Guide to Western Shiga

This area includes Otsu and Takashima, where the convenience of city life meets the beauty of nature.

Overview of Western Shiga

Western Shiga is home to Otsu and Takashima, where urban convenience meets the beauty of nature. Nestled between Lake Biwa and the mountains, visitors can enjoy peaceful travels here.

Otsu is just 9 minutes from Kyoto and offers the perfect combination of city convenience and lakeside relaxation.

Takashima, located about an hour away via the scenic Kosei Line, is surrounded by tranquil natural landscapes.

Take lakeside walks, visit historic temples and shrines, and enjoy the changing beauty of the seasons.

Trip Ideas in Western Shiga

Memorable Photo Spots Course

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Stroll Through a Historical City of World Heritage

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Shiga

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Mount Hiei Peak to Sakamoto Valley Historic Day Trip

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

日本文化體驗

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Ancient Trails and Modern Cruises through Scenic Otsu

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Travel Stories in Western Shiga

Have you tried Omi Beef?

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Food & Drink

Fruits Picking Experience at Shiga

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#Tour & Activities / #Food & Drink

Otsu trip part2

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities

1. Unagi-Chazuke / Nishitomo Co., Ltd

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Food & Drink / #Shopping

Omi Curry & Friendship Adventures

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#Food & Drink

介绍最新的Glamping旅行方式

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Stay

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

Biwako Valley

A cutting-edge ropeway with glass sided cars will transport you to the mountain top, allowing you to enjoy the sensation of walking through the air.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Skiing / #Hiking / #Camping / #Instagramable / #Sustainable

Ishiyama-dera Temple Fall Moon Festival

More than 2,000 lanterns create an illusory and ethereal world inside the temple grounds.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Japan Heritage Site / #National Treasure / #Events / #Festivals

Seiga Style Samurai Kembu

Experience the traditional art of “kembu,” literally meaning “sword dance.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#9 Minutes From Kyoto

Chikubushima Cruise (Biwako Kisen)

A route from either Nagahama Port or Imazu Port to Chikubushima.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sightseeing Cruises & Rides

Setagawa River & Lake Biwa River Cruises

Such scenes as the “Evening Glow at Seta” and the “Autumn Moon at Ishiyama” have been immortalized by the famous ukiyo-e painter Hiroshige Utagawa of the late Edo period (1603 – 1868) in his Eight Views of Omi.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sightseeing Cruises & Rides
#Lake Biwa

Boat Race Biwako

Boat Race Biwako is located on the banks of Lake Biwa, and boasts awe-inspiring scenery even when compared to the other 23 boat race locations around Japan.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Outdoor Activities

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

Satoyu Mukashibashi Yuzanso

Yuzanso is a hot spring hotel that has many Omi mukashibanashi (“old stories”) placed around inside, bringing you closer to the folk history of the region.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Dantokan Kikunoya

Dantokan Kikunoya features a warm atmosphere, like coming home, and is also the only hotel in the Ogoto Onsen region that has rooms which allow pets to stay alongside their owners.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Nango Onsen Futaba

A hotel boasting wonderful views of the pure flow of the Setagawa River and truly delicious fresh-fish dishes.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Taka.Sta

A lodging facility located amid the abundant nature of Takashima City, Shiga.

Tour & Activities Stay
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Biwaichi Cycling Spot / #Sustainable

Hotel Blue Lake Ohtsu

A hotel located only 1 minute on foot from Hamaotsu Station, which is itself convenient for access from Kyoto and Osaka.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking / #9 Minutes From Kyoto

J-Hoppers Lake Biwa Guesthouse

A guesthouse located in Omi Maiko-hama, just two minutes on foot from the beach.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Explore More Things to Do in Western Shiga

Wondering what to pack for your trip?

Check Shiga’s year-round weather and climate trends to help you prepare for your trip.

Other Areas

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Eastern Shiga

Hikone, Higashi-omi, Omihachiman, Hino, Ryuoh, Aisho, Toyosato, Koura, Taga

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
>