Basic information

• Address

  Imahamacho 1-chome, Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  10 minutes walk from JR Otsu Station

• Business hours

  None

• Closed Day

  None

• Fee

  Free

Located in Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan and one of the world's most ancient lakes, with a history spanning 4 million years. Lake Biwa is also known as a treasure trove of living creatures. Over its long history of 4 million years, some of the creatures in Lake Biwa have evolved in their own way, resulting in the birth of more than 60 endemic species found only in Lake Biwa. In total, more than 1,700 species of aquatic plants and animals live in the lake, making it a very valuable lake in terms of biodiversity. Lake sports such as yachting and canoeing are popular in Lake Biwa, and about 700,000 people visit the bathing beaches and marinas every year. Since most of the roads along the lake shore are flat, "Biwaichi", a cycling or walking tour around Lake Biwa, is also popular. You can experience the majestic size of Lake Biwa while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Theme

• Classic
• Nature

Basic information

• Address

  246 Onjojicho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  7 minutes walk from "Mii-dera Station"

• Business hours

  [Visiting Hours] 9:00 - 16:30 (last admission 16:00)
  *Cultural property storage facility is open from 9:30 to 16:30 (last admission at 16:00)

• Closed Day

  Open all year round

• Fee

  Adults: 800 yen, middle and high school students: 500 yen, elementary school students: 300 yen

• Official website

  http://www.shiga-miidera.or.jp/

It is the head temple of the Tendaijimon sect, located on the middle slope of Mt. Nagara. Its official name is "Nagarama Onjoji" and it is a historic temple with a history of over 1200 years. Miidera's garden is known for its beautiful pond garden. It is integrated with the guest hall, and the pillars on the southern edge of the guest hall stand on the stone bank, giving it a pond-like architectural feel. The pond is decorated with Kamejima, which has a stone bridge, and floating stones in the style of Yodomari stones, and the mountainside is lined with stonework to create a dry waterfall. Azaleas and Satsuki trees are densely planted in various places, and the mountainside is filled with rich nature, including cedars, cypresses, and pines. The white sand on the east side of the guest hall further enhances the secluded feeling of the garden. Miidera's Yellow Fudo is an important Buddhist statue that is counted as one of the three Fudo in Japan.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites
• Temples and shrines

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Enryakuji Temple, Mount Hiei

Basic information

• Address

  4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

• Official website

  https://www.hieizan.or.jp/

Mount Hiei straddles the border between Kyoto and Shiga prefectures. The entire mountain is the temple grounds, and the three areas of To-to, Sai-to, and Yokokawa, roughly divided into the top and bottom of the mountain, are collectively called "Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei." It is the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994. It began when Saicho climbed Mount Hiei and built a hermitage there at the end of the Nara period. Along with Kongobu-ji Temple on Mount Koya, which was founded by Kobo Daishi, it reigned supreme in the religious world of Japan for about 1,200 years. Many outstanding monks, including Honen and Shinran, who later supported Japanese Buddhism, came from Mount Hiei. The grounds of Enryaku-ji Temple, thickly covered with cedar trees, exude a dignified atmosphere as a training center for the Tendai sect. The various halls were burned down by Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period, but were restored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu and others, and have been designated as national treasures and important cultural properties.

Theme

• Classic
• History and Historic Sites
• Temples and shrines

Basic information

• Address

  776-30 Yamagamicho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  <Keihan Bus> Karasumaguchi C6 bus stop [57] bound for Mt. Hiei summit

• Business hours

  March to June and September to November: 7:00 to 23:00, July and August: 7:00 to 24:00, December to January 15: 9:00 to 22:00, January 16 to February: 9:00 to 20:00

• Fee

  Small and regular cars 1,700 yen (Enryakuji Temple (East Pagoda) or the top of Mt. Hiei to Tanoya Toge Tollgate (round trip))

