· JP

Shiga

Shiga, Japan

Discover the Serene Heart of Japan: Shiga Prefecture Nestled amidst rolling hills and bordering the majestic Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of Japan's megacities. More than just a p…

#Lake Biwa#Historic Sites#Temples#Nature#Traditional Culture

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Shiga.

Top Hotels in Shiga

Top Flights to Shiga

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Shiga.

Tours

Lake Biwa Sightseeing

Explore the natural beauty of Japan's largest freshwater lake with various boat tours and coastal spots.

Shopping

Shiga Kogen Shopping

A well-known shopping area for ski-related gear and local crafts.

Outdoor

Hiking on Mount Hiei

Experience an adventurous hike with panoramic views at one of the most well-known mountains in Japan.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Shiga.

Currency

¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen

Population

1.4 million

Languages

Japanese, Japanese

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Shiga.

What people love

Shiga Prefecture, located in Japan, has a lot to offer for travelers. Here are some key pros of traveling to Shiga:

Lake Biwa: Shiga is home to Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. Visitors can enjoy various water activities such as boat cruises, fishing, and swimming. The surrounding scenery is also beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season or in the fall when the leaves change color.
Historical Sites: Shiga is rich in history and culture, with many historical sites and temples to explore. One of the most famous attractions is the Hikone Castle, a well-preserved castle from the Edo period. Other notable sites include Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei and Ishiyama-dera Temple.
Local Cuisine: Shiga is known for its delicious local cuisine, including Omi beef, a high-quality wagyu beef that is a must-try for meat lovers. Other regional specialties include funazushi (fermented crucian carp sushi) and Omi-gyu sushi.
Onsen (Hot Springs): Shiga has several onsen resorts where visitors can relax and unwind in natural hot springs. Some popular onsen towns in Shiga include Ogoto, Omi-Hachiman, and Yogo.
Outdoor Activities: Shiga offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can go hiking in the surrounding mountains, cycling along the shores of Lake Biwa, or birdwatching in the wetlands.

Overall, Shiga Prefecture is a great destination for those looking to explore a mix of nature, history, and culture in a more off-the-beaten-path location in Japan.

What to know

Traveling to Shiga, located in Japan, has its own set of cons that visitors should be aware of. Some potential drawbacks of traveling to Shiga include:

Limited English Proficiency: Shiga is not as touristy as some other cities in Japan, which may result in fewer English speakers. This could make communication with locals, transportation, and navigating the area more challenging for English-speaking travelers.
Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Shiga may not have as many tourist amenities and facilities compared to more popular destinations in Japan. This could mean fewer accommodations, restaurants, and attractions catered specifically to tourists.
Remote Location: Shiga is located away from major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, which may make it less accessible for travelers who prefer more easily accessible destinations. Getting to and from Shiga may require longer travel times and multiple connections.
Limited Public Transportation Options: While Japan is known for its efficient and extensive public transportation system, Shiga may have fewer transportation options compared to larger cities. This could make it more challenging to explore the region without a car.
Seasonal Considerations: Shiga's weather and climate may not be ideal for all travelers, with hot and humid summers, cold winters, and potential typhoons during certain times of the year. Visitors should consider the seasonal variations and plan their trip accordingly.

Overall, while Shiga offers a unique and authentic Japanese experience, travelers should be prepared for potential challenges such as language barriers, limited tourist infrastructure, remote location, transportation constraints, and seasonal considerations.

Shiga Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is an area rich in history and culture. It is known for its significant historical events, notable figures, and landmarks. Here is a detailed history of Shiga:

Geography and Early History:

Shiga surrounds Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, which has been an important resource for the region's development. The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Jomon period (14,000–300 BCE).

Classical and Medieval Periods:

During the Asuka and Nara periods (538–794), Shiga was part of the Yamato Province, which played a central role in the formation of early Japanese statehood.
The region became a significant political and cultural center during the Heian period (794–1185), as it was located on the route between Kyoto and eastern Japan.
The Tendai sect of Buddhism was founded on Mount Hiei by Saicho in 788. The mountain and its temple complex, Enryaku-ji, became a major religious and political power.

Sengoku Period:

In the 16th century, Shiga was a strategic location during the Sengoku period (1467–1603). It was home to several daimyo (feudal lords) and was the site of numerous battles.
The Azai and Asakura clans, powerful samurai families of the time, were based in this region. The Battle of Anegawa in 1570 was a significant conflict during this period, involving forces led by Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu against the Azai and Asakura clans.

Edo Period:

During the Edo period (1603–1868), Shiga was part of Omi Province. The region prospered due to its location on the Nakasendo and Tokaido, two of the five major routes of the Edo period, connecting Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto.

Meiji Restoration and Modern Era:

The Meiji Restoration in 1868 led to the modernization of Japan, and Shiga Prefecture was officially established in 1871.
The construction of railways and roads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries further integrated Shiga into the national economy.

Significant Historical Figures:

Saicho (767–822): The founder of the Tendai sect of Buddhism.
Azai Nagamasa (1545–1573): A prominent daimyo who opposed Oda Nobunaga and was involved in the Battle of Anegawa.
Ishida Mitsunari (1560–1600): A samurai and military commander who played a central role in the Battle of Sekigahara, which led to the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Important Landmarks:

Lake Biwa: Japan's largest freshwater lake, offering natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Enryaku-ji: A UNESCO World Heritage site located on Mount Hiei, it is the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Buddhism.
Hikone Castle: One of Japan's best-preserved castles, built in the early 17th century, and designated a National Treasure.
Miho Museum: Famous for its collection of Asian and Western antiques, the museum is also noted for its architecture, designed by I.M. Pei.

Shiga's history is marked by its strategic location, religious significance, and cultural contributions, making it a fascinating region with a rich historical legacy.