Best Places to Visit in Shiga Prefecture | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Shiga Prefecture Travel Guide
Quick overview of Shiga Prefecture with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.
- Shiga Prefecture Travel Videos
- Plan Shiga Prefecture Trip
- Best Places To Visit In Shiga Prefecture
- Hotels Map Of Shiga Prefecture
- Tours And Activities In Shiga Prefecture
- Food And Drinks To Try In Shiga Prefecture
- Best Time To Visit Shiga Prefecture
- Flight Calendar For Shiga Prefecture
- Transportation To Shiga Prefecture
Welcome to Shiga Prefecture, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Japan! Located in the Kansai region, this picturesque prefecture offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. Shiga is renowned for its stunning Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, which provides a serene backdrop for various outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Moreover, history enthusiasts will be captivated by the ancient temples and shrines scattered throughout the region, including the iconic Hikone Castle, a national treasure that dates back to the 17th century. With its tranquil landscapes, historical landmarks, and warm hospitality, Shiga Prefecture promises an unforgettable travel experience for all who venture here.
Shiga Prefecture Travel Videos
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Best Places To Visit in Shiga Prefecture
1. Kyoto : Known for its rich history and culture, Kyoto is a must-visit city in Japan. The city is home to numerous temples and shrines, including the famous Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari-taisha. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine and experience the beauty of the changing seasons in Kyoto's many parks and gardens.
2. Hikone : Located on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Hikone is a small city with a rich history. The city's main attraction is Hikone Castle, one of the few remaining original castles in Japan. Visitors can also explore the city's traditional streets and enjoy local specialties such as Hikone udon and Omi beef.
3. Otsu : The capital city of Shiga Prefecture, Otsu is a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture. The city is home to several temples and shrines, including the famous Ishiyama-dera and Miidera. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa and try local specialties such as Omi-gyu beef and Omi-cha tea.
4. Nagahama : Located on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Nagahama is a charming town with a rich history. The city's main attraction is Nagahama Castle, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can also explore the city's traditional streets and enjoy local specialties such as Nagahama ramen and Hikiyama Festival.
5. Kusatsu : Known for its hot springs, Kusatsu is a popular destination for those looking to relax and unwind. The city is home to several hot spring resorts, including the famous Yubatake. Visitors can also enjoy local specialties such as Kusatsu onsen manju and Kusatsu soba.
6. Takashima : Located on the western shore of Lake Biwa, Takashima is a small town with a rich history. The town's main attraction is Shirahige Shrine, which is located on a small island in the lake. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and try local specialties such as Takashima udon and Omi beef.
7. Maibara : Located in the northern part of Shiga Prefecture, Maibara is a small city with a rich history. The city's main attraction is Nagisanjo Castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also explore the city's traditional streets and enjoy local specialties such as Maibara udon and Omi beef.
8. Koka : Known for its ninja history, Koka is a small town with a unique culture. The town's main attraction is Koka Ninja Village, which offers visitors the chance to experience the life of a ninja. Visitors can also explore the town's traditional streets and enjoy local specialties such as Koka soba and Koka tea.
9. Yasu : Located on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Yasu is a small city with a rich history. The city's main attraction is Yasu-jinja Shrine, which is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and try local specialties such as Yasu soba and Omi beef.
10. Omihachiman : Located on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Omihachiman is a small city with a rich history. The city's main attraction is Hachiman-bori Canal, which is lined with traditional buildings and offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past. Visitors can also explore the city's traditional streets and enjoy local specialties such as Omihachiman udon and Omi beef.
Hotels Map Of Shiga Prefecture
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Tours And Activities In Shiga Prefecture
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Food & Drinks To Try In Shiga Prefecture
1. Omi Beef: Shiga Prefecture is famous for its high-quality Omi Beef, which is considered one of the top wagyu beef varieties in Japan. This tender and flavorful beef is best enjoyed in a traditional Japanese barbecue style known as yakiniku.
2. Funazushi: Funazushi is a traditional fermented sushi dish that originated in Shiga Prefecture. It is made by fermenting locally caught funa fish with salt and rice for several months. The result is a unique and pungent flavor that is loved by locals and adventurous food enthusiasts.