• Official website

  http://hieizan-way.com/

This is an attractive driving route that blends nature, history, and culture, leading from Otsu, Kyoto through the Tanoya Pass Gate to the mountainside of Mount Hiei. The road is lined with trees, creating a corridor-like landscape where people and nature seem to be one. Along the way, there are various attractions such as Yumemigaoka, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Biwa and fresh air, the casual resort hotel L'Hotel de Hiei, and the World Heritage site Enryakuji Temple. At Yumemigaoka in particular, you can experience attractions such as the "Cycle Monorail" and "Super Slider" while enjoying the spectacular view of Lake Biwa. There is also a corner where you can enjoy a barbecue while looking out at the lake, and in the summer, the "Kabutomushi House" is open, making it a spot where you can fully enjoy nature.

Theme

• Classic
• Family/Children
• Couple

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Enryakuji Temple, Mount Hiei

• 

  Onjoji Temple (Mii-dera Temple)

Basic information

• Address

  1-16-18 Honkatada, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  Take the bus from JR Katata Station, get off at Demachi stop, then walk for 7 minutes

• Business hours

  8：00～17：00

• Fee

  300 yen

This is the main hall of Kaimonzan Mangetsuji Temple, and is famous for "Katada's Rakugan," one of the Eight Views of Omi. It is said that it was built by Eshin Sozu in the Heian period to pray for safety on Lake Biwa. As the name Ukimido suggests, the main hall is built as if it is floating on Lake Biwa, and its graceful appearance attracts visitors. The Kannon Hall on the temple grounds houses a seated statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property. This Buddha statue is a valuable presence that tells the history and faith of Ukimido. Ukimido is also known as "Katada's Rakugan," one of the Eight Views of Omi. Rakugan refers to the phenomenon in which wild geese are reflected on the water at dusk in autumn, making them look as if they are dancing down on the lake. The view of Lake Biwa from Ukimido will remind you of this magnificent view.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites
• Temples and shrines

Basic information

• Address

  Honmaru, Mizuguchi-cho, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  Get off at "Minakuchi Jonan" and walk for 5 minutes

• Business hours

  10:00-17:00 (Museum)

• Closed Day

  Thursday, Friday, New Year's holiday

• Fee

  200 yen

Located in Minakuchi Town, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, this is the remains of an Edo period castle that was built by the third Shogun of the Edo shogunate, Tokugawa Iemitsu, as a lodging facility for him when he traveled to Kyoto. It later became the residence of the Minakuchi Domain and is also known by the other name of "Blue Water Castle." In 1991, the Minakuchi Castle Museum was opened as a facility to exhibit materials related to the castle. It is now open to the public as the Minakuchi Castle Museum, where you can see the beautiful white-walled corner tower, restored on top of the stone walls, reflected on the surface of the moat. Materials related to the castle are on display inside the museum, and a reconstructed model shows the scale of the castle when it was first built. The Minakuchi Castle ruins are a valuable relic that conveys the appearance of a castle from the Edo period to the present day. You can see the beautifully restored castle and learn about what it was like back then at the museum.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Koga Ninja House

Basic information

• Address

  Shigaraki Town, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  24 minutes walk from Shigaraki Station

• Business hours

  None

• Closed Day

  None

• Fee

  Free

Shigaraki is a pottery production area in Koga City, Shiga Prefecture, known as one of the six ancient kilns of Japan. From the Middle Ages to the present, pottery production has continued while evolving in its own way, blessed with abundant high-quality raw materials. In 2017, it was certified as a "Japan Heritage", and its history and traditions are widely recognized. Shigaraki is famous for its raccoon pottery, which can be seen everywhere. This lovable figure represents auspiciousness called "Hasso-engi". Shigaraki also has many beautiful natural landscapes. The "Weeping Cherry Blossoms in the Fields" are particularly famous. The 400-year-old Edohigan cherry tree, which stands on a hill surrounded by tea fields, is also a natural monument designated by Koga City. The best time to see it is in early April every year, and the flowers blooming as if they are sad to see the passing of spring are a spectacular sight.

