Shiga Hidden Gems
11 spots
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…
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…
Enryakuji Temple — Mt. Hiei's Mountain Monastery Complex
Enryakuji Temple (延暦寺) is a sprawling Buddhist monastery complex atop Mt. Hiei (848m), straddling the border between Kyo…
Miidera Temple — Historic Tendai Temple with City Views
Miidera Temple (三井寺, formally Onjo-ji) is a major Tendai Buddhist temple founded in 672 CE, located on Mt. Hiei's easter…
Omi Beef — One of Japan's Three Premium Wagyu
Omi beef (近江牛, Omi-gyu) is one of Japan's three most prestigious wagyu brands, alongside Kobe and Matsusaka beef. Raised…
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…
Omi Shrine — Karuta Card Game Holy Site
Omi Shrine (近江神宮) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Tenji (626–672 CE), who reigned during Japan's adoption of Chi…
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…
Seta no Karahashi — Historic Bridge & River Views
Seta no Karahashi (瀬田の唐橋) is a historic bridge spanning the Seta River where it flows out of Lake Biwa. The current conc…