Home
News & Events

Shiga Guide

Search

SHIGA

One Week of Weather

Recommended Courses

News & Events

Nov. 2024

Stay in Traditional Homes in Shiga

There are probably many who don’t know of Shiga Prefecture, but in fact Otsu, the city where the Shiga Prefectural Office is located, is just two stations and 9 minutes from Kyoto Station. Kyoto is so packed with tourists, and if you stay there and sightsee there, it may be difficult to achieve a true feeling of relaxation amid all the crowds of people. If you want to see Kyoto, but are also looking for lodgings where you can really relax, why not stay in Shiga Prefecture? Here’s an information-packed introduction to a selection of Shiga lodging facilities that have been created by refurbishing traditional homes. Hotel Koo Otsuhyakucho Lodgings created by refurbishing a number of old homes, and conveniently located close to JR Otsu Station. A nationally registered tangible cultural property. Stylish lodgings that fuse Japanese traditional culture with the modern. http://hotel-koo.com/ Japanesque Villa Ichien This is your chance to stay in a building that’s a nationally registered tangible cultural property. Take a relaxing break in a peaceful mountain village. Requires prior booking and only operates on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and during the spring and summer holiday periods. https://www.ichienyashiki.jp/ Guesthouse Mio A lodging facility created by refurbishing a house of around 100 years in the city of Omihachiman. The entire house is offered to just a single party at a time. You can watch the boats sailing the Hachiman Canals right from your window, and during the spring blossom season you can also enjoy the cherry blooming along the water. https://guesthousemio.weebly.com/ Chojian Lodgings in an old-time traditional Japanese house with a striking thatched roof, as though you’ve slipped back into history. The owners will also provide meals, made with the best seasonal ingredients and delicious rice. http://chojian.com/
Nov. 2024

Enjoy the Changing of the Leaves in Shiga! (1)

Many people enjoy the changing of the leaves during fall in Japan, and Shiga Prefecture has many spots famous for their crimson foliage. Numerous events, including illuminations, are also held during this period. Come to Shiga to see the leaves! Hieizan Enryakuji - The Maple of Hiei Until November 25 The leaves at Yokogawa are said to be particularly special, even for Mt. Hiei, and a variety of events are held here. https://www.hieizan.or.jp/ Hiyoshitaisha Maple Festival November 1 - 30, 2018 As well as illuminations of the leaves during this period, there are also performances for Noh and Kyogen theater and a chrysanthemum exhibition. http://hiyoshitaisha.jp/ Kotosanzan Original Goshuin Paper Special Goshuin stamped paper can be purchased for \500 until December 2018. http://www.kotousanzan.jp/
Nov. 2024

Enjoy the Changing of the Leaves in Shiga! (2)

Keisokuji From November 10 - November 27, \200 charge during the changing leaves period An old temple originally opened in 735, with the Sando (path leading to the temple) dazzling in crimson during the changing of the leaves, making it a popular spot to take photos. http://kitabiwako.jp/spot/spot_967/ Ishiyamadera - Atarayo Maple The maple at Ishiyamadera are best viewed from mid-November. You can also enjoy illusory illuminations. From November 16 - December 2, 2018. https://www.ishiyamadera.or.jp/ Konansanzan - Divine Favor Wooden Plaque Tour Konansanzan is a spot renowned for its crimson foliage among those in the know, and also offers special wooden plaques with Goshuin stamp. The Goshuin stamp costs \2500 (which includes admission fee). http://www.burari-konan.jp/ Hikone City - Genkyuen Garden Illuminations 18:00 - 21:00, From November 17 - December 2, 2018. During this period, Hikonyan will make an appearance on November 17, 21, and December 2. http://www.hikoneshi.com/jp/event/articles/c/kinshu
Jun. 2024

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
Jun. 2024

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/
Jun. 2024

Asamiya Tea, One of the top five Tea brands of Japan

Have you ever heard of “Asamiya Tea”? It is counted as one of the top five tea brands of Japan, with a history of 1200 years. Said to be the oldest tea in Japan, when compared to tea produced in other regions Asamiya has larger, thicker leaves that are yellow rather than green, and is characterized by a flavor that blends bitterness and sweetness. [Places to Enjoy Asamiya Tea] Yamamotoen With Tea Enjoy a menu packed with unique items, including Asamiya tea smoothies. https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/334 Cha-no-Miyagura The roll-cake made with Asamiya tea is especially popular. 39-1 Shigarakicho Shimoasamiya, Koga City, Shiga, 529-1842
Apr. 2024

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
Apr. 2024

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
Apr. 2024

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/
Jan. 2024

Enjoy an Auspicious Latté at a World Heritage Site

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple is a registered World Heritage site. At the Enryakuji Temple Kaikan located in the grounds, if you let the staff know your Chinese zodiac while placing your order, you can enjoy a latté adorned with Siddham script art relating to your guardian deity. Three types are available - caffé latté, green tea, and caramel. Each for \700 (including tax). Hieizan Enryakuji Temple Kaikan “Kissa Reiho” Address: 4220 Sakamotohoncho, Otsu City https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/112
Jan. 2024

Japanese Hatsumode in Shiga

Hatsumode is the first visit made to a shrine or temple at the start of the year, to pray for happiness in the year ahead. ◆Taga Taisha Shrine A shrine that has attracted worshippers since ancient times due to its connections to the god of long life, relationships and warding off disaster. The premiere shrine in Shiga, the god Izanagi and goddess Izanami, who were the parents of Amaterasu herself, are enshrined here. Charge: Entry to the grounds is free (Okushoin Garden 300yen) http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/234　 ◆Hieizan Enryakuji Temple A temple globally renowned for its 1200 years of history and tradition, in 1994 Enryakuji became a registered UNESCO World Heritage site. From New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day both the Okuhiei and Hieizan Driveways remain open all night, allowing you to drive through from the city and see the first sunrise of the New Year from Hieizan. One charge for admittance to the East Tower, West Tower and Yokawa: Adult 700yen, junior and high school student 500yen, elementary school student 300yen http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/112 　 ◆Tsukubusuma-jinja Shrine (Chikubushima-jinja Shrine) A shrine located on the mysterious Chikubushima Island, and known as one of the three major shrines in Japan enshrining Benzaiten. It is visited not only on the first day of the New Year but also throughout the year by many worshippers, and is popular as a spiritual power spot. Charge: Free (Island entry charge: Adult 400yen, child 300yen) http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/285
Jan. 2024

Hot Spring Day Trips

An introduction to hot springs that you can just visit for the day, providing healing for body and mind while you take in the sights! ■Happuno-yu A hot spring that can be visited for the day, located right in front of Eigenji Temple and allowing you to enjoy outdoor bathing in natural hot spring water, surrounded by incredible nature. ■Agaryanse One of the largest hot spring resorts in Kansai, with one of the largest stone saunas in Keiji. The outside baths have a stunning view over Lake Biwa. -Shiga's Onsen Information- http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/enjoy/29

12 3 4 5 6 719 20 next