10 Nature Experience Activities in Shiga 🌿✨

Fun outdoor adventures around Lake Biwa, perfect for international visitors. Each activity comes with highlights, tips, Kyoto access, and a map. Fresh lake-blue meets coral pop design 🎨.

From kayaking on Japan’s largest lake to forest bathing in cedar groves, Shiga is your outdoor playground only one hour from Kyoto.

🗺️ Inline Maps 🚆 Easy Access 🎒 Gear Tips 🍃 Pop Vibes

🚣 1) Kayak & SUP on Lake Biwa — Ōtsu / Ōmi-Maiko

Crystal shallows and sandy beaches perfect for beginners.

Highlights. Calm waters, rental boards/kayaks, sunset paddles, family lessons.

From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ōmi-Maiko (~40 min) → beach 5–10 min walk.

Tips. Best May–Oct; bring sunscreen + dry bag.

Ōmi-Maiko Beach area, Ōtsu

⛰️ 2) Hiking Mt. Hiei — Enryakuji Trails

Cedar forests, monastery paths, and panoramic views.

Highlights. Cable car panoramas, temple precincts, shaded ridge walks.

From Kyoto. Eizan Line → Yase-Hieizan-guchi (~20) → cable car to summit.

Tips. Spring–autumn ideal; bring layers for cool summit.

Enryakuji & Mt. Hiei summit

🌸 3) Wildflower Trekking on Mt. Ibuki — Maibara

Japan’s famous alpine flower mountain.

Highlights. Summer meadows, rare blossoms, cool air above 1,200m.

From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Maibara (~50) → bus/taxi to trailhead (~40).

Tips. Best Jul–Aug; bring water, hat, jacket.

Mt. Ibuki summit & trails

🚲 4) Cycling the Metasequoia Avenue — Makino

A 2.4 km road lined with 500 metasequoia trees.

Highlights. Golden autumn, snowy winter, rental bikes nearby.

From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Makino (~90) → rental bike → 15 min ride.

Tips. Flat route; best early morning for photos.

Makino Metasequoia Avenue

🎣 5) Fishing on Lake Biwa

Japan’s largest lake, known for bass & catfish.

Highlights. Shore fishing at Nagahama, charter boats from Ōtsu.

From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → lakeside towns (20–70 min).

Tips. Licenses needed for some species; mornings best.

Lake Biwa fishing spots

🏕️ 6) Camping & River Play — Kutsuki, Takashima

Cool valleys with campsites & clear streams.

Highlights. Riverside BBQ, swimming holes, starry skies.

From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Ōmi-Takashima (~60) → bus (~40).

Tips. Summer fills fast; bring insect repellent & river shoes.

Kutsuki valley campsites

✨ 7) Glamping at Makino Highland

Luxury tents in alpine meadows.

Highlights. Stylish domes, BBQ decks, onsen nearby.

From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Makino (~90) → shuttle/taxi (~20).

Tips. Book early for summer/autumn weekends.

Makino Highland area

🌾 8) Rice Planting & Harvest Farm Stay

Hands-on farm stays with locals.

Highlights. Rice planting (May–Jun), harvest (Sep–Oct), farmhouse meals.

From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Kōka / Ōmi-Takashima (~40–70).

Tips. Wear clothes you don’t mind muddy.

Rural farm areas

🌲 9) Forest Therapy Walks — Yogo & Hira

Certified “forest bathing” spots.

Highlights. Quiet cedar trails, bird calls, observation decks.

From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Nagahama (~70) → bus/taxi (~30).

Tips. Best Apr–Nov; bring water, proper shoes.

Yogo & Hira forest areas

⛵ 10) Sailing & Yacht Cruising — Lake Biwa

Catch the breeze aboard a yacht or dinghy.

Highlights. Sailing lessons, sunset cruises, regattas.

From Kyoto. JR Kyoto → Katata / Ōtsu (~20–30).

Tips. Book ahead; bring windbreaker, hat, sunglasses.

Ōtsu & Katata marinas

🔗 Related Guides

❓ FAQ: Nature in Shiga

🌸 Best season to visit?

Spring & autumn are most comfortable. Summer = water sports, winter = snow fun.

📅 Do I need reservations?

Yes for SUP, glamping, farm stays. Hiking & beaches = open access.

🎒 What to bring?

Hats, sunscreen, water, insect spray. Jackets in alpine zones.

👶 Beginner friendly?

Absolutely! Rentals & guides available in English.

🌍 English support?

Some operators have English sites; travel platforms also help.