Shiga Travel Guide (Kansai/Japan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Shiga

Shiga is a hidden gem located in Kansai, Japan’s cultural heartland. This prefecture lies east of Kyoto and north of Nara, and boasts stunning natural landscapes and preserved cultural heritage. Shiga offers visitors a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s big cities, as it is home to tranquil lakes, relaxing hot springs, and serene temples. Shiga’s local cuisine is also an attraction in itself, as the prefecture is known for its production of Omimi rice and Omi beef.

List of Places to Visit in Shiga

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Shiga is home to many museums and historical places that showcase its rich cultural heritage. Some of the must-visit attractions include:

Hikone Castle: Built in the 17th century by the Ii Clan, Hikone Castle is one of the few remaining castles in Japan’s original form.
Miho Museum: This museum houses a collection of Japanese and Asian art, including sculptures, ceramics, and paintings.
Ishiyama-dera Temple: This Buddhist temple is one of the oldest in Japan and is known for its splendid view of Lake Biwa.

Natural Attractions of Shiga: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Shiga’s natural beauty is a sight to behold, and visitors can participate in a range of outdoor activities. The prefecture is home to Japan’s largest lake - Lake Biwa - which offers stunning views, relaxing boat rides, and water sports. A few must-visit outdoor attractions include:

Mount Hiei: Home to Enryaku-ji Temple, Mount Hiei is famous for its scenic hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of Kyoto and Shiga.
Biwako Valley: An exciting ski resort that also operates during the summer, offering visitors a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, zip-lining, and paragliding.
Shirahige Shrine: Known for its picturesque torii gate, Shirahige Shrine is situated on the shores of Lake Biwa and is a popular spot to watch the sunrise.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shiga

Shiga has great hiking and biking trails, many of which offer stunning views and a chance to appreciate the scenic beauty of the prefecture. Some of the best routes to explore include:

Biwako Valley: The downhill bike trail takes visitors through scenic woods and offers stunning views of the valley.
Mount Hiei: The hiking trail up to Enryaku-ji Temple is a must-visit, with panoramic views of Kyoto and Shiga.
Lake Biwa Circuit Trail: This 160km trail goes around the circumference of Lake Biwa and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the prefecture.

Best Things to Do in Shiga: Activities and Tours

Shiga offers visitors a range of activities and tours that showcase its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and local cuisine. Some of the best things to do in Shiga include:

Omihachiman city tour: A guided tour of Omihachiman city lets visitors experience the town’s local culture, traditional architecture, and historic temples.
Seta River boat ride: A unique experience that takes visitors on a serene journey down the Seta River, showcasing the untouched natural beauty of Shiga.
Onsen (hot spring) tour: Shiga has many popular onsen, and a guided tour will take visitors to a few of the best ones.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shiga

Day 1: Arrive in Shiga and head straight to Hikone Castle. Spend the afternoon exploring the castle, its grounds, and the nearby Hikone Yume Kyobashi Castle Road.

Day 2: Take a day trip to Omihachiman, where visitors can go on a guided tour, try local cuisine, and explore the area’s pristine temples and historic architecture.

Day 3: Spend the day at Biwako Valley, skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer. Take in the stunning views of the valley and enjoy some local cuisine at one of the restaurants on site.

Day 4: Head to Lake Biwa and take a tour of the lake on a boat, enjoying the fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and natural landscapes.

Day 5: Relax and unwind at one of the hot springs in Shiga, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.

Day 6: Explore Mount Hiei, taking in the scenic views and visiting the famous Enryaku-ji temple.

Day 7: Spend the final day of the trip visiting some of the local temples, such as Ishiyama-dera, and do some souvenir shopping for local products.

Food and Drink Scene of Shiga

Must-Try Dishes

Shiga is known for its high-quality rice and beef, and visitors must try these dishes when visiting the prefecture.

Omimi rice: This local rice has a sweet flavor that comes from being grown in Omihachiman’s rice paddies, which are fed by fresh spring water.
Omi beef: Omi beef is renowned for its quality, flavor, and marbled texture, which is due to the cattle’s upbringing and diet.

Local Beverages

Shiga has many local beverages that visitors will enjoy, such as:

Sake: Shiga is known for its sake production, and visitors can take a tour of a local brewery.
Tea: Makino Tea Garden grows some of the best tea in Japan, and visitors can learn about the process and sample the tea on a guided tour.

Where to Stay in Shiga: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Shiga offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the best places to stay include:

Omi-Maiko Beach Hotel: A luxurious hotel that offers fantastic views of Lake Biwa and has an on-site hot spring.
Guesthouse An: A budget-friendly option with a mix of traditional Japanese and modern western-style rooms, located near Hikone Castle.
Biwako Ryokusuitei: A cozy ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that offers visitors the chance to experience Japanese style rooms and an onsen (hot spring).

What to Buy in Shiga: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Shiga can bring home a range of locally produced items, from crafts to food products. Some of the best local products to purchase include:

Omi beef: Visitors can purchase Omi beef to bring home, either pre-packed or vacuum-sealed at local markets.
Omimi Rice: Visitors can purchase Omimi rice at local markets, where it is packed into small bags for ease of transport.
Handmade crafts: Shiga has a range of local crafts that visitors can purchase, including pottery, wooden toys, and weaving.

Local Culture and Customs of Shiga

Shiga’s culture has been shaped by centuries of history, and visitors can experience this by visiting the prefecture’s many temples and traditional buildings. Visitors should also be aware of the following customs:

Cover tattoos: Many hot springs in Shiga will not allow entry with visibly displayed tattoos. Visitors should cover up any visible tattoos before visiting.
Remove shoes: Visitors should remove their shoes before entering temples, restaurants, and other public areas within buildings.

Best Time to Visit Shiga

The best time to visit Shiga is during the spring or fall. In the spring, visitors can enjoy the cherry blossom season, while in the fall, the foliage turns beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. However, the winter months offer a unique experience for visitors who can go skiing at Biwako Valley, and summer offers great weather for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shiga

Do:

Try the local cuisine and beverages, such as Omi beef and Shiga’s sake.
Visit the local temples in Shiga, including Ishiyama-dera and Enryaku-ji.
Take a boat tour of Lake Biwa to enjoy the natural beauty of Shiga.

Don’t:

Don’t wear shoes indoors in Japanese restaurants, temples, or other buildings.
Don’t take photos in areas where signs prohibit photography.
Don’t tip at restaurants as this is not customary in Japan.

Safety and Health

Safety in Shiga

Shiga is a very safe prefecture, with low levels of crime. Visitors should take the same precautions they would in any other city, such as watching their belongings and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Shiga

Shiga has excellent medical facilities, and visitors can receive medical attention if required. Visitors should purchase travel insurance before arriving in Japan.

Getting to Shiga: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shiga

The nearest airport to Shiga is Kansai International Airport, which is approximately two hours away by train.

Bus Stations Near Shiga

Shiga has many bus stations that connect it to other cities in Japan, such as Kyoto and Osaka. The main bus terminals are Hikone and Otsu.

Other Options

The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Shiga to other major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo and Osaka. The Shiga railway station is a central transport hub, connecting the prefecture with major cities and towns.

How to Get Around in Shiga

Shiga has a range of transport options to suit all budgets and preferences, including trains, buses, and taxis. Visitors can purchase a Japan Rail Pass to travel around the country easily.

Where to Go Next from Shiga: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Shiga is well-connected to other major cities in Japan, making it easy to travel to nearby destinations such as Kyoto or Osaka. Visitors can also take a day trip to Nara or Hiroshima to experience more of Japan’s cultural and historical heritage.

Conclusion

Shiga is a hidden gem in Japan’s cultural heartland, offering visitors a chance to experience its natural beauty and unique local culture. Whether visitors want to explore the prefecture’s historic temples, scenic hiking trails or try local cuisine and beverages, Shiga has something to offer everyone. With a range of accommodation options and transport links, it’s easy to plan an unforgettable trip to this charming prefecture.

Shiga Image Gallery

Tenhorindo in the Enryakuji Temple complex

Omihachiman's Historic District