Shiga is the unknown heart of the Kansai — the prefecture surrounding Lake Biwa, from which Kyoto and Osaka draw their water. While millions of travellers speed past on the shinkansen, Shiga remains one of Japan's best-kept secrets: centuries-old temples, unspoiled mountain villages, and the largest freshwater lake in the country.
Cities & Towns
From historic castle towns to mountain villages — Shiga's cities lie tucked around the shores of Lake Biwa.
Otsu
Shiga's lakeside capital, home to one of Japan's three most sacred temples
Lake Biwa capital
- Enryaku-ji tempel
- Biwameer uitzicht
- Ishiyama-dera
Hikone
One of Japan's twelve original castles, with perfect proportions, immaculate gardens, and deep samurai history
Original castle town
- Hikone Castle
- Genkyu-en tuin
- Samurai museum
Kusatsu
A historic onsen town where the Tokaido road once rested — now a gateway to the Japanese Alps
Historic onsen town
- Kusatsu Onsen
- Tokaido geschiedenis
- Bergwandelingen
Shigaraki
The pottery village where tanuki figurines are born and ceramic traditions stretch back centuries
Pottery village
- Shigaraki keramiek
- Tanuki-beelden
- Pottery workshops
Top Attractions
Shiga's finest attractions lie scattered around Lake Biwa — from mountain summits to sacred temples.
Enryaku-ji Temple
The great head monastery of Tendai Buddhism, hidden in the mountains above Lake Biwa
Tendai head monastery
- UNESCO Werelderfgoed
- 1200 jaar geschiedenis
- Bergwandelpaden
Hikone Castle
One of Japan's twelve original castles, with perfect proportions and untouched samurai architecture
Original castle
- Originele donjon
- Genkyu-en tuin
- Nationaal Schat
Lake Biwa
Japan's largest freshwater lake — an inland sea of islands, beaches, and a thousand years of poetry
Japan's largest lake
- Chikubu-shima eiland
- Cycling routes
- Zonsondergangen
Ishiyama-dera Temple
The temple where Murasaki Shikibu wrote the Tale of Genji — Japan's first novel
Tale of Genji temple
- Literaire geschiedenis
- Herfstbladeren
- Hoofdhal uit 1194
Hidden Gems
Shiga's hidden treasures lie where tourists never venture — mountain villages, forgotten temples, and secret viewpoints.
Ohara Village
A mountain village frozen in time, where tea ceremony and silence are the only sounds
Forgotten mountain village
- Traditionele theehuizen
- Bergwandelpaden
- Eeuwenoude stilte
Chomeiji Temple
The 'bamboo temple' where monks meditate among thousands of swaying bamboo stalks
Bamboo temple
- Bamboe-bos
- Meditatie-sessies
- Verborgen bergpaden
Metasequoia Namiki
A dead-straight avenue of 500 prehistoric trees — Japan's most beautiful tree-lined road that almost no one knows
Prehistoric tree avenue
- 500 metasequoia's
- Herfstkleuren
- Fotografie-paradijs
Shirahige Shrine
The floating torii of Lake Biwa — Japan's answer to Miyajima, but without the crowds
Floating torii
- Drijvende torii
- Biwameer zonsondergang
- Geen toeristen
When to Visit
Shiga moves through four distinct seasons around Lake Biwa — each with its own character and its own crowds.
Springharu
Mar–May9–20°CHigh crowds
Springharu
- Cherry blossoms around Lake Biwa
- Mild temperatures perfect for cycling
- Golden Week crowds at major temples
- Mountain hiking season opens
Summernatsu
Jun–Aug25–32°CModerate crowds
Summernatsu
- Lake Biwa beach season
- Festival season in historic towns
- Hot and humid but great for water activities
- Early morning temple visits recommended
Autumnaki
Sep–Nov9–22°CHigh crowds
Autumnaki
- Spectacular foliage at mountain temples
- Perfect temperatures for hiking
- Metasequoia trees turn golden
- Peak season for photography
Winterfuyu
Dec–Feb0–8°CLow crowds
Winterfuyu
- Snow-capped mountain views
- Onsen season in full swing
- Fewer tourists at major sites
- Clear skies over Lake Biwa
Suggested Itineraries
From day trips out of Kyoto to multi-day Lake Biwa adventures — Shiga fits into any travel itinerary.
FAQ
Is Shiga worth visiting if I only have time for Kyoto and Osaka?
Absolutely. Shiga sits literally between Kyoto and Osaka — perfect for a day trip. Hikone Castle is 45 minutes from Kyoto, Lake Biwa just 20. You get authentic Japan without the crowds.
How do I get to Lake Biwa from Kyoto?
Take the JR Tokaido Line to Otsu (20 minutes, ¥240) or the Keihan Main Line to Ishiyama (35 minutes, ¥350). For Hikone Castle: JR Tokaido Line to Hikone Station (45 minutes, ¥760).
Can I cycle around Lake Biwa?
Yes — the Biwaichi cycling route runs 193 kilometres around the entire lake. Rentals are available at stations in Otsu, Hikone, and Kusatsu. Allow 2–3 days for the full loop, or choose a section of 20–40 kilometres.
Which temples in Shiga are the most important?
Enryaku-ji (UNESCO, Tendai head monastery) is the undisputed highlight. Ishiyama-dera (where the Tale of Genji was written) and Mii-dera (with sweeping views over the lake) are equally essential. Check opening times — mountain temples close early.
Is Shiga expensive compared to Kyoto?
No — it's noticeably cheaper. Hotels around Lake Biwa run ¥6,000–12,000 per night (Kyoto: ¥10,000–20,000). Food is locally priced, not tourist-inflated. The JR Pass covers all trains within the prefecture.
When is the best time for Shigaraki pottery workshops?
Workshops run year-round, but autumn (October–November) is ideal — perfect temperatures and beautiful colours around the pottery villages. Book workshops in advance, especially on weekends.