Explore Shiga Prefecture: Top 15 Scenic & Historical Spots
1. Hikone Castle (彦根城)
How to get there: From JR Kyoto Station, take the JR Biwako Line towards Maibara and get off at Hikone Station (about 45 min). From Hikone Station, it’s a 15-minute walk north to the castle grounds. Alternatively, local buses (Hikone City Bus) run from the station to the castle.
History: Built in 1622, Hikone Castle is one of Japan’s original wooden castles still intact. It offers spectacular views of Lake Biwa and showcases samurai-era architecture and gardens.
Best season: Spring (late March to early April) for stunning cherry blossoms, and autumn (mid-October to early November) for vivid fall foliage.
2. Enryaku-ji Temple (延暦寺)
How to get there: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Kosei Line to Hieizan-Sakamoto Station (approx. 20 min). From there, board the cable car to the top of Mount Hiei (10 min ride), then walk 20 minutes uphill to the main temple complex. Taxi services are also available from the cable car station.
History: Founded in 788, Enryaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the headquarters of the Tendai Buddhist sect. It has a rich spiritual history and played a major role in medieval Japanese politics.
Best season: Autumn for spectacular maple colors, and early summer for lush green landscapes.
3. Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) Shorelines
How to get there: Easily accessible from multiple JR Biwako Line stations, including Otsu, Kusatsu, and Nagahama. Lakeside parks and beaches can be reached by local buses or taxis from these stations. For example, Omi-Maiko Beach is a 15-minute bus ride from Omi-Maiko Station.
History: Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa has influenced regional culture and economy for millennia. It supports fishing, boating, and tourism.
Best season: Summer (July–August) for water sports, and winter for clear, peaceful lakeside views.
4. Chikubushima Island (竹生島)
How to get there: Take a ferry from either Nagahama Port (JR Nagahama Station) or Omi-Maiko Port (JR Omi-Maiko Station). The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes. Ferries operate more frequently during spring and autumn.
History: A sacred island with the Hogon-ji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine, established in the 7th century. It’s a pilgrimage site with beautiful gardens and ancient statues.
Best season: Spring for mild weather and flowers, and autumn for vibrant foliage.
5. Azuchi Castle Ruins (安土城跡)
How to get there: Take the JR Biwako Line to Azuchi Station (about 30 minutes from Kyoto). From Azuchi Station, the ruins are a 20-minute uphill walk or a short taxi ride.
History: Constructed by Oda Nobunaga in the late 16th century, Azuchi Castle was revolutionary but destroyed shortly after his death. The ruins provide panoramic views of Lake Biwa and surrounding landscapes.
Best season: Autumn for clear skies and colorful leaves.
6. Nagahama Castle (長浜城)
How to get there: From JR Nagahama Station, walk 10 minutes north to the castle site. Nagahama Station is approximately 60 minutes from Kyoto by JR Shinkansen and Biwako Line.
History: Originally built in 1575, the current structure is a modern reconstruction housing a local history museum. The surrounding old town area features shops and eateries.
Best season: Spring for cherry blossoms and lively festivals.
7. Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge (瀬田の唐橋)
How to get there: From JR Seta Station (Biwako Line), it’s a 5-minute walk to this historic bridge spanning the Seta River.
History: One of Japan’s oldest bridges, first built over 1,200 years ago. It served as an important transportation and defensive structure.
Best season: Autumn, when colorful leaves reflect beautifully on the river.
8. Omi-Hachiman City (近江八幡市)
How to get there: From JR Omi-Hachiman Station (Biwako Line), take a local bus or walk 15 minutes to the historic canal district.
History: A former merchant town known for its traditional canals, merchant houses, and cultural heritage dating back to the Edo period.
Best season: Spring for cherry blossoms along the canals, and autumn for vibrant foliage.
9. Ishiyama-dera Temple (石山寺)
How to get there: Take the JR Kosei Line to Ishiyama Station, then walk 15 minutes or take a local bus to the temple.
History: Famous as the place where Murasaki Shikibu wrote “The Tale of Genji.” Known for its beautiful autumn foliage and historic architecture.
Best season: Autumn, especially during the maple leaf peak.
10. Koka Ninja Village (甲賀忍者村)
How to get there: Take the JR Kusatsu Line to Koka Station. From there, a short taxi or local bus ride takes you to the ninja village.
History: A themed park showcasing ninja history and culture, offering hands-on experiences such as ninja skills and traditional weapons.
Best season: Year-round, with special ninja festivals in spring and autumn.
11. Miho Museum (ミホミュージアム)
How to get there: From Shigaraki Station (Shigaraki Line), take the Miho Museum shuttle bus or taxi (about 10 minutes). Shuttle buses are timed to train arrivals.
History: Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, the museum harmoniously integrates modern architecture with nature and hosts extensive Asian and Western art collections.
Best season: Spring and autumn, when surrounding forests are most beautiful.
12. Hikone Hachimangu Shrine (彦根八幡宮)
How to get there: A 10-minute walk from JR Hikone Station.
History: A Shinto shrine with centuries of history, known for its vibrant festivals and traditional wooden architecture.
Best season: Autumn, particularly September during festival season.
13. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort (志賀高原)
How to get there: From Nagano Station, take a direct bus to Shiga Kogen (approximately 1 hour).
History: One of Japan’s premier ski areas with extensive slopes and natural snowy landscapes.
Best season: Winter (December to March).
14. Konze Fudoji Temple (金剛輪寺)
How to get there: From JR Kosei Line’s Hira Station, take a taxi or local bus to the temple (around 10 minutes).
History: Known for its peaceful atmosphere, ancient pagoda, and beautiful gardens.
Best season: Autumn for stunning fall colors.
15. Azuchi Train Station Area (安土駅周辺)
How to get there: Take the JR Biwako Line to Azuchi Station. The area around the station offers access to local shops and views of the Azuchi Castle ruins.
History: The gateway to the Azuchi Castle ruins, it has a charming small-town atmosphere.
Best season: Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for colorful landscapes.