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Shiga

Japan's largest lake, Biwa, is right next to Kyoto, with castles and temples along its shores.

📜 A little history

Hikone Castle's keep is a National Treasure. Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hiei is a UNESCO site.

🌸 Best time to visit

Spring blossoms; summer on the lake.

🚄 Getting there

JR from Kyoto to Otsu, about 10 minutes.

🍜 Famous local food

Omi beef and funazushi.

🎁 Omiyage to bring home

Shigaraki pottery tanuki.

2 hand-checked listings, each linked to its official site. Travel times are approximate; check timetables before you go.

🍜 Food Ramen, sushi, markets and local specialities

Coming soon. Suggest a business or list yours free.

🎁 Omiyage and craft Souvenirs, sake and local crafts

Coming soon. Suggest a business or list yours free.

🏆 Meibutsu Famous local speciality products

Coming soon. Suggest a business or list yours free.

📍 Travel spots Sights and official guides

Shiga tourism (official)

ShigaOfficial prefecture guidesOfficial guide

Official tourism guide for Shiga Prefecture: sights, events and local food.

Source: Official website · Verified 2026-10-15

Coming soon. Suggest a business or list yours free.

⛩️ Temples, shrines and castles Sacred sites and castles

Hikone Castle

ShigaTemples, shrines and castles

National Treasure castle on Lake Biwa.

Source: Official website · Verified 2026-10-15

Coming soon. Suggest a business or list yours free.

♨️ Onsen and ryokan Hot springs, inns and day baths

Coming soon. Suggest a business or list yours free.

Free: Onsen Etiquette & First-Timer Checklist
A 2-page PDF so your first soak is stress-free.
Get the free checklist

List your business here in Shiga

Run a ryokan, restaurant, souvenir shop or tour? Get listed free. Free listings are text-only; logos and featured placement are sponsor perks.

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Plan your trip

Free: Onsen Etiquette & First-Timer Checklist

A 2-page PDF covering what to bring, how to wash before you soak, tattoos, towels and the little rules that make a first onsen visit stress-free. Plus a short Japan travel email (coming soon).

Download the free checklist (PDF)

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Affiliate disclosure: some links in this directory are affiliate links (marked "Affiliate link", or in the "Plan your trip" box). If you book through them, NorthWest Wa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How we list: listings are free and chosen for usefulness; paid placements are always labelled Sponsored. Facts come from each business's official site; prices, hours and rules (including tattoo policies) change, so always check before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.

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