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GUIDE/

SHIGA

A historical museum dedicated to Oda Nobunaga’s grand vision at Azuchi Castle, showcasing a full-scale replica of the castle’s main keep and rare cultural artifacts.
信長の館
Nobunaga no Yakata Museum

Omihachiman, Shiga

A striking vermilion shrine dedicated to Emperor Tenji, blending ancient history, poetic tradition, and Shiga’s role in shaping Japan’s cultural history.
近江神宮
Omi Shrine

Otsu, Shiga

A rustic lakeside restaurant in Ōtsu specializing in traditional Japanese irori cuisine, where fish and seasonal ingredients are slow-grilled over a sunken hearth.
あみ定
Amisada

Ōtsu, Shiga

A classic Edo-period strolling garden next to Hikone Castle, designed for reflection, seasonal beauty, and framed views of the castle across a central pond.
玄宮園
Genkyuen Garden

Hikone, Shiga

A serene Satoyama garden complex where traditional wagashi meets kaiseki café, tea ceremony, seasonal strolls, and cultural workshops.
甘味処 囲炉裏茶房 寿長生の郷
Kanou Shojuan

Otsu, Shiga

A quietly elegant French restaurant in Omihachiman—Ala Votre fuses Shiga terroir with classical technique in an unhurried, intimate space.
アラ・ヴォートル
Ala Votre

Omihachiman, Shiga

A cozy, culture-forward café-bar in Ōtsu blending comfort food, good drinks, and a rotating dose of creative energy.
スプートニク
Sputnic

Ōtsu, Shiga

An old-fashioned paddlewheel steamer on Lake Biwa—Michigan Cruise offers a touch of Americana with sweeping Shiga views and seasonal breezes.
ミシガンクルーズ
Michigan Cruise

Ōtsu, Shiga

A lakeside mountain where wildflowers bloom in summer and snow blankets the slopes in winter—Biwako Hakodateyama is a year-round escape above Japan’s largest lake.
びわこ箱館山
Biwako Hakodateyama

Takashima, Shiga

Once the most opulent fortress in Japan, Azuchi Castle now stands in ruins—its stone steps echoing with the legacy of Oda Nobunaga.
安土城跡
Azuchi Castle Ruins

Ōmihachiman City, Shiga

A brief but scenic ropeway journey offering breathtaking views of Lake Biwa and the ruins of Hachimanyama Castle—ideal to pair with historic canal walks below.
八幡山ロープウェー
Hachimanyama Ropeway

Omihachiman, Shiga

An ancient shrine near Lake Biwa, known for blessings of longevity, peaceful forested grounds, and its significance in Japan’s spiritual history.
多賀大社
Taga Taisha

Inukami District, Shiga

A scenic orchard park in northern Shiga that offers seasonal fruit picking, local food experiences, and access to the picturesque Metasequoia tree-lined road.
マキノピックランド
Makino Pickland

Takashima, Shiga

A riverside brewpub set in a restored 100‑year‑old rice warehouse, pouring award‑winning malt beers and whisky, paired with Omi beef and local pub fare.
長濱浪漫ビール
Nagahama Roman Beer

Nagahama, Shiga

A resort-style café perched above Lake Biwa, serving Hawaiian-inspired plates, local fish and Omi beef, plus bright desserts—all in a glass-walled, marina-side setting.
アールカフェ アット マリーナ
R Cafe at Marina

Otsu, Shiga

A modern izakaya rooted in tradition—Hana-Shoya offers Hikone hospitality with regional dishes, seasonal sake, and quiet craftsmanship.
華しょうや
Hana-Shoya

Hikone, Shiga

A glass-walled café perched over the still waters of Lake Biwa—Chalet Mizugahama offers quiet clarity with every cup.
シャレー水ヶ浜
Chalet Mizugahama

Ōmihachiman, Shiga

A hidden temple glowing with autumn color—Kyorinbo invites visitors into a stone garden of crimson maples and quiet spiritual depth.
教林坊
Kyorinbo Temple

Ōmihachiman, Shiga

Often called “the Itsukushima of Lake Biwa,” Shirahige Shrine enchants with its lakeside torii and timeless devotion to longevity and blessings.
白鬚神社
Shirahige Shrine

Takashima, Shiga

A floating world of lotus, lilies, and light—Mizunomori is a serene water garden on the southern shore of Lake Biwa.
水生植物公園みずの森
Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden

Kusatsu, Shiga

A historically rich shrine in the center of Ōmihachiman, famous for its elaborate floats, traditional fire festivals, and strong connections to merchant culture.
日牟禮八幡宮
Himure Hachimangū

Omihachiman, Shiga

A respected Omihachiman sushi restaurant known for its refined use of lake fish and seasonal ingredients in a peaceful, family-run atmosphere.
ひさご寿し
Hisago Sushi

Omihachiman, Shiga

A hidden hillside temple in Shiga, known for its peaceful atmosphere, historic wooden main hall, and sacred spring, designated as a National Treasure.
善水寺
Zensuiji

Konan, Shiga

A sprawling, prohibition-era–inspired warehouse café and event space that doubles as a colorful hangout by day and a lively party venue by night.
THE HIDEAWAY FACTORY 栗東
The Hideaway Factory Kusatsu Ritto

Otsu, Shiga

A historic 100-year-old warehouse turned seasonal kaiseki and charcoal-grill sanctuary, celebrating Omi beef, Shiga produce, wild game, and local lake bounty.
炭火割烹 蔓ききょう
Sumibi Kappou Tsurukikyou

Otsu, Shiga

An intimate retreat for seasonal kaiseki in Kusatsu—Kogetsu serves refined courses with quiet grace and deep local reverence.
湖月
Kogetsu

Kusatsu, Shiga

A vintage-inspired café tucked beside a quiet river—Cafe Marvel blends coffeehouse comfort with old-school soul near Lake Biwa’s southern shore.
カフェマーベル
Cafe Marvel

Ōtsu, Shiga

A lakeside road lined with 800 cherry trees—Kaizu Osaki is one of Japan’s most beautiful, yet quietly kept, sakura secrets.
海津大崎
Kaizu Osaki

Takashima, Shiga

High on Mount Kinugasa, Kannonshōji is a solemn pilgrimage stop with sweeping lake views and centuries of warrior prayers echoing through the pines.
観音正寺
Kannonshōji Temple

Ōmihachiman, Shiga

A wooden temple hall seemingly afloat on Lake Biwa—Ukimidō blends timeless tranquility with imagery straight out of a classical poem.
満月寺 浮御堂
Mangetsu-ji Ukimidō

Otsu, Shiga

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