Basic information

• Address

  2331 Ryuhoshi, Konan-cho, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  20 minutes walk from Konan Station

• Business hours

  (Weekdays) 10:00-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30) (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) 9:30-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)

• Closed Day

  Closed every Wednesday and the fourth Thursday of each month, as well as during the New Year holidays (December 27th to January 3rd) and winter

• Fee

  Adults 650 yen, Children 450 yen

• Official website

  https://www.kouka-ninjya.com/

This facility uses real buildings where real ninjas lived. It has not been relocated or restored for tourism purposes, but is a valuable historical heritage that remains as it was at the time. After receiving an explanation about Koga-ryu ninjas, history, and the mansion, you can freely tour the three-story building. You can also freely tour the reference room, which displays actual ninja tools and books and scrolls that contain the secrets of ninjutsu, and learn about the history of ninjas. In addition, you can sample the herbal tea (Kenpo-cha) that ninjas drank, and purchase ninja goods and original products. For an additional fee, you can experience throwing iron shuriken like the ninjas of the time. The biggest attraction is that you can freely touch and experience the ingenious mechanisms of the mansion that real ninjas used. This facility can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from ninja fans to young history buffs and seniors.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Minakuchi Castle Ruins

Basic information

• Address

  Miyauchicho area, Omihachiman city, Shiga prefecture

• Access

  Get off at "Omihachiman" bus stop and take a 7-minute bus to Osugicho

• Business hours

  None

• Closed Day

  None

• Fee

  Free

During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, it flourished as a castle town around Toyotomi Hidetsugu's Hachimanyama Castle, and played a major role as one of the town's main arteries. It is said to have been the birthplace and development of Omi merchants, and contributed greatly to the prosperity of the town, making it a bustling area. Today's Hachimanbori is characterized by its elegant scenery of white-walled storehouses and old houses lined up along the waterway. Its atmospheric appearance, as if you have traveled back in time, is also known as a filming location for period dramas. You can spend a relaxing time in a landscape that evokes the bustle of the past. Furthermore, the existence of Hachimanbori, which has been protected by the passion of the local people, teaches us the wonderfulness of the heart that cherishes history and culture.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Azuchi Castle Ruins

• 

  Okishima

Basic information

• Address

  Shimo Toyoura, Azuchi-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  20 minutes walk from Azuchi Station

• Business hours

  8：30～17：00

• Closed Day

  Open all year round

• Fee

  Adults 700 yen, Children 200 yen

This is the remains of Oda Nobunaga's castle, designated as a special national historic site. It is the first castle in Japan to have a full-scale castle tower, and is a famous castle ruin that has left its mark in history. Located in the Azuchiyama area at an altitude of 198m, it was built over a period of about three years from 1576. It is known as the castle that heralded the beginning of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, but after Nobunaga was defeated in the Honnoji Incident, it was burned down, and only the stone walls remain today. It takes about 45 to 90 minutes to walk around the castle ruins. The ruins of Azuchi Castle were built by Oda Nobunaga, a hero of the Warring States period. Its majestic stone walls and the many remains that retain the appearance of the past will make you feel the romance of history. If you are a history lover, we recommend walking around the special historic site while imagining Nobunaga's ambition and glory.

Theme

• Classic
• History and Historic Sites

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Hachimanbori

• 

  Okishima

Basic information

• Address

  26 Ikedera, Kora-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga Prefecture (Saimyoji Temple), 874 Matsuo-dera, Aisho-cho, Aichi-gun, Shiga Prefecture (Kongorin-ji Temple), 323 Hyakusaiji-cho, Higashi-Omi City, Shiga Prefecture (Hyakusaiji Temple)

• Access

  20 minutes by car from JR Biwako Line “Inae”

• Business hours

  8：30～17：00

• Fee

  Adults 600 yen, Junior high school students 300 yen, Elementary school students 200 yen

