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News & Events
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Apr. 2023
- The Rice Terraces of Shiga
- Shiga Prefecture has some truly beautiful rice terraces. Particularly famous examples include the Hata Rice Terraces in Takashima City, and the Oogi Rice Terraces in Otsu City. The Hata Rice Terraces have been selected among the 100 beautiful rice terraces of Japan, and have also been used for the filming of movies. A small settlement there of around 40 buildings maintains the terraces under harsh conditions, at a height between 300 and 400 meters and an incline of 10 degrees. Incredibly enough, it is said that people started to live in this region more than 2,000 years ago, during the Jomon Period. In modern times, the advancing age of those living in the settlement has created issues with the maintenance of the terraces, leading to the introduction of a terrace owner system which enables exchanges with visitors from the cities through planting and harvesting experiences. Local Tour Operators : https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/2412 https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/2452 https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/2709
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Apr. 2023
- Experience Rural Life in Shiga
- How about experiencing a home-stay or life in a farming village amid the rich nature of Shiga? You're sure to experience something that can only be found here. ■Koka City Countryside Experience Koka City offers a "Countryside Experience in the Koka Ninja Village," aimed at educational trips (school trips, outside activities) and allowing junior high and high school students to experience life in agricultural villages and home-stays. URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/337 ■Higashi Omi City Countryside Experience In Higashi Omi City you can experience traditional family businesses, cooking, planting and harvesting. Warm interaction with the household that takes you in will provide a precious experience that you can't get in the city. URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/189 ■Omi Hino Countryside Experience Requests for educational trips, training trips and just simple visits are proactively accepted. The Omi Hino Countryside Experience is also open to the general public. You can experience life in an agricultural village and a home-stay. URL：http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/190
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Apr. 2023
- Mount Ibuki Trekking
- Mount Ibuki is the tallest mountain in Shiga Prefecture, boasting a height of 1,377 meters. Located on the border with Gifu Prefecture, it is loved by the people of both regions as one of the 100 famous mountains of Japan. The peak has been known as a treasure-trove of medicinal and alpine plants since ancient times, with certain nationally protected endemic species also growing on its slopes. The legendary prince Yamato Takeru, who appears in both the ancient texts of the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki, is also said to have climbed Mount Ibuki. When the mountain and numerous important shrines in the region - Ise Jingu, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Izanagi Jingu, and Motoise Geku Toyo’uke Omikami are connected by straight lines, they create a beautiful five-pointed star on the map. This star is considered to be a Japanese ley line, forming a barrier to protect the ancient capital of Heijo-kyo, and Mount Ibuki is therefore known as a highly spiritual place. You are sure to feel this incredible power as you walk its slopes. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/260
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Feb. 2023
- Shiga Adventure Tourism
- We are happy to announce the launch of our "Shiga Adventure Tourism" and partnership with Ayabex Inc! 【Watch our Video Instruction】 https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2022/05/shiga-adventure-tourism.html <Experience Option> Suited to hiking beginners: explore the nature and history of the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism ◆Hieizan(Mt. Hiei) Trekking (Vicinity of the summit of Mt. Hiei to Enryakuji Temple Sai-to & To-do areas) Trekking that can be casually enjoyed even by novice walkers. Take the ancient pilgrimage route up Hieizan to Enryakuji Temple, looking out over the impressive Lake Biwa from between the trees along the way. <Experience Option> Suited to experienced hikers: Trekking the ancient road from Kyoto to Miidera Temple in Otsu ◆Trekking Over Nyoi (From Reikanji to Miidera, approx. 4 hours) A pilgrimage route from Mt. Daimonji, over Nyoigatake and Mt. Nagara, to Miidera temple. Intended for more experienced hikers. <Experience Option> A walk around town ◆Otsu Hyakucho Hizakurige Tour (A walk around town) Kyu Tokaido(The old Tokaido road) is one of the five roads that connected Nihonbashi in Edo-period Tokyo with Sanjo in Kyoto. This tour will take you around Otsu, a lodging town along the road, including the atmospheric shopping district and other famous sites. <Experience Option> Farming experience ◆Visit to a local farmer and making mochi / eating lunch ◆Sailing Lake Biwa on the Shiga made yacht “ACTUS” (approx. 3 hours) <Experience Option> Biwaichi cycling Free and unfettered cycling at your own pace, using the Biwaichi Cycling Navi app. <Experience Option> Motor paragliding ◆Take to the skies with a motor paragliding experience (flight time approx. 15 min) <Experience Option> Watersport activities ◆Experience a range of watersport activities, including the stand-up paddleboard
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Feb. 2023
- Let the Strawberry Picking Start!
