Shiga (Prefecture)

Located in the Kansai area, Shiga prefecture is known as the home of Lake Biwa (Biwa-ko in Japanese), the largest freshwater reservoir of Japan, around which its territory extends. Lush nature and small towns coexist together on the lake shores. Local specialties are the Biwa trout (or salmon), as well as the Omi beef, a wagyu beef named after the feudal period’s former province.

Its capital Otsu, at the southernmost side of the Lake, is the first place to visit, all the more so that it is conveniently located about 10 minutes by train 🚅 from Kyoto. Far from the touristic crowd of the former imperial capital, Otsu is a great starting point for discovering Shiga’s natural and historical treasures.

A mountainous and spiritual land

Several temples of historical importance for the Japanese civilization were built in Otsu and its surroundings. Hidden in the heights of the south of the city, Ishiyama-dera is one of the first Buddhist temples of the country founded in 747 during Japan’s classical age. Its name means "the temple of the stone mountain," in reference to a natural rock formation on top of which it was built, over the Seta river. Nowadays, visitors follow the steps of Murasaki Shikibu who went on a 7-days retreat at the temple in 1004 where she found the inspiration for The Tale of Genji, one of the oldest novels in the world.

Ishiyama-dera is considered one of the prefecture’s best places to admire both the sakura 🌸 blossoms in spring and the bright colors of the koyo 🍁 in autumn. Since 2021, it is also one of the seldom temples managed by a female head-priest: Washio Ryuge.

Mount Hiei, located to the north of Otsu, used to be home to more than 3,000 temples. It still retains a sacred Buddhist site: Enryaku-ji. Founded in 788, this temple is the religious center of the Buddhist Tendai sect, perched at 840 meters high and enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage since 1994. Drivers can use the Hieizan-Biwako Panoramic Route that connects to the temple passing by Yumemigaoka Observation Deck providing a scenic view on the majestic lake.

The former medieval city and its merchants districts

The eastern side of Lake Biwa is home to another historical gem: Hikone Castle 🏯. Built in 1622, its tenshu is one of the 12 last historical keeps of Japan and one of the 5 that was designated "National Treasure" of the archipelago. Genkyu-en, its traditional Japanese garden, is particularly beautiful in autumn.

As Shiga is a very mountainous prefecture without maritime borders, most of the population and trade routes settled around Lake Biwa. Consequently, a lot of merchant cities bloomed during the feudal period, such as Nagahama and Omihachiman. The latter used to be a castle-town and is now a small city. Built in 1585 on a waterway network, it was integral part to the economic development of the area, thanks to its merchants, the Omi-Shonin. Its rich trading past is best discovered and enjoyed on a boat cruise on its waterways.

Family-friendly outdoor activities

Biwa-ko and its 670 sqm form a touristic site per se and is one of the locals’ favorite spot to relax away from the big cities’ hustle and bustle. Entertaining activities are many and vary according to the season:

• The mountains of Higashiyama are best for winter sports, with Biwako Valley being one of the ski resorts closest to Kyoto. Amateurs of thrilling rides will also enjoy the place in the summer time thanks to its zip-line and the "Skywalker" treetop adventure park offering an unobstructed view on the lake;
• Summer’s favorites are swimming and camping on the beaches and camp sites of its western shore, such as Omi-Maiko or Manohama, near Mangetsu-ji Ukimido;
• Water activities, canoeing or paddling are available, as well as lake cruises, especially to Chikubushima mystical island.

Takashima city is also home to Shirahige-jinja, a shrine known for its floating torii ⛩️ gate that reminds of the symbolical view of Miyajjima, and an uncommon meta-sequoia avenue (メタセコイア並木) extending over 2,4km and lined with 500 trees that are renowned for their vivid orange hues in autumn.

Beautiful traditional festivals

Shiga prefecture is also home to several festival happening all year long, that are religious or cultural celebrations allowing to dive deeper in the local traditions. Otsu is the place where 2 of the main festivals take place:

• The most popular great firework festival Biwako Dai Hanabi Taikai takes place in early August near Niono-hama beach, with its lights reflecting into the lake’s water. The theme of the pyrotechnic show changes every year.
• The Otsu Matsuri festival takes place on the 2nd Monday of October. About 10 giant floats richly decorated parade in the streets throughout the day carrying karakuri automatons, which do feel connected with nowadays Japanese fondness for robots.

On the western side, Hiyoshi Taisha shrine is the stage of Sannosai Matsuri, a festival lasting 1,5 month from early March to mid-April. It celebrates the renewal of life and wedding through mikoshi portable shrines’ processions, traditional costumes parades and various rituals performed for the 7 gods of the mountain.

Lastly the Nagahama Hikiyama festival takes place in mid-April in Nagahama city, where there is also a permanent museum dedicated to the event. The impressive hikiyama floats parade in the city, carrying children as they play kabuki theater scenes.

Shiga prefecture is an off the beaten tracks getaway that will please people fond of nature as well as those who are passionate about history and culture. The shores of Lake Biwa offer plenty of activities to do with family or friends, while providing a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere. It makes for an easy drive between Kyoto and Fukui prefecture.