Travel / Tourism Spots in Shiga Area

Area

Shiga
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  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

Shirahige-jinja Shrine

4.0

235 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Takashimashi Ukawa 215

A Shinto shrine situated along the Nishi-Oumi Highway in Ukawa, Takashima City. Dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-mikoto, the shrine is said to grant worshippers long life. Because of the shrine’s large torii gate standing in the waters of Lake Biwa, the shrine is also known as the “Itsukushima of Omi.”

It is an easy flat walk from Omi-Takashima Station to the shrine with lots to see along the way - Omizo Castle ruins, Otomegaike Pond, rice fields and the 48 buddhas. We took lunch and picnicked at...
Kurokabe Square

4.0

352 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Motohamachou 12-38

Long known by the nickname “the Kurokabe Bank (Black Wall Bank),” this remodeled former bank building houses the Kurokabe Glass Shop as well as a gallery and restaurant, and has come to be known as the largest space exhibiting glass crafts in western Japan. In addition to glass and porcelain, visitors can also enjoy trying their hand at making a diorama in the popular Kaiyodo Figure Museum.

Went there mainly to visit Kaiyodo Museum but we found lots of good food! Try the sweet potato sweets, theyre worth it!
Lake Biwa Museum

4.5

157 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Kusatsushi Oroshimochou 1091

Focusing on Lake Biwa, this museum explores the relationship between people and the lake. The museum’s aquarium exhibit, displaying the freshwater animals in general and particularly those found in Lake Biwa, is one of the largest in Japan. Some of the museum’s numerous points of note include an exhibit of endemic species such as the Lake Biwa catfish and a 10-meter-long tunnel aquarium which allows visitors to walk under the water and enjoy freshwater fish from around the world. There are also dioramas presenting the history of Lake Biwa and exhibits presenting items once used by people living in the areas. The museum restaurant’s black bass dishes are popular with visitors. Take the bus from JR Kusatsu Station and get off at Biwako Hakubutsukan-mae.

We started with the aquarium, which is one of the best Ive seen (and Ive seen a lot of them). Really great exhibits --we spent about 2 hours there. The restaurant was also good and the other areas...
Sagawa Art Museum

4.5

168 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Moriyamashi Mizuhochou Kitagawa 2891

An art museum located in Kitagawa Mizuho-cho, Moriyama City. The museum’s collection consists of pieces by Japanese painter Ikuo Hirayama, sculptor Churyo Sato, and ceramic artist Kichizaemon Raku. The museum has three standing exhibit halls each supervised by one of the artists. The museum also holds special exhibitions of other artists’ works. In addition, the museum owns a Buddhist temple bell designated a National Treasure which was originally cast in 858 to serve as the bell for the Hodoin west bell tower at the Enryaku-ji Temple (note that this bell is not normally put on display).

Great museum, just pity that they do not have English on the non-permanent exhibition. Just introduction, but explanation on each exhibit is only in Japanese. It is a gorgeous building, very...
Nagahama Castle Historical Museum

3.5

199 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Kouenchou 10-10

A museum located on the site of the Nagahama Castle Ruins in Koen-cho, Nagahama City. The museum operates out of a restoration of the castle based on how it would have looked in the distant Azuchi-Momoyama period. The museum’s standing exhibition looks at the history of the northern Lake Biwa area and Nagahama; the mighty samurai lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who built Nagahama Castle; and other themes relating to Nagahama. The museum also holds special exhibitions on the Nagahama area and historical figures like Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

This small castle is a short walk from the Nagahama JR station and has a great view out over Lake Biwa. It was one of Hideyoshi Toyotomis first castles and the museum explains some of the history of...
Hikone Castle

4.5

6 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Hikoneshi Konkichou 1-1

A castle built over a period of some 20 years by Ii Naokatsu, the son of Ii Naomasa, who was counted as one of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s four greatest generals. Many of the structures, including the castle tower; turrets; and the Genkyuen, a garden for the Shimoyashiki villa; look as they did when first constructed and are designated National Treasures. The large horse stable, with its walls built in the early modern period, is a particularly rare example of such a structure and is designated a national Important Cultural Property. The inner moat can be circled in a pleasure boat that belonged to the Ii clan; ride it and you will feel like a daimyo (feudal lord) yourself.

彦根城と城下町の建設は、今からおよそ410年前の慶長9年（1604）に始まり、20年近い歳月を経て完成しました。その中心をなしたのが、天守のある本丸です。現在の本丸には天守の建物しか残っていませんが、かつては藩主の御殿である「御広間」や「宝蔵」、そして「着見櫓」なども建っていました。天守は3階3重、つまり3階建て3重の屋根で構成されています。規模は比較的小ぶりですが、屋根は「切妻破風」「入母屋破...
Taga Taisya Shrine

4.0

157 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Inukamiguntagachou Taga 604

A Shinto shrine located in Taga, Taga Town, Inukami County, Shiga Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the gods Izanagi-no-Okami and Izanami-no-Okami. Known locally as “O-Taga-san,” the shrine is believed to grant worshippers long life and luck in love. During the Kugatsu Korei-sai festival on September 9, a “Kochi Kochi” sumo competition is held which predicts whether the year’s harvests will be good or poor.

