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

Takashima Waterside Heritage and Chikubushima Island Tour

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Memorable Photo Spots Course

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

Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Shiga

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

日本文化體驗

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

Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Onsen / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Travel Stories in Western Shiga

Otsu trip part2

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

Omi Curry & Friendship Adventures

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#Food & Drink

Great Lake Biwa Fireworks Display 2017

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

Your Complete Guide to Finding Your Ideal Stay Near Lake Biwa

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Onsen / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Have you tried Omi Beef?

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

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

Roadside Station Toju-no-sato Adogawa

The folding fan gallery allows you to experience painting onto a folding fan to create your own original fan.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops

Shirahamaso

Allows groups to experience a variety of activities, including making things and outdoor experiences such as water sports on Lake Biwa.

Tour & Activities Stay
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Camping / #Car Parking

Takashima Village

In an atmospheric old castle town, Katsuno in Takashima City, a historic building still stands.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops

BIWAKO VALLEY/BIWAKO TERACE

Biwako Terrace offers a sophisticated resort for adults and delