Lake &Waterside Scenic
Shirahige Shrine (Takashima City)
Highlights
The iconic torii standing in Lake Biwa—often called the “Itsukushima of Omi.” Sunrise and sunset views are breathtaking.
History
Dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto; said to be over 2,000 years old. Revered for longevity and good fortune.
Annual Events
- Main Festival (May 3)
- Lake Festival (August)
Access from Kyoto
JR Kosei Line → Omi-Takashima Station → 10 min walk or short bus ride (about 1 hr total).
Chikubushima Hogonji Temple (Nagahama City)
Highlights
A sacred island temple on Lake Biwa. The vermilion corridor connecting the Kannon Hall and Kara-mon Gate is stunning.
History
30th temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Long worshiped as a sacred site of Benzaiten; patronized by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Annual Events
- New Year Boat Pilgrimage (January)
- Chikubushima Festival (June)
- Sennichi-e Ceremony (August)
Access from Kyoto
JR Biwako Line → Nagahama Station → walk to port → 30 min ferry (about 1 hr 40 min total).
Karasaki Shrine (Otsu City)
Highlights
Famous for the Karasaki Pine; one of the Eight Views of Omi. Serene scenery of pines and lake.
History
A guardian shrine of Enryakuji Temple; immortalized in classical poems and paintings.
Annual Events
- Karasaki Night Rain Festival (June)
- Noh Performances (Spring & Autumn)
Access from Kyoto
JR Kosei Line → Karasaki Station → 10 min walk (about 30 min total).
Mt. Shizugatake Benzaiten (Nagahama City)
Highlights
Summit offers panoramic views of both Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo. Access via chair lift; perfect for wide vistas.
History
Historic battlefield (1583). A small Benzaiten shrine stands at the summit.
Annual Events
- Local hiking & seasonal tourism events (Spring & Autumn)
Access from Kyoto
JR Biwako Line → Nagahama → Hokuriku Line → Kinomoto Station → bus to lift (about 2 hours).
Hikone Yasaka Shrine (Hikone City)
Highlights
Overlooks Lake Biwa and the castle town. Cherry blossoms in spring are gorgeous.
History
Ancient shrine dedicated to Gozu-Tenno, revered as a guardian against epidemics.
Annual Events
- Yasaka Festival (July)
- Harvest Festival (November)
Access from Kyoto
JR Biwako Line → Hikone Station → 15 min walk (about 50 min total).
Chomeiji Temple (Omihachiman City)
Highlights
Climb 808 stone steps to sweeping island-dotted views of Lake Biwa. Famous for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
History
Traditionally founded by Prince Shotoku. Revered for longevity blessings.
Annual Events
- Setsubun Ceremony (February)
- Chomeiji Kannon Festival (August)
Access from Kyoto
JR Biwako Line → Omihachiman Station → 30 min bus + short walk (about 1.5 hrs).
Kannonshoji Temple (Omihachiman City)
Highlights
Located on Mt. Kinugasa (~400 m). Offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa below.
History
Founded by Prince Shotoku (trad.). Oda Nobunaga protected it during the Azuchi Castle era.
Annual Events
- Setsubun Festival (February)
- Kannonshoji Grand Festival (August)
Access from Kyoto
JR Biwako Line → Azuchi Station → 60 min hike or 20 min taxi (about 1.5 hrs total).
Hachiman-bori Canal Temples & Shrines (Omihachiman City)
Highlights
Picturesque canal town dotted with shrines/temples such as Himure Hachimangu. Popular filming location.
History
Built as a castle town by Toyotomi Hidetsugu. The religious sites formed the cultural core of Omihachiman.
Annual Events
- Sagicho Festival (March)
- Hachiman Festival (April)
Access from Kyoto
JR Biwako Line → Omihachiman Station → 10 min bus (about 50 min total).
Kodokaku Temple (Kinomoto, Nagahama City)
Highlights
A hidden temple in the northern Lake Biwa region with a serene, nature-rich atmosphere.
History
Founded in the Nara period. Central to local Kannon worship traditions.
Annual Events
- Kannon Ceremonies (Spring & Autumn)
- Spirit-Sending Ritual (August)
Access from Kyoto
JR Biwako Line → Nagahama → Hokuriku Line → Kinomoto Station → 15 min walk (about 2 hrs total).
Lake Biwa Great Torii (Shirahige area, Takashima)
Highlights
A symbolic lakeside torii—especially photogenic at sunrise.
History
Built as a branch of Omi Jingu, dedicated to Emperor Tenji. A prayer site for lake and traffic safety.
Annual Events
- Summer Lake Safety Rituals
- New Year’s first prayers draw many visitors
Access from Kyoto
JR Kosei Line → Omi-Takashima Station → 10 min walk (about 1 hr total).