• Official website

  https://www.kotousanzan.jp/

This is the collective name for three Tendai sect temples located in eastern Shiga Prefecture: Saimyoji, Kongorinji, and Baekjeji. These temples have been selected as one of Japan's top 100 places to see autumn leaves, and many tourists visit them, especially during the autumn foliage season. Saimyoji is an ancient temple founded in the early Heian period, and has been selected as one of the "100 Old Temples of Japan" and "Omi Water Treasures." Kongorinji was founded by Gyoki Bodhisattva in the Nara period. The main hall, a national treasure, houses many Buddhist statues that are important cultural properties, including an eleven-faced Kannon statue from the Heian period. Baekjeji is the oldest temple in Omi, founded by Prince Shotoku in 606. It was once a huge temple with a population of 1,300, but was burned down by Nobunaga in 1573. Even today, you can recall its former appearance from the stone wall approach, the remains of the temple, and the thousand-year-old bodhi tree.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites
• Temples and shrines
• Nature

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Eigenji Temple

• 

  Hikone Castle

Basic information

• Address

  41 Takanocho, Eigenji, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  20 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway "Yokaichi I.C."

• Business hours

  9:00-16:00 (varies depending on the season)

• Fee

  Adults: 600 yen
  Junior high school students and those presenting a disability certificate: 200 yen
  Elementary school students and younger: Free

• Official website

  https://eigenji-t.jp/

Located in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, Egenji is the head temple of the Rinzai and Obaku sects. As the head temple of the Egenji sect, it has 127 branch temples across the country and is known as an ancient temple where people practice Zen meditation and pray for the safety of the world. Egenji is home to buildings such as the Zen hall, a training center for Zen, and Ganku-in Temple, which became the family temple of the Ii clan of Hikone Domain. Due to repeated wars, the temple was burned down twice, in 1492 and 1563, and fell into a steady decline. Egenji has overcome many challenges throughout its long history. Its majestic appearance and the space where you can feel the spirit of Zen will cleanse the souls of those who visit. We also recommend spending some special time facing yourself through a Zen meditation experience.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites
• Temples and shrines

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Kotosanzan

• 

  Hikone Castle

Basic information

• Address

  1-1 Kanagicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Hikone Station

• Business hours

  8：30〜17：00

• Closed Day

  Kaikoku Kinenkan is open from December 25th to December 31st.

• Fee

  Adults: 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen

• Official website

  https://hikonecastle.com/

It is an attractive castle with an elegant appearance, excellent military design, and rare architecture. The castle tower of Hikone Castle is composed of three stories and three roofs, and is characterized by a beautiful and varied appearance with a variety of "Kirizuma gables", "Irimoya gables", and "Kara gables". This castle tower is said to have been moved from Otsu Castle and was designated a national treasure in 1952. It is lit up at night and is a popular landmark of Hikone City. The horse stables that remain in the castle are said to have been used to tie up 21 horses for the feudal lord and others, and are a rare building that is only found in Hikone Castle in the whole country. The second full-scale cultural property preservation repair was completed in 2015, and the thatched roof has been restored to its former appearance and shows its beautiful appearance.

Theme

• Classic
• History and Historic Sites

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Yumekyobashi Castle Road

• 

  Genkyuen Garden

Basic information

• Address

  10-10 Koencho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  Approximately 10 minutes walk from JR Nagahama Station

• Business hours

  9:00-17:00 (entry until 16:30)

• Closed Day

  Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday), New Year's holiday (December 27th to January 2nd), and other temporary closures

• Fee

  Adults (high school students and above): 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen

• Official website

  https://nagahama-rekihaku.jp/

This castle ruins is located in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, and is known as the castle where Toyotomi Hideyoshi lived as lord during the late Sengoku period. However, it was abandoned in the early Edo period, and the remains were moved to Hikone Castle and Daidouji Temple. Only a few stone walls and a well remained at the site, but in 1983, "Showa Shinjo Castle" was restored, modeled after a castle from the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Nagahama Castle is currently open to the public as a history museum. Special exhibitions and planned exhibitions are held for a limited time in the exhibition room. In addition, the observation deck on the 5th floor offers a panoramic view of the north of the lake. Narration and sound effects are used to give a real sense of the importance of Nagahama during the Sengoku period. Through the restored castle and the museum exhibits, you can learn about the way people lived at that time and the historical significance of Nagahama.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Odani Castle Ruins

