Spots in Shigaraki / Koka Area

  • MIHO MUSEUM
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    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.

  • Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park
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    4.0
    62 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichouchokushi 2188-7
    A public park located in Chokushi Shigaraki-cho, Koka City. The park is dotted with outdoor art exhibits and also encloses such facilities as a ceramics art gallery, training hall where ceramics arts can stay, and a Shigaraki ware museum with a shop and café. The park also has ceramics arts hold workshops and demonstrational lectures as well as artist markets.

    こちらは見所が一杯あり 時間的余裕を持って訪問されることをお薦めします、[陶芸の森]の構成施設として [陶芸館][星の広場][火鉢ロート][信楽産業展示館][太陽の広場][泉の広場][窯の広場]等 数多いので。又[陶芸館]等においてあるパンフレット《陶芸の森うおーかー(添付 写真参照)》も散策時 お役立ちです。 公共交通を利用する場合 信楽鉄道・信楽駅前からの信楽高原ハスの時刻表を確認し...

  • Koka Ninja House
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    4.0
    64 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Kounanchouryuboushi 2331
    A sort of real ninja theme park filled with secret ninja tricks located in Ryuboshi Konan-cho, Koka City. The residence was built around 1700, during the Edo period, by the Mochizuki Koka ninja clan. Preparing for the unexpected, the house was filled with tricks and traps, including trick windows, rotating walls, and drop pits. Items used as part of daily ninja life are also on display here.

    Although it is a guided tour conducted in Japanese, we were able to follow the tour as the staff passed us a folder with English description and she helped us along the way. It is amazing to...

  • Roadside Station Aino-Tsuchiyama
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    3.5
    25 Reviews
    Transportation
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Tsuchiyamachoukitatsuchiyama 2900
    A roadside station situated along the Tokaido Highway in Kitatsuchiyama Tsuchiyama-cho, Koka City. The station sells local agricultural products and specialty products like Tsuchiyama tea, processed foods, popular sweets, local liquors, and matcha powdered green tea soft serve ice cream limited to just 100 customers a day. The station’s restaurant serves dishes such as udon, soba noodles and rice bowls made with ingredients like Tsuchiyama tea and local black rice. The station also offers visitors free cups of Tsuchiyama tea.

    一般道を利用して、関西方面へ行く際に立ち寄りやすい道の駅です。この日は車の急速充電を利用。その間、駅内のレストランも利用。入り口にはメダカやオオクワガタが展示販売されている。オーダーしたのはミニ天丼セット(小そば...

  • Shigaraki Togeimura
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    3.5
    37 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichounagano 1131
    A Shigaraki ware pottery studio located in Nagano Shigaraki-cho, Koka City. The studio displays and sells tanuki raccoon dog figurines and other Shigaraki ware items. The studio also holds ceramics classes such as handmade pottery, pottery making using an electric potter’s wheel, ceramics painting, and tanuki figurine making (reservation required). The studio’s café, which operates out of a remodeled climbing kiln, serves sweets as well as an Omi beef barbecue course (reservation required).

    I travelled to Japan from the US recently with a group who had an interest in ceramics. We took a one day tour of Shigaraki with Seita from Yutours. I often prefer to travel independently, but in...

  • Koka Ninja Village
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    4.0
    9 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Koukachouoki 394
    A theme park located in Oki Koka-cho, Koka City. Facilities include a museum with exhibits on Koka ninja, a ninja funhouse, a ninja dojo with nine training grounds, a shuriken dojo, a craft dojo where you can pain raku ware and do other crafts, and a Shinobi-jinja Shrine dedicated to ninja. There’s also a restaurant where you can enjoy “ninja barbecue,” a store selling ninja goods, and a costume rental shop.

    JR草津線甲南駅から行く望月家の忍者屋敷とこの忍者村の両方に行くなら車で行くのが便利です。公共の乗り物だと甲賀駅からですがかなり距離があります。甲賀忍者の術、生活が体験できるので大人も楽しく遊べます。からくり井戸、水ぐもが体験できる池近くに忍術博物館があります。忍者の使う装束、道具」なども展示されています。生活道具もあるので忍者について知識が深められます。からくり屋敷は住居に使われていたもので、か...

