Travel Destinations in Shiga

Okishima

Okishima, Japan's Only Inhabited Lake Island

A small fishing island in Lake Biwa with no cars, narrow alleys, old shrines, and around 250 resi...

Enryakuji Temple

Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei (Hieizan)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and headquarters of Tendai Buddhism, Enryakuji Temple sprawls across...

Hikone Castle

A National Treasure castle near Lake Biwa, one of only five castles with an original keep designa...

Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa is Japan's largest and oldest freshwater lake, offering water sports, scenic cycling ro...

Nagahama

This lakeside town on the shores of Lake Biwa blends Edo-period charm with contemporary artistry ...

Shigaraki

Shigaraki Pottery Town

Playful tanuki statues with their oversized bellies and sake flasks greet visitors throughout thi...

Taga Taisha

Major Shinto Shrine Honouring Izanagi and Izanami

One of Shiga's principal shrines, dedicated to Izanagi and Izanami and popularly called Ota-ga-san.

Miidera Temple

Perched on the slopes of Mount Hiei overlooking the blue waters of Lake Biwa, Miidera Temple has ...

Omi Jingu

Otsu Shrine Tied to Emperor Tenji and Competitive Karuta

A Shinto shrine in Otsu dedicated to Emperor Tenji, widely known as a centre of competitive karuta.

La Collina Omihachiman

Architecture melts into nature at this confectionery village where grass-covered rooftops and org...

Shirahige Shrine

Ancient Shrine with a Torii Gate Standing in Lake Biwa

The head of the Shirahige shrines, known for a red torii gate that stands in the water of Lake Bi...

Genkyu-en

Feudal-Lord Garden Beside Hikone Castle

A Japanese pond garden northeast of Hikone Castle, built for the Ii lords and designated a nation...

Metasequoia Namiki

Tree-Lined Avenue of About 500 Metasequoias in Makino

A roughly 2.4 km avenue lined with about 500 metasequoia trees leading toward Makino Highland.

Hachiman-bori

Historic Merchant Canal District in Omihachiman

A preserved canal in Omihachiman lined with white-walled storehouses and old merchant homes from ...

Chikubushima

Sacred Island in Lake Biwa with a Temple and Shrine

A small sacred island in the north of Lake Biwa, reached by boat and home to Hogonji Temple and T...