Basic information

• Address

  215 Ukawa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture

• Official website

  http://shirahigejinja.com/

Shirahige Shrine has a large vermilion torii gate in Lake Biwa, and the main shrine is located across National Route 161. Widely known as Shirahige-san or Myojin-san, it is the oldest shrine in Omi, also known as Omi's Itsukushima. As the name suggests, it is known as the god of longevity and long life, and is also the "god of guidance" for all human activities and pursuits, including matchmaking, fertility, good fortune, academic success, road safety, and safe voyages. It has a history of over 2,000 years since its founding, and the current shrine was built by Hideyori, with Katagiri Katsumoto as magistrate, in accordance with Toyotomi Hideyoshi's last command. The main hall has a clear square plan, and when the worship hall was rebuilt in the Meiji era, it was connected to the main hall, resulting in the complex roof structure we see today.

Theme

• Classic
• History and Historic Sites
• Temples and shrines

Basic information

• Address

  Ueno, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  20 minutes from Sekigahara IC or Nagahama IC

• Business hours

  None

• Closed Day

  None

• Fee

  Free

• Official website

  https://www.ibukiyama-driveway.jp/

It is the highest peak in Shiga Prefecture (approximately 1,377m above sea level) and is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. Located on the border with Gifu Prefecture, from the summit you can see Lake Biwa, the Hira mountain range, Mt. Hiei, the Japanese Alps, and Ise Bay. It is a historic mountain that appears in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, as well as the legend of Emperor Yamato Takeru. It is also known as a treasure trove of medicinal herbs, subalpine plants, wild birds, and insects, and the flower fields on the summit are designated as a national natural monument. It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes (one way) to climb from the base to the summit. The hiking trail is said to be relatively easy to walk on, but there are some exposed rocks and rocky areas, so appropriate equipment is required. The temperature at the summit is 8 to 10 degrees lower than at the base, so you should be careful about what you wear.

Theme

• Nature

Basic information

• Address

  Ibe, Kohoku-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  40 minutes on foot from JR Hokuriku Main Line "Kawage"

• Business hours

  None

• Closed Day

  None

• Fee

  Free

This medieval mountain castle was located on Mount Otani (495.1m above sea level) in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, and was the residence of the Asai clan for three generations. It is said to have been built around 1525 and is counted as one of the three major mountain castles of the medieval period. From the castle ruins, you can see Lake Biwa and the land north of the lake, which speaks to its strategic importance at the time. The current Odani Castle ruins are a vast structure that covers the entire Mount Otani, and you can recall what it was like at the time. The structure and scale of the castle can be seen from the various enclosures arranged along the east-west ridges, which skillfully utilize the natural topography, and the foundation stones of buildings excavated from the remains of the main citadel and large hall. Earthworks remain in the Ogoku at the top. The Odani Castle ruins were designated a national historic site in 1937. Visiting the castle ruins will allow you to reflect on the rise and fall of the Asai clan and their turbulent lives.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Nagahama Castle

Basic information

• Address

  Hayasakicho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  The island is only accessible by regular ferry

• Business hours

  9:00-17:35 (may change depending on the season)

• Fee

  Adults: 3,200 yen, elementary school students: 1,600 yen (Chikubushima Cruise Nagahama route)