- Shiga is a treasure-trove of fruit-picking opportunities. The earliest strawberries can be harvested from around the start of January. Roadside Station Aguri Park Ryuo All you can eat for 30 minutes Adults 1800yen, children 1600yen, infants 1400yen https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/165 Strawberry & Blueberry Farm Felice All you can eat for 30 minutes Adults 1600yen, children 1400yen, infants 1000 yen https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/10 Strawberry factory All you can eat for 30 minutes Adults 2000yen、Children 1600yen、Infants 1000yen www.strawberry-factory.info Rock Bay Garden http://www.rockbaygarden.com/ AM/ 10：00～11：30 PM/ 13：00～14：30 Entrance free：100g/350 yen
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Feb. 2023
- Glamping in Shiga!
- Introduction to facilities on Lake Biwa and in the surrounding area where you can enjoy some glamping. L' Hôtel Du Lac Experience glamping while looking out over Lake Biwa and Chikubushima island. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/273 Okubiwako Makino Grand Park Hotel Enjoy standup paddle boarding and kayaking on a private beach. http://www.gphotels.jp/glamping/ Viwako Glastar Glamping facilities that allow BBQs and standup paddle board yoga to be enjoyed without the need to bring in any of your own equipment. http://glastar.jp/ Glamp Element The largest glamping facility in Shiga. http://www.glamp-element.jp/
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Nov. 2022
- Get a taste of Shiga’s sake (Japanese alcohol)!
- The water culture built up around Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, has combined with Shiga’s long-standing renown as a rice producing region to establish a wide range of delicious local sake! Why not take tour of some breweries and compare different type of sake for yourself? Fujii Honke A brewery that has existed since the Edo period, and even offer free tours. (Reservation required) http://www.fujiihonke.jp/index.html 793 Nagano, Aisho Town, Echigun, Shiga, 529-1303 TEL: +81-749-42-2080 info@fujiihonke.jp Mifuku Shuzo A brewery with 100 years of history. Their tours and sake sampling sessions are particularly well received. https://mifuku.co.jp/ 3-2 Minakuchicho Nishihayashiguchi, Koka, Shiga, 528-0025 TEL: +81-748-62-1113 info@mifuku.co.jp Kawashima Shuzo A brewery located in Kabata, a town known for its beautiful water. The tour includes a video featuring an English explanation. https://www.sake-kawashima.co.jp/ 83 Asahi, Shin Asahi-cho, Takashima City, Shiga, 520-1501 TEL: +81-740-25-2202 info@matsu87.jp
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Nov. 2022
- Ninja Experience
- The Koka Ninja Village feels like an ancient and hidden settlement. Within the wide grounds there is a shinobi shrine, a museum dedicated to ninja techniques, a house full of ninja traps and secret panels, and a shuriken throwing star dojo. The museum in particular is especially rich in materials relating to ninja, housing the most in the world. You can also rent ninja outfits, allowing you to experience the feeling of becoming a real ninja while undertaking your training. How about exploring the place where Koka ninja originated? [Rental Outfits Charges] Children 610JPY/day, Adults 1030JPY/day *Outfit rental is on a first come, first served basis. *Head wraps are an additional 100YPY. *A deposit is also required for rentals. ■Koka Ninja Village Adults 1030JPY, Junior High School Students 820JPY, Elementary School Students 730JPY, Toddlers 520JPY, 2 years and under free http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/137
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Nov. 2022
- Lake Biwa Flower Fountain
- The Lake Biwa Flower Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world, located in the offing at Otsu Port, the gateway to Lake Biwa tourism. Completed in March of 1995, it has become beloved by many locals and visitors alike. Against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Biwa, the water reaches heights of up to 40m into the air, with varying volumes and angles depicting all sorts of shapes. During the daytime you can enjoy the cool and refreshing scenery, while at night a fantastical world of colorful illumination is created. [Time Held] Afternoon: 12:00 - 13:00 Evening (Sat, Sun, Holidays): 15:00 - 16:00 *Not on weekdays Night: Between 18:00 - 21:00 *Changes depending on the day. The fountain is also illuminated. [Access] 4 min. on foot from Keihan Biwako Hamaotsu Station [URL] http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/100
