facility houses cafes and stores of Club Harie, famous for its baumkuchen, Taneya’s Japanese confectionery store, a bakery, restaurants, and more.
Particularly popular is the corner where visitors can observe the manufacturing process of “baumkuchen” being baked in a glass workshop, and there’s an opportunity to taste warm, freshly made baumkuchen. The view of Omihachiman’s natural landscape from the cafe space is also one of its attractions. Additionally, there is a farm called “Taneya Nogei” on the premises, where visitors can appreciate the dedication to ingredients.
The facility is designed to be barrier-free for easy movement by wheelchair, and multilingual staff are also present. Facility operations are conducted with consideration for the environment, based on the concept of coexisting with nature. These initiatives have been well-received, making it a popular spot on social media, especially among younger generations, and it has established itself as a new tourist attraction in Shiga Prefecture.
Access:
- About 15 minutes by bus from JR Biwako Line “Omihachiman Station”
- About 15 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway “Ryuo IC”
Opening Hours:
- 10:00-18:00 (may vary by facility)
- Irregular holidays
- Admission: Free (purchases at each store are separate)
Summary
Shiga Prefecture is an attractive tourist destination where rich nature and deep historical culture harmonize around Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. It offers diverse tourist spots ranging from historical buildings such as Hikone Castle (a National Treasure) and Hieizan Enryakuji Temple (a World Heritage site), to charming townscapes like Kurokabe Square and La Collina Omihachiman, and modern facilities such as MIHO MUSEUM and Biwako Terrace.
Each area surrounding Lake Biwa—Konan, Koto, Kosei, and Kohoku—has its own characteristic tourist attractions, allowing for various ways to enjoy your visit depending on the length of your stay and the season. The beautiful nature changing with the four seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, lake swimming in summer, autumn foliage, and snow scenes in winter—is also a major attraction of tourism in Shiga Prefecture.
Access to Shiga Prefecture is convenient from Kyoto and Osaka, making it a valuable tourist destination where you can experience both Japanese traditional culture and nature at once. Enjoy your Shiga journey to the fullest, tailored to your interests, whether it’s a natural experience around Lake Biwa, a cultural experience at historical buildings, or tasting local food culture.
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