  • Hotel Lake Villa
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    4.5
    14 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Shiga Koka-shi Shigarakicho Tarao 1
    30 minutes from the Ouchi Interchange on the Meihan Expressway via Prefectural Route 138. This highland resort hotel's vast, water and greenery-encircled grounds are replete with golf courses and tennis courts. The hotel's onsite natural hot spring bathhouse, the Tarao no Yu, is also open to non-guests. The bathhouse consists of the Nishiyu bathing area with a hinoki cypress bath and salt sauna, and the Higashiyu bathing area with a jacuzzi and kamaburo steam bath; which area is the men's and which the women's alternates on a daily basis. The bathhouse also offers a wide variety of other baths, including an outdoor bath, Shigaraki ware tsuboyu round single person baths, and a lie-down bath. The waters of the bathhouse' mildly alkaline simple spring are said to promote health and aid recovery from fatigue.

    昨年末から今年2月にかけ、コロナの旅行支援を受けられることもあって、4回の宿泊を楽しみました。そのうち2回は、真っ白な雪景色の中、温泉やレストランでの食事を楽しみました。とくに12月の旅では、金婚式を記念して家族で宿泊、昨年から愛犬と泊まれるコテージも利用させていただきました。 ホテルの好意で、金婚式を祝うオリジナルケーキをいただき、とても心に残る旅になりました。 悪天候の積雪の日は、隣接するゴル...

  • Aburahi-jinja Shrine
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    4.5
    16 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Koukachouaburahi 1042
    A Shinto shrine located at the foot of Mt. Aburahidake in Aburahi Koka-cho, Koka City. Just when the shrine was founded is not clear, but descriptions of the shrine can be found in documents dating all the way back to the Heian period. In ancient times, Mt. Aburahidake was viewed as a sacred mountain, and even today a rear shrine can be found at its peak. In medieval times, this shrine was considered the protective shrine of Koka and was frequented by the samurai of Koka. The shrine is also known as the patron shrine of oils.

    車で油日神社(あぶらひじんじゃ)に向かう。 油日神社は、滋賀県甲賀市甲賀町油日(しがけんこうかしこうかちょうあぶらひ)にある神社だ。 祭神は、油日大神(あぶらひのおおかみ) 「甲賀の総社」として、また勝軍神として武士の崇敬を受け、社名から油の火の神としても信仰された。 駐車場はわりと広い。 奴振りは県選択無形民俗文化財になっている。 由緒書きは消えてしまっている。 新しい由緒書き。 877年に...

  • Daichiji Temple
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    4.0
    17 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Minakuchichounasaka 1168
    A Buddhist temple located in Nasaka Minakuchi-cho, Koka City. The temple is said to have been founded some 1,250 years ago during the Tempyo period when the great priest Gyoki, who was visiting the region, dug four ponds which still remain today in the shape of the Japanese character for heart and built the main temple in the center of them. The temple’s Hourai Garden, a dry landscape garden, is said to have been created by the celebrated artist Kobori Enshu.

    龍護山大池寺(りゅうごさんだいちじ)は、滋賀県甲賀市水口町名坂(しがけんこうかしみなくちちょうなさか)にある臨済宗妙心寺派の寺だ。 本尊は、釈迦如来(しゃかにょらい) 行基が作ったと伝わる池がある名坂大池寺自然公園がある。 2020年10月23日、この日は田村神社に参拝した。 そこから車で、大池寺にやってきた。 駐車場はとても広い。 駐車場から、かなりの距離を歩く。 この日は土砂降りで、少しつ...

  • Koka Onsen Yapponpon no Yu
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    4.0
    6 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Tsuchiyamachoukurokawa 1711
    A hot spring bathhouse adjoining the Diamond Shiga hotel in Kurokawa Tsuchiyama-cho, Koka City. In addition to sodium hydrocarbonate cold mineral spring outdoor baths and large indoor baths, facilities include saunas, family baths, bedrock bath, and scrubbing corners. The bathhouse also has a restaurant with private dining areas and a yakiniku Japanese-style grill-it-yourself barbecue restaurant complete with smokeless roasters.