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Jun. 2022
- Shiga Adventure Tourism
- We are happy to announce the launch of our "Shiga Adventure Tourism" and partnership with Ayabex Inc! 【Watch our Video Instruction】 https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2022/05/shiga-adventure-tourism.html <Experience Option> Suited to hiking beginners: explore the nature and history of the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism ◆Hieizan(Mt. Hiei) Trekking (Vicinity of the summit of Mt. Hiei to Enryakuji Temple Sai-to & To-do areas) Trekking that can be casually enjoyed even by novice walkers. Take the ancient pilgrimage route up Hieizan to Enryakuji Temple, looking out over the impressive Lake Biwa from between the trees along the way. <Experience Option> Suited to experienced hikers: Trekking the ancient road from Kyoto to Miidera Temple in Otsu ◆Trekking Over Nyoi (From Reikanji to Miidera, approx. 4 hours) A pilgrimage route from Mt. Daimonji, over Nyoigatake and Mt. Nagara, to Miidera temple. Intended for more experienced hikers. <Experience Option> A walk around town ◆Otsu Hyakucho Hizakurige Tour (A walk around town) Kyu Tokaido(The old Tokaido road) is one of the five roads that connected Nihonbashi in Edo-period Tokyo with Sanjo in Kyoto. This tour will take you around Otsu, a lodging town along the road, including the atmospheric shopping district and other famous sites. <Experience Option> Farming experience ◆Visit to a local farmer and making mochi / eating lunch ◆Sailing Lake Biwa on the Shiga made yacht “ACTUS” (approx. 3 hours) <Experience Option> Biwaichi cycling Free and unfettered cycling at your own pace, using the Biwaichi Cycling Navi app. <Experience Option> Motor paragliding ◆Take to the skies with a motor paragliding experience (flight time approx. 15 min) <Experience Option> Watersport activities ◆Experience a range of watersport activities, including the stand-up paddleboard
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Jun. 2022
- O'pal Water Sports Experience
- A sports facility located on the shores of the lake at Ogoto. Here you can enjoy a wide range of lake-based marine sports, under the skilled and watchful eye of an instructor. [Use by Schools for School Trips etc.] Offers Lake Biwa Experience Courses aimed at school trips, out of school learning, and integrated learning. All sorts of courses are available, including learning about the environment along the shores of Lake Biwa or experiencing water sports. Plans can be tailored to suit the requirements of each school. * Capacity for 20 - 300 participants. [Use by Families and Friends] A marine sports school that caters to all, even beginners. Skilled instructors lead you safely through a range of possible experiences, including canoes, SUPs and yachts. [URL] http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/88
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Jun. 2022
- Tobidashi Boy - Making Japanese Roads Safer for Children
- Have you ever seen a sign on the sidewalk in Japan that looks like a boy about to dash out into the road? This concept was created with the intention of preventing accidents due to children running into the road and being hit by cars, by helping to keep drivers alert of the risks. The resulting “dashing boys” are known by many names all across Japan, but they originated in Shiga Prefecture. While they have become a more common sight in western Japan, and especially the Kanto region, Shiga still boasts the largest number of them anywhere in the country. A variety of different designs are used, each representing the characteristics of their home area. There’s even merchandise available relating to them! How about picking up a really striking gift unique to the region? While visiting Shiga, make sure to take the time to stop and take photos with all the different signs you can find! https://www.facebook.com/go.biwako/posts/1461189327302490