• Official website

  https://www.chikubushima.jp/

It is an island of faith with a mystical atmosphere floating in the northern part of Lake Biwa, and is also attracting attention as a power spot. The island is home to Hogon-ji Temple, which houses "Dai-benzaiten," one of the three major Benzaiten deities in Japan, and Tsukubusuma Shrine. Hogon-ji Temple has many attractions, including the national treasure "Karamon," which was restored in May 2020, the "Kannon Hall," an important cultural property, and the "Three-story pagoda," which was restored in 2000 for the first time in 350 years. Karamon is also said to be the only remaining remnant of Osaka Castle's Gokuraku Bridge. Access to Chikubushima Island is by cruise, so it is subject to weather. We recommend checking the weather forecast in advance. There are also flush toilets on the island, so you can visit with peace of mind.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites

Basic information

• Address

  Kaizu, Makino Town, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  5 minutes by car from "Makino" on the JR Kosei Line

• Business hours

  None

• Closed Day

  None

• Fee

  Free

This scenic spot is located in the southeast of Makino Town, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, at the northern end of Lake Biwa. It is known for its impressive reefs jutting out into the lake and the striking blue water. In 1950, it was designated as Lake Biwa Quasi-National Park, and was also selected as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa under the name "Dawn Fog - Reefs of Kaizu Osaki" as the most scenic spot on Lake Biwa. You can also see another view of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa, "Fresh Greenery - The Shadow of Chikubushima Island," from here. In spring, about 800 Somei-yoshino cherry trees, over 80 years old, create a beautiful flower tunnel along the lakeshore around Kaizu Osaki for about 4 km. At the tip of the cape stands Osaki-ji Temple, which belongs to the Chizan school of Shingon Buddhism. The magnificent view of the cliffs and lake, combined with the ancient temple's appearance, is a magnificent sight.

Theme

• Nature

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Metasequoia Tree Line

• 

  Lake Biwa Hakodateyama

Basic information

• Address

  1547-1 Kido, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

• Business hours

  9:00-17:00 (varies depending on the season)

• Closed Day

  Regular holiday period: March 18th, 2024 (Monday) to April 5th (Friday), July 1st (Monday) to July 5th (Friday), September 2nd (Monday) to September 6th (Friday), November 5th (Tuesday) to late December

• Fee

  Adults 3,500 yen, children 1,500 yen, infants 1,000 yen (round trip ropeway ticket)

• Official website

  https://biwako-valley.com/tips/biwako_terrace/

Located at an altitude of 1,100m, Biwako Terrace is a popular tourist spot in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and is known for its spectacular views. Take the ropeway from the base station to the summit station of Uchimiyama, where you will find a vast terrace space. At the Grand Terrace, you can enjoy different views of Lake Biwa from the three-tiered wooden deck. There is also the North Terrace, which overlooks the northern lake, and the refreshing water basin and the spacious wooden deck create a comfortable space. The terrace is equipped with sofas and chairs, so you can relax and enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Biwa. The attraction is that you can spend special time at your own pace, whether you enjoy a stroll or a meal at the Terrace Café.

Theme

• Classic
• Family/Children
• Couple
• Girls' Trip

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Enryakuji Temple, Mount Hiei

Basic information

• Address

  5-1-1 Hamaotsu, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  3 minutes walk from "Biwako Hamaotsu Station"

• Business hours

  11:00-14:30 (Michigan 80)

• Fee

  Adults 3,000 yen, elementary school students 1,500 yen (Michigan 90)

• Official website

  https://www.biwakokisen.co.jp/

This paddle steamer operates by Lake Biwa Kisen and travels around the southern lake. In the cheerful atmosphere on board, you can enjoy fun music, events, and a variety of meals from light meals to buffet dishes. From the Sky Deck on the 4th floor, the top floor of the Michigan, you can enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Biwa to your heart's content. On board, tourist information and live music liven up the atmosphere. There are many wonderful photo spots on the Michigan. We recommend finding your favorite spot and taking photos of your memories of the ride. The Michigan has also been selected as a "Sacred Place for Lovers" since 2014. One fun activity is to go with your partner to the photo spot "Lovers Michigan" on the bow of the first floor, or to search for the three hearts hidden on the deck of the ship.