    鈴鹿山脈の麓、ダイヤモンド滋賀ゴルフ場の一角にあります。基本料金は高めですが、割引クーポンも多く見受けられます。毎月26日付近は風呂の日で、約半額が入場でき、甲賀市民は市民パスなるものがあるようです。精算は帰館時で、クレジットカードにも対応しています。 脱衣場には髭反りやクシ、ウォーターサーバーがあり、洗い場のシャンプーなどには馬油シリーズが使われており、豪華に思えます。 露天風呂は広々してい...

  • Traditional Crafts Center of Shiga
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    3.0
    20 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Koka-shi Shigarakicho Nagano 1203

    こちらで 2019年12月21日から NHKの連続テレヒ小説[スカーレット]展が開催されるも 急遽一旦休館となり 2020年7月10日から[テレヒトラマの世界・スカーレットの舞台 甲賀市信楽]と名前を少し変え リニューアル・オープンしています。入館すると 左手に[ショーシ富士川(俳優:西川貴教)]の作品;半分だけ神(添付 写真参照)が迎えてくれます。内部に[かわはら工房]や[穴窯]のセ...

  • Ruins of Minakuchi Castle (Minakuchi Castle Museum)
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    3.5
    15 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Minakuchichouhonmaru
    The site of a ruined castle located in Honmaru Munakuchi-cho, Koka City. The castle was built to provide lodgings for the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu when traveling to the capital and was also known as “Blue Water Castle” due to its moat, which was filled by water from a spring; the castle was later abandoned in the Meiji period. Today, a museum housed inside a reconstruction of the castle’s turret stands on the site.

    3代将軍徳川家光が京都上洛に合わせて築城されたお城です。資料館はその出丸付近にあり、民家として使われていた本丸乾矢倉を現在の場所に移築(平成初期)して開館となりました。中には当時のお城のジオラマや武具が展示されています。但し撮影はジオラマのお城だけ、他は不可です。

  • Kafuka Strawberry Farm
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    4.0
    6 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Minakuchichouminakuchi 5940-4
    A strawberry farm situated along Prefectural Route 535 in Minakuchi Minakuchi-cho, Koka City. One of the largest strawberry farms in the prefecture, the farm grows some 35,000 strawberry plants. From January to late May, the farm offers a 45 minute all-you-can-eat strawberry picking course which includes free chocolate sauce and sweet condensed milk. The adjoining farm fresh shop sells agricultural products, local specialty products, and gelato.

    Great place to eat strawberries Clean organized place Farm with easy access parking from Minakuchiishibashi Station, Kōka, Shiga

  • Shigaraki Ogama
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    4.0
    11 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichounagano 947
    This experience workshop is located in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. In addition to exhibiting and selling Shigaraki Ware made by artists in Shigaraki, there are hands-on workshops where visitors can make their own pottery. There is also a cafe where visitors can relax and enjoy tea and coffee in Shigaraki Ware cups.

    新宮神社の左側の道はろくろ坂と命名されておりその坂を登って暫く行くと大きな登り釜が眼に飛び込んで来ます。そこの敷地にカフェと信楽焼のギャラリーが有ります。ギャラリーにはこの季節ならではの信楽焼のお雛様が数種類展示されていました。ギャラリーは1階と2階に有りますが、2階はカップ等実用的な陶器が展示されていました。カフェはこの時期、コーヒー、紅茶の飲み物のみでした が、ケーキが用意されているときもある...

  • Rakuyaji Temple
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    4.0
    8 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Koukachouichino 1377
    A Buddhist temple located in Ichino Koka-cho, Koka City. The temple’s principal object of worship is a seated, 11 headed figure of Kanzeon Bodhisattva; the largest such figure in Japan, it is said to have been carved by the great monk Saicho and is only unveiled to the general public once every 33 years. The shrine also came to be known for having been visited by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro to pray when he went to subdue the bandits in the Suzuka Mountains; the origins of the ritual sumo matches held on the grounds each year on October 18 date back to the sumo matches held by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro’s retainers.

