Encircling Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Shiga Prefecture sprawls between Kyoto and Nagoya on the island of Honshu. It’s home to the waterfront capital of Ōtsu and the castle town of Hikone, as well as vibrant Nagahama with its cultural museums and springtime cherry blossoms.
Things to do in Shiga Prefecture
Whether you want to explore one of Japan’s best-preserved ancient castles or see a little-known floating torii gate, Shiga Prefecture won’t disappoint.
Explore the Biwako Valley. Famed as a winter ski destination, Biwako Valley lies to the north of Ōtsu and is blanketed with cherry blossoms in spring and colourful leaves in autumn. From Sanroku Station, a ropeway leads to the Biwako Terrace, a 1,100-metre-high observation deck that offers magnificent views across Lake Biwa below.
Tour Hikone Castle. Built in the early 17th century, Hikone Castle is an Edo-period fortification that is listed as a National Treasure. In addition to boasting a well-preserved tenshu, the original inner moat, walls and guardhouses of the castle also remain intact. Be sure to visit the Hikone Castle Museum to explore the partially reconstructed palace buildings and see family treasures from the Ii clan.
Cruise the Hachiman-bori Canal. This man-made canal extends through the heart of Omihachiman and originally connected the town’s castle to Lake Biwa. Jump aboard a boat to admire the whitewashed warehouses and traditional wooden buildings that line its banks, then delve into the town’s folkloric history at the Omihachiman City Museum.
Photograph Lake Biwa’s floating torii gate. On the western edge of Lake Biwa is the Shirahige Shrine, a Shinto landmark with an atmospheric main hall and a torii gate that appears as though it is floating on the water. Coincide your visit with first light to photograph the sun rising behind the silhouetted gate.
Getting around Shiga Prefecture
Kansai International Airport is around two hours’ drive from Shiga Prefecture and has flights to destinations across the globe. The Tokaido Shinkansen stops at the Maibara railway station en route between Kyoto and Nagoya while local trains and buses serve towns and cities throughout the prefecture.