Peaceful,quiet,clean air... You can refresh your mind. Also you can buy some local foods and staffs around this shrine. Many shop are there.
Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

4.0

191 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Sakamoto 5-1-1

A Shinto shrine located in Sakamoto, Otsu City. The shrine was founded some 2,100 years ago. The shrine is also the head shrine of all 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno shrines in Japan. Positioned in the unlucky direction northeast of the ancient capital of Heian-kyo, the shrine is believed to provide protection from misfortune and disaster and even today worshippers come here to receive these benefits. 3,000 maple trees grow on the shrine’s grounds, making it a renowned destination for autumn foliage in the fall as well.

This shrine locates at the foot of the mountain which accommodates the Enryakuji. We stopped by on our way and find it very relaxing but sorry to say that the Enryakuji overwhelmed us. But I was...
Kaizu-Osaki Peninsula

4.5

119 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Prefecture Takashima-shi Makino Town Kaizu

A scenic area situated along Prefectural Route 557 in Kaizu Makino-cho, Takashima City. A reef formed by erosion, the area is also known as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa, traditional scenic views of the lake, its title being “Dawn Fog—Kaizu Osaki Peninsula Reef.” In addition, the area is a renowned destination for cherry blossoms in the spring; selected for inclusion in Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, some 600 Yoshino cherries 50 years or older grow in a four-kilometer-long row here.

Spectacular cherry blossoms along the roadway and lake. Full bloom had passed. The hanafubuki was stunning.
Omi Jingu Shrine

4.0

165 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Jinguchou 1-1

A Shinto shrine located in Jingu-cho, Otsu City. The shrine was established in 1940. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Tenji, who implemented various policies and reforms, and accordingly the shrine is believed to grant worshippers better fortunes and guidance; because of the shrine’s large “rokoku” water clock, time is also believed to fall under the shrine’s domain. A poem by Emperor Tenji appears as the first entry in the ancient “Ogura Anthology of 100 Tanka by 100 Poets,” and in turn the shrine is also viewed as a mecca for players of the Japanese game karuta—a card game which involves hearing the first half of a poem and racing to find the correct card inscribed with the second half; a “Karuta Opening Ceremony” is held at the shrine and a national karuta competition is also held here.

Few people know but otsu Kyo was a capital very short period. Recently because of manga / TV movie , Japanese card game what we called karuta is getting popular among youth. Now youth have...
Himure Hachimangu Shrine

4.0

159 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Oumihachimanshi Miyauchichou 257

The Omi merchants had faith in this Shinto shrine from the days of old. According to tradition, the Emperor Seimu established it to worship Oshima Okami in 131 AD. The three Shinto gods now enshrined there are Hontawake-no-Mikoto, Okinagatarashihime-no-mikoto, and Himekami. The shrine holds two fire festivals: The Sagicho Festival in March, consisting of a competition where parishioners make portable shrines covered with talismans, and the Hachiman Festival in April where they burn an enormous 10-meter-tall torch.

This shrine is beautiful and worth stopping by. Best of all no entrance and is well kept. Restroom is across the street from the shrine. Many Japanese people come here for short prayers. We took a...
Hikone Castle Museum

4.0

175 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Hikoneshi Konkichou 1-1

A museum located in Konki-cho, Hikone City. The museum is located on the site of Hikone Castle’s front palace and operates out of a recreation of that now destroyed structure. The museum contains some 45,000 pieces of valuable works of art, handicrafts, and ancient documents handed down for generations in the Ii clan, who once ruled ancient Hikone domain; as well as over 91,000 items relating to Hikone.

It is a museum of Hikone Castle. When you buy a combination ticket, you can visit the castle, garden and this museum. I strongly recommend you to buy it and visit this museum. There are interesting...
Ukimido

4.0

126 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Honkatata 1-16-18

A temple building located on the grounds of the Mangetsu-ji Buddhist temple in Honkatata, Otsu City. The temple building was built on the waters of Lake Biwa by the priest Genshin in the Heian period to pray for safety on the lake as well as the salvation of the masses. The current building is a reconstruction erected in 1937. The temple building is also known for being depicted in one of the traditional picturesque “Eight Views of Omi”—in this case, the view titled “Geese Alighting at Katata.”

Nice view, nice area, but not worth paying an entrance fee for. Could get a photo through the fence to the side.
"Azuchi Castle Museum “The House of Nobunaga"""

4.0

103 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Oumihachimanshi Aduchichoukuwanomiji 800

A museum located in Kuwanomiji Azuchi-cho, Omihachiman City. Inside the museum is a life-sized recreation of the tower of Azuchi Castle originally built for Seville Expo ’92 in Spain. The structure includes recreations of the tower’s artistic touches, as well, such as a room partition painting of the powerful samurai lord Oda Nobunaga created by the renowned Japanese painter Kano Eitoku; and the tower exterior itself, which is decorated with 100 thousand sheets of gold leaf.