    滋賀県甲賀市甲賀町にある天台宗の寺院で「らくやじ」と言います。 たまたま近所を車で走っていて「甲賀の大仏」と言う看板が見えたので寄りました。 無料の駐車場があり、そこから境内に向かうと、たくさんの観音様がたくさん並ぶ参道があり、ガラス張りの中に仁王様がいる仁王門も小ぶりですが素敵でした。 ここの一番の見どころは甲賀三大仏と言われる薬師如来坐像、日本最大の十一面観音坐像ですが、少し急いでいたので...

  • Minakuchi Kodomo no Mori Park
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    4.0
    6 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Minakuchichoukitanaiki 10
    A public park situated along the Oumi-Green Road in Kitanaiki Minakuchi-cho, Koka City. Park facilities include an insect plaza an educational farm, and visitors can come in contact with the vast natural beauty of the area. There’s also a nature museum with fossil, plant, and animal exhibits where visitors can learn about the wildlife and natural history of Koka.

    甲賀の素晴らしい自然を生かした公園です。昆虫もたくさんおり、子供たちが自然に触れることのできる楽しい公園です。駐車場もあり便利でした。

  • Tanuki-mura
    Travel / Tourism
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichoumaki 1293-2
    A commercial complex dedicated to Shigaraki ware situated along Prefectural Route 16 in Maki Shigaraki-cho, Koka City. The facility displays and sells tableware, flower vases, and other Shigaraki ware pieces and also offers ceramics classes. In addition, there’s a climbing kiln, restaurant, gift shop, and shop which sells Asamiya tea. The symbol of the facility, the “Largest Tanuki Statue in Japan,” is a popular photo spot.
  • Tanikangama Gallery Tohozan
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    4.5
    5 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shiga Pref. Koukashi Shigarakichounagano 788
    A Shigaraki ware gallery located in Nagano Shigaraki-cho, Koka City. The facility has a gallery which repurposes an old fuel oil kiln which is no longer used, as well as a gallery displaying pieces by young artists. The surrounding area is dotted with Shigaraki ware kilns and studios and is perfect for an exploratory walk.

    妻と車椅子押しながらの散策です、あと少しのところまで来たのですが、上り坂で砂利道に足が止まりながめていると(赤レンガの煙突)上のほうから小走りで、お家方が、向かい来てくださり、展示場まで案内と説明をしていただきました。妻と二人で心あたまる思いをいたしました・・・スカーレットの上り坂のを思いはせながらの素敵な所です。

  • KAMA-TO NO MORI
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    3.5
    6 Reviews
    Gourmet / Alcohol
    Shiga Koka-shi Shigarakicho Nagano 1361-4

    ランチで利用。 信楽駅から徒歩でいけますが 少しわかりにくいかな。 森の中の倉庫?的な感じでなかなか 映えるかも。 ランチのナスの1本揚げは ほんまに丸々1本フライにしてあり 中にチーズやベーコンが挟んでて なかなかジューシー。 人気があるのはわかる気がするなぁと思える 女子が好きそうな感じのお店でした。

  • Sueen
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    4.0
    5 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shiga Koka-shi Shigarakicho Nagano 883-1
    A 10-minute walk from Shigaraki Kohgen Railway Shigaraki Station. This gallery, and cafe/restaurant is a standard stop for tourists exploring Shigaraki on foot. In the cafe and restaurant on the first floor, you can enjoy food and drink while looking at some 200 pieces of pottery adorning the shelves. The restaurant's Omi beef bowl is a popular staple and comes with miso soup and Japanese pickles. The Japanese-style Omi beef barbecue combo meal, and the fried seafood udon with homemade noodles are also recommended. The gallery on the second floor displays and sells pottery. The gallery's contents are changed every two weeks.

    窯元散策路でヘトヘトに疲れて、ようやく見つけた喫茶店。 でも、近江牛の牛丼がリーズナブルに食べられて、ギャラリーもあります。 甘めの味付けですが、疲れたカラダにピッタリです。 混雑すると待たされますが、ゆっくり器を見て心地よく待てます。 いろんな定食があるので気になりますが、近江牛の柔らかさをまずは堪能すべきです。

Shiga Areas

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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.

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