Shiga Hidden Gems
10 spots
Genkyuen Garden — Daimyo Strolling Garden Masterpiece
Genkyuen Garden (玄宮園) is a traditional Japanese daimyo garden built in 1677 adjacent to Hikone Castle. The garden demons…
Lake Biwa — Japan's Largest Freshwater Lake
Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) is Japan's largest lake, covering 670 km² and holding 20% of Japan's freshwater. The lake has sustained…
Chikubushima Island — Sacred Lake Island Temple
Chikubushima (竹生島) is a small sacred island in northern Lake Biwa, home to Hogonji Temple (宝厳寺) and Tsukubusuma Shrine (…
Shirahige Shrine — Torii Gate in Lake Biwa
Shirahige Shrine (白鬚神社) is a 2,000-year-old Shinto shrine famous for its vermillion torii gate standing in Lake Biwa, 30…
Nagahama Castle & Lake Biwa Lakeside Park
Nagahama Castle (長浜城) was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1576 when he was still a rising warlord under Oda Nobunaga. The…
Lake Biwa Museum — Freshwater Lake Ecosystem & Cultural History
Lake Biwa Museum (琵琶湖博物館) is a comprehensive natural history and cultural museum dedicated to Lake Biwa's 4-million-year…
Biwako Valley — Mountain Resort with Zip Line & Views
Biwako Valley (びわ湖バレイ) is a year-round mountain resort at 1,100m elevation on Horai Mountain, overlooking Lake Biwa. The…
Hachiman-yama Ropeway & Panoramic Views
Hachiman-yama (八幡山, Mt. Hachiman, 271m) rises above Omihachiman city, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa, the histori…
Lake Biwa Leisure Activities — Beaches, Fishing, Water Sports
Lake Biwa functions as an inland ocean for Kansai region residents, offering beach swimming, fishing, kayaking, SUP (sta…
Ishiyama-dera Temple — Literary & Autumn Color Spot
Ishiyama-dera (石山寺, 'Stone Mountain Temple') is a historic Buddhist temple founded in 747 CE, built on a massive natural…