Theme

• Classic
• Vehicle

Basic information

• Address

  Shiga Prefecture, Takashima City, Imazu Town, Hioki

• Access

  Approximately 70 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway "Kyoto Higashi IC" (via National Route 161)

• Business hours

  9:00-17:00 (9:00-20:00 on night gondola days)

• Closed Day

  ~April 27th (Thursday) November 13th (Monday) ~Late December

• Fee

  Adults: 2,500 yen, Children: 1,200 yen

• Official website

  https://hakodateyama.com/green/

This 630m mountain in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, is a popular tourist spot where you can take a gondola to the top. It is a place where you can fully experience the beauty of nature, such as the clear Lake Biwa and sky, the wind blowing through, and the fragrant plants. Once you reach the top, you will find a spacious space filled with a sense of openness. In the green season, you can enjoy seasonal flowers, a parfait specialty shop lit by lamps, and a wind chime path. In the winter season, the silvery white slopes spread out, allowing you to enjoy winter sports to the fullest. The No. 2 Romance Pair Lift, which can be used to go round trip to the observation deck at the top of the mountain, allows even those with disabilities to enjoy the view of the petunia flower fields and Oku-Biwa Lake with peace of mind. You can also ride with your dog, so it is recommended for those with pets.

Theme

• Family/Children
• Couple
• Girls' Trip

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Metasequoia Tree Line

• 

  Dawn Mist - The Reefs of Kaizu Osaki

Basic information

• Address

  Okishimacho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  45 minutes by bus from JR Biwako Line "Omihachiman"

• Business hours

  None

• Closed Day

  None

• Fee

  Ferry to Okishima: 500 yen one way

With a circumference of 6.8 km and an area of 1.53 km², Okishima Island is home to a population of approximately 250 people. It is rare worldwide for people to live on an island in a lake, and the island has attracted academic attention. The only means of transportation to the island is by boat, with regular school and work services available. The beautiful views of Mt. Chomyoji, the Suzuka mountain range, and the Hira mountain range are unique to an island floating on Lake Biwa. On Okishima Island, the wisdom of traditional life and the abundant nature are still carefully preserved. We recommend spending some relaxing time enjoying the unique scenery of an island floating on Lake Biwa and the wisdom of traditional life. You will have a special experience that is different from your everyday life.

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Azuchi Castle Ruins

• 

  Hachimanbori

Basic information

• Address

  1091 Shimomonocho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  About 30 minutes by car from Meishin "Ritto IC"

• Business hours

  9：30～17：00

• Closed Day

  Every Monday (open on public holidays), and other temporary closures

• Fee

  Adults: 800 yen, high school and university students: 450 yen

• Official website

  https://www.biwahaku.jp/

This is a comprehensive museum where you can learn about the nature and culture of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, and the lives of the people there. Lake Biwa is an ancient lake with a history of about 4 million years, and is home to more than 2,000 species of creatures, many of which are endemic. People have lived on the shores of the lake since ancient times, and have continued their traditional lifestyles that make use of the abundant nature. Lake Biwa Museum is located on the Karasuma Peninsula, which juts out into the lake, and is a place where you can experience all kinds of knowledge about the lake while enjoying the scenery of Lake Biwa that spreads out before you. In addition to exhibits on the origins of Lake Biwa, the history of the people, and nature and life, the museum also exhibits live aquatic creatures. The museum features a variety of exhibits that allow you to experience the charm of Lake Biwa through your five senses, not just by looking, but also by touching and smelling.

Theme

• Museums
• Family/Children

Basic information

• Address

  Honmachi, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  15 minutes walk from JR Biwako Line "Hikone Station"

• Business hours

  None

• Closed Day

  None

• Fee

  Free

This tourist spot has been recreated with the theme of "OLD NEW TOWN" on Honmachi Street, which was once an important road in Hikone Castle Town. As time passed, the layout of Honmachi Street and the streetscape with its white walls and lattice windows only slightly retained the Edo period look. As a result, redevelopment was undertaken to replace the buildings lining Honmachi Street with new buildings with an Edo period feel that made the most of the charm of the merchant residences. On today's Yumekyobashi Castle Road, coffee shops, boutiques, and ordinary houses have all been recreated to resemble the streets of the Edo period, allowing you to enjoy an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time. This Honmachi Street is affectionately known as "Yumekyobashi" and has become a new tourist attraction in Hikone.