3. Biwa Trout: Shiga Prefecture is known for its freshwater Lake Biwa, which is home to a variety of fish species. Biwa Trout, also known as Biwa Masu, is a popular local delicacy. It is often served as sashimi or grilled, showcasing its delicate and mild flavor.
4. Kamo-nabe: Kamo-nabe is a hot pot dish made with duck meat and various vegetables. Shiga Prefecture is known for its high-quality duck meat, and Kamo-nabe is a popular way to enjoy it. The rich and savory broth, combined with tender duck meat and fresh vegetables, makes for a comforting and delicious meal.
5. Saba-zushi: Saba-zushi is a type of sushi that features marinated mackerel. In Shiga Prefecture, this dish is particularly popular and is often enjoyed as a quick and satisfying snack. The tangy and flavorful mackerel pairs perfectly with the vinegared rice, creating a delightful combination of tastes.
6. Shiga Sake: Shiga Prefecture is home to several sake breweries, producing a wide range of high-quality sake. The region's clean and soft water, sourced from Lake Biwa, contributes to the unique flavors of Shiga sake. Visitors can enjoy tasting sessions and learn about the traditional brewing process at local breweries.
7. Omi Tea: Shiga Prefecture is known for its production of high-quality green tea, particularly Omi Tea. This tea is grown in the mountainous regions of the prefecture and has a rich and refreshing flavor. Visitors can participate in tea ceremonies and learn about the art of tea preparation while enjoying the soothing taste of Omi Tea.
8. Omi Manju: Omi Manju is a traditional Japanese sweet from Shiga Prefecture. It is a steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste. The soft and fluffy texture of the bun, combined with the sweet and creamy filling, makes Omi Manju a delightful treat to try while exploring the region.
9. Shiga Udon: Shiga Prefecture is known for its unique style of udon noodles. Shiga Udon is characterized by its thick and chewy noodles, served in a flavorful broth made from soy sauce and bonito flakes. This hearty and satisfying dish is a must-try for noodle lovers.
10. Lake Biwa Fish: As Shiga Prefecture is home to Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, it offers a wide variety of fresh fish. From carp to catfish, visitors can enjoy a range of delicious fish dishes, including grilled, sashimi, or in traditional Japanese cuisine preparations.
Overall, Shiga Prefecture offers a diverse range of food and drinks to try, showcasing the region's unique culinary traditions and local ingredients. From the
Best Time To Visit Shiga Prefecture
The best time to visit Shiga Prefecture, Japan is during the spring and autumn seasons. In spring, which is from March to May, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a stunning and picturesque landscape. This is a great time to visit popular attractions such as Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa. In autumn, which is from September to November, the region is adorned with vibrant fall foliage, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The weather is also comfortable during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. It is important to note that Shiga Prefecture can experience heavy rainfall during the summer months of June to August, which may affect outdoor plans. Additionally, winter in Shiga Prefecture, from December to February, can be quite cold, with occasional snowfall. However, if you enjoy winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, this could be an excellent time to visit the nearby Biwako Valley Ski Resort.
Flight Calendar For Shiga Prefecture
Use our flight calendar to discover the Cheapest Days and Months to Book Flight to Shiga Prefecture.
Transportation To Shiga Prefecture
There are several transportation options to Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
1. By Air: The nearest airport to Shiga Prefecture is Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to Shiga Prefecture.
2. By Train: Shiga Prefecture is well-connected by train. You can take a train from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto to reach Shiga Prefecture. The main train stations in Shiga Prefecture are Otsu Station and Hikone Station.
3. By Bus: There are also bus services available to Shiga Prefecture from various cities in Japan. You can check with bus companies like Keihan Bus and JR Bus for schedules and fares.
4. By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and take the expressways to Shiga Prefecture. The Chugoku Expressway and Meishin Expressway are the main expressways that connect Shiga Prefecture to other parts of Japan.
Once you are in Shiga Prefecture, you can use local transportation options like trains, buses, and taxis to get around the prefecture and explore its attractions.