安土城考古学博物館と同じ敷地の中ですが、棟続きにはなっておらず雨天だったので傘をさしての移動でした。中にある天守の再現は屋外ならもっと巨大に感じたのかもしれません。安土城での徳川家康のための饗宴献立の再現は興味を持って見学しました。
Roadside Station Toju no sato Adogawa

4.0

87 Reviews

Transportation

Shiga Pref. Takashimashi Adogawachouaoyagi 1162-1

A roadside station situated along the Takashima bypass in Aoyagi Adogawa-cho, Takashima City. The station sells fresh, local agricultural products; grilled mackerel sushi; river fish preserved by boiling them in soy sauce tsukudani style; processed foods such as Western-style sweets made with ado berries, a local specialty product; and handicrafts. The station is also adjoined by two restaurants. Adogawa Kitchen serves sweets, noodles, donburi rice bowls, and set meals like the “Takashima Hakko Teishoku” fermented food meal made with local vegetables and rice. The Daikichi Grill Bokujo serves meat dishes with a focus on Omi beef.

地場野菜が求めやすい価格で豊富に売り出されています。鯖寿司や近江牛のお弁当、スイーツ類、ジャムなども購入できます。昼時は賑わい、活気が感じられます。
MIHO MUSEUM

4.0

12 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichoutashiro Momotani 300

This unique design of this art museum in Koka City, Shiga was created by famous architect, I. M. Pei who was also responsible for designing the glass pyramid at the Musee de Louvre. Built to evoke the image of Shangri-La, 80% of the building is underground allowing it to assimilate into the beautiful natural surroundings. Over 3,000 pieces of art are on display in four exhibition rooms which cover Egypt, Western-Asia, Southern-Asia, and the Western Regions of China and special themed exhibits are also held. * The museum is closed for the winter until March 20th, 2019.

Nice food, quite delicious. Self service is a bit surprising with the not so cheap prices... Chairs are not so comfortable.
Hachiman-yama Ropeway

4.0

110 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Omihachiman-shi Miyauchicho

This is well worth visiting, panoramic views of Omihachiman and Lake Biwa. It is about 860 yen per person round trip. We even got a local snack as a gift. If you are in bad shape (health wise) I...
Lake Biwa Cruise Michigan

4.0

104 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Hamaotsu 5-1-1

A pleasure cruise ship which operates out of Otsu Port in Hamaotsu, Otsu City. The cruise began operating in 1982. The ship is modeled after an American Mississippi riverboat; inside, touches like chandeliers and luxurious carpets engender an atmosphere that is out of the ordinary. The ship has two restaurants, a bar, VIP room, and sky deck offering sweeping views of Lake Biwa. The ship offers three types of cruises as well as seasonal event cruises. The ship can also be rented out and using for weddings and other special events.

We happened upon this paddle boat cruise so decided to take it. Being from the US, the idea of cruising on a paddle boat named Michigan would be novel. The cruise took 80 minutes, cost 2780 yen...
Nagahama Railway Museum

4.0

111 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Kitafunachou 1-41

A railroad museum located in Kitafuna-cho, Nagahama City. The museum consists of the former Nagahama Station building, constructed in 1882 and the oldest extant station building in Japan; the Nagahama Railway Culture Hall, and the Hokuriku Line Electrification Memorial Hall. Visitors can tour areas of the station building such as the old waiting area and stationmaster’s office as well as view relevant exhibits. In addition, the museum has train models, a D51 steam locomotive which visitors are allowed to sit in the driver’s seat, and an ED70 ac electric locomotive. The museum’s observation deck offers a super close view of the trains running on the Hokuriku Line track.

The building sits nicely on its site. It is said to be the oldest existing railroad station building in the country. We were here for autumn foliage and the trees in front of the building were at...
Yanmar Museum

4.5

83 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Nagahama-shi Sanwacho 6-50

Yanmar is a well-known diesel engine and machines manufacturer Japan-wide and worldwide. It was the first company that invented and commercialised the worlds first smallest diesel engine since the...

Shiga

Otsu Shigaraki / Koka Konan / Kusatsu Omihachiman Koto / Hikone Kohoku / Nagahama Kosei / Takashima

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Shiga Areas

Visitors to Shiga prefecture are almost always hopping east across the prefectural border from Kyoto, and they are almost certainly Lake Biwa-bound. Covering an area of 670 square kilometers, Lake Biwa makes up the bulk of Shiga prefecture, with beautiful lakeside paths that offer myriad walking and cycling opportunities, connecting a string of museums, shrines, and picturesque views that finally lead you to Hikone Castle on the eastern side of the lake.