Family-Friendly Spots in Shiga 👨👩👧👦
Clean, centered guide with access from Kyoto Station for every spot and embedded Google Maps. Lake-blue accent, theme-safe, slightly kawaii.
Shiga is lake views, hands-on museums, gentle hikes, and sweet treats—perfect for kids. Each place below includes highlights, practical tips, access from Kyoto, and an embedded map.
🗺️ Inline Maps
🍼 Stroller & Kids Tips
🌦️ Rainy-Day Options
Contents
Biwako Kodomo-no-Kuni (Takashima) La Collina Ōmihachiman Blumen Hügel (Shiga Agricultural Park, Hino) GranSnow Okuibuki (Maibara) Sagawa Art Museum (Moriyama) Nagahama Railway Square (Nagahama) Lake Biwa Museum (Kusatsu) Kōka Ninja Village (Kōka) Ibukiyama Driveway (Maibara) Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden (Kusatsu)
1) Biwako Kodomo-no-Kuni — Takashima
Lakeside kids’ park with giant playgrounds, splash areas, and wide lawns.
Highlights. Climbing nets, seasonal water play, rental bikes; BBQ & camping zones nearby.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → JR Kosei Line to Omi-Imazu (~70 min) → local bus (~20) to Kodomo-no-Kuni.
Family tip. Bring towels & a change of clothes in summer; stroller-friendly paths.
1091 Waniyoshi, Takashima (park area)
2) La Collina Ōmihachiman
Grass-roof confectionery village—pastries, open lawns, and gentle paths.
Highlights. Fresh baumkuchen, sweet shops, picture-friendly architecture.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ōmihachiman (~35) → bus/taxi (~10).
Family tip. Weekend queues—take a number ticket first; outdoor tables for snacks.
615-1 Kitanojōchō, Ōmihachiman
3) Blumen Hügel (Shiga Agricultural Park) — Hino
Hands-on farm park with animals, seasonal flowers, and craft workshops.
Highlights. Petting zoo, pedal go-karts, butter-making & sausage workshops.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Omi-Hachiman (~35) → bus to Hino (~40) → local bus/taxi (~15).
Family tip. Many lawns for picnic blankets; bring hats & sunscreen.
Blumen Hügel, Hino
4) GranSnow Okuibuki — Maibara
Big family ski resort in winter; green-season activities in summer.
Highlights. Snow escalators for kids, sledding area, rental gear; summer tubing/activities.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Maibara (~50) → resort bus/taxi (~50).
Family tip. Check weather/road updates; bring spare gloves & socks.
Okuibuki area, Maibara
5) Sagawa Art Museum — Moriyama
Serene, water-reflection museum—short, calm galleries good for kids.
Highlights. Sculptures and tea-ceremony architecture; quiet outdoor paths.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Moriyama (~25) → bus (~15).
Family tip. Go earlier in the day; pair with nearby parks along the lake.
2891 Kitagawa-cho, Moriyama
6) Nagahama Railway Square — Nagahama
Historic station & mini railway museum—perfect for train-loving kids.
Highlights. Vintage locomotives, railway dioramas, Japan’s oldest station building.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Special Rapid → Nagahama (~75–80) → walk 5–8.
Family tip. Combine with Kurokabe Square for snacks & crafts nearby.
1-41 Kitafunacho, Nagahama
7) Lake Biwa Museum — Kusatsu
Aquarium + natural history—hands-on exhibits about Japan’s largest lake.
Highlights. Giant catfish tank, touchable exhibits, outdoor lake-edge boardwalk.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Kusatsu (~20) → bus (~25) to “Museum.”
Family tip. Pair with next-door Mizunomori Garden; lockers & nursing rooms available.
1091 Oroshimocho, Kusatsu (Karasuma Peninsula)
8) Kōka Ninja Village — Kōka
Try ninja blowguns, shuriken, and hidden-trick houses in the Kōga region.
Highlights. Costume rental, obstacle course, museum of ninja tools.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Kōnan (~50) → taxi (~15) or local bus.
Family tip. Closed days vary; bring easy-to-move shoes for kids.
394 Oki, Kōka
9) Ibukiyama Driveway — Maibara
Scenic toll road toward Mt. Ibuki—short family walks & wildflowers in summer.
Highlights. Big views, cool air in summer, autumn colors; short trails at the top.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ōmi-Nagaoka (~45) → taxi/car (~15) to the gate. Driving direct: ~90.
Family tip. No fuel on the driveway; pack jackets—wind can be strong.
Driveway gate, Ibuki area
10) Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden — Kusatsu
Aquatic-plant garden with lotus & water lilies—flat, stroller-friendly paths.
Highlights. Lotus Pavilion, kids’ quiz sheets, calm ponds; next to Lake Biwa Museum.
From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Kusatsu (~20) → bus (~25) to “Mizunomori.”
Family tip. Best in early summer mornings; shade hats recommended.
1091 Shimomono-cho, Kusatsu
FAQ: Family Trips in Shiga
How long should we plan for a family day trip? 6–9 hours including transfers and snack breaks. Add time for play areas and museum stops.
Is everything stroller-friendly? Most museums and parks are fine. Mountain areas (Ibukiyama) have stairs/grades—consider a carrier.
What about rainy days? Lake Biwa Museum, Sagawa Art Museum, Nagahama Railway Square, La Collina cafés are good options.
Food & rest areas? Many sites have cafés or picnic lawns. Convenience stores are common near stations; bring water in summer.
Tickets & reservations? Seasonal events/workshops (Blumen Hügel) and winter ski rentals can sell out—book or go early.