Theme

• Girls' Trip

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Hikone Castle

• 

  Genkyuen Garden

Basic information

• Address

  3 Konkicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  15 minutes walk from JR Biwako Line "Hikone Station"

• Business hours

  8：30〜17：00

• Closed Day

  None

• Fee

  Adults 800 yen, Children 200 yen, Houshoudai Matcha 500 yen (9:00 to 16:00)

This is a feudal lord's garden built in the Edo period as the garden of the Hikone Domain. Located northeast of Hikone Castle, it is known as a beautiful garden with a large pond and a stroll-style garden. There is a large pond in the garden, and the Rinchikaku, which stands as if jutting out into the pond, is impressive. Around the pond, landscapes that imitate the Eight Views of Omi, selected based on the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang of Dongting Lake in Hunan Province, Chikubu Island, and Oki no Shiraishi, are skillfully arranged, creating a space full of charm. In early summer, lotus and iris flowers bloom in abundance on the pond, and their fragrance fills the garden. Genkyuen, which shows different faces in each season, is one of Hikone's most famous tourist spots. Genkyuen, along with Rakurakuen, another garden of the Hikone Domain, are designated as national scenic spots. It can be said to be a valuable cultural heritage that conveys the beauty of feudal lord gardens of the Edo period to the present day.

Theme

• History and Historic Sites

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Hikone Castle

• 

  Yumekyobashi Castle Road

Basic information

• Address

  1 Honmachi, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture

• Access

  18 minutes walk from JR Biwako Line "Hikone Station"

• Business hours

  Varies by store

• Closed Day

  Varies by store

• Fee

  Varies by store

• Official website

  https://www.4bancho.com/

Located in the center of Hikone City, Yonbancho Square is a shopping street with its roots in a market in the Taisho period. Formerly known as "Hikone's Kitchen," it was one of the busiest areas in the prefecture, but over time it lost its vitality. So, volunteers from the shopping street took the lead and, with the cooperation of Hikone City and the Hikone Chamber of Commerce and Industry, implemented the "Town Center Redevelopment Land Readjustment Project." The shopping street, modeled after the streets of the Taisho period, was completed in 2005. The newly reborn Yonbancho Square has the catchphrase "A town filled with Taisho romanticism," and features buildings with a unified modern exterior, gas lamps in the square, and monuments placed throughout. You can enjoy a unique atmosphere where newness and nostalgia coexist.

Theme

• Family/Children
• Couple
• Girls' Trip

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Hikone Castle

• 

  Genkyuen Garden

Basic information

• Address

  Shiga Prefecture, Takashima City, Makino Town, Hiruguchi to Makino

• Access

  Approximately 6 minutes by community bus on the Makino Kogen Line from JR Makino Station

• Business hours

  None

• Closed Day

  None

• Fee

  Free

The fantastic metasequoia avenue leading to Makino Pickland Agricultural Park captivates visitors with its seasonal scenery. This 2.4km road is woven with about 500 metasequoia trees to form a green tunnel, showing different faces throughout the year, from the refreshing yellow-green of spring to the deep green of summer, the distinctive brick red and brown of autumn leaves, and bare trees covered in snow in winter. This avenue, selected as one of the "New 100 Views of Japanese Road Trees," harmonizes beautifully with the distant Nosaka Mountains, providing visitors with a special experience. The metasequoia avenue is a precious spot where you can experience the changing seasons, created by the beauty and harmony of nature.

Theme

• Classic

Near this spot, there are other spots like this

• 

  Dawn Mist - The Reefs of Kaizu Osaki