If you have time to spare when traveling in Kyoto, we recommend visiting Shiga Prefecture.
First of all, it would be interesting to ride the pleasure boat “Michigan” on Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. A trip to the old temples around the lake is also good. Around this lake, there are people who are preserving old-fashioned sustainable livelihoods, so I think it would be nice to explore such a lifestyle.
On this page, we will guide you on the attractions of traveling in Shiga Prefecture, places to visit, and things to do.
Table of Contents
Outline of Shiga
Map of Shiga
Shiga Prefecture is located in the Kansai region of Japan, just east of Kyoto. For this reason, along with Kyoto, it has been the stage of various historical events since ancient times, so there are many historical sites and rich cultural heritage. Especially in western Shiga Prefecture, which is the closest to Kyoto, there are many historic wooden buildings.
In addition, in the center of Shiga Prefecture, there is Lake Biwa with a circumference of about 235km. It is the largest lake in Japan. You can take a sightseeing boat here. The sightseeing boats here are very luxurious.
The eastern shore of Lake Biwa has long been an important transportation hub. Therefore, there is a solid castle called Hikone Castle on the east coast. This castle is also worth seeing.
Around Lake Biwa, there are still people who have inherited the old-fashioned lifestyle. It’s a sustainable lifestyle and I respect the people of this area.
Recommended video
This is a BBC documentary film that shows the life scenes of people living around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture.
Access
There is no airport in Shiga prefecture. The closest airport to Shiga Prefecture is Itami airport in Osaka.
Because Shiga prefecture is located next to Kyoto, you can easily access by using JR train. From Kyoto Station, it is approximately 10 minutes by JR train to Otsu station in the center of Shiga prefecture.
If you go from Tokyo to the west side of Shiga prefecture, first go to the Kyoto station by Shinkansen. Next, please use JR train from Kyoto station. If you go to the eastern area of Shiga Prefecture, you may descend at the Maibara station of the Shinkansen.
If you want to travel around Shiga, a rail pass that allows unlimited rides on the Shinkansen and local trains is a great deal. >>See here for details.
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
east tower of Hieizan Enryakuji temple, Japan = shutterstock
The historical sightseeing spot I would like to recommend most in the west side of Shiga prefecture is Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, with its sprawling grounds across Mt. Hieizan (altitude 848 meters). Enryakuji was founded by Saicho, a very famous priest in 788.
It is a spectacular temple spreading almost all over Mt. Hieizan located at the prefectural border of Kyoto and Shiga. This temple is often called “Hieizan” in Japan. Recently, Koyasan of Wakayama prefecture is popular among tourists, but Hieizan (Enryakuji) is a sacred place of Buddhism worth seeing alongside Koyasan.
To Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, you can access both from Shiga side and Kyoto side. There are various routes.
On the Shiga prefecture side, it is 5 minutes by bus from JR Hiezan Sakamoto Station. You can also use a cable car. This temple is about 11 minutes using cable car from Cable Sakamoto station.
Michigan Cruise
In Lake Biwa, a luxurious pleasure boat named “Michigan” is operated. This pleasure boat has courses of 60 minutes and 80 minutes. It is also operated at night. This pleasure boat is very popular.
The Michigan (787 seats) is a paddlewheeler designed in the image of a ship in the state of Michigan, USA. Shiga Prefecture is a United States Michigan State and a friendly city that also has a big lake.
You can ride the Michigan from Otsu port. It is approximately five minutes by bus from JR Otsu station to Otsu port.
Biwako Valley
Lake Biwa landscape from Biwako Valley, Shiga Prefecture, Japan = Shutterstock
You can also view Lake Biwa from the mountains surrounding the lake. In that case, one of the recommended viewing spots is Biwako Valley.
Biwako Valley is a ski resort. In winter, you can enjoy the view of Lake Biwa while skiing and snowboarding on the slopes using artificial snow machines.
From spring to autumn, you can take amazing photos from the terrace, as you can see in the photo above.
Row of metasequoia trees in Takashima City
Row of metasequoia trees in Takashima City = Shutterstock
Takashima City is located about 70 kilometers northeast of Kyoto Station. This is where about 500 metasequoia trees are planted for about 2.4km in length. The metasequoia is a very tall tree that can reach up to 12 meters in height.
Here you can enjoy fresh greenery in the spring, deep greenery in the summer, fall foliage in the fall, and snowy views in the winter.
Unfortunately, the transportation is not very good, about 6 minutes by bus from JR Makino station. It is a short walk from “Makino Pickland”.
Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture = Shutterstock
Since Shiga Prefecture is close to Kyoto, it has long been regarded as an important base for protecting Kyoto. Hikone Castle, located on the west side of Lake Biwa, was built by the Tokugawa Shogunate in the first half of the 17th century. This castle is one of five castles designated as national treasures. Lake Biwa can be seen from the top floor of the castle tower, which remains as it was at that time.
Thank you for reading to the end.
If you want to check the tour menu and deals for the entire Shiga prefecture, click here.
Now, let’s plan to make your vacation in Japan the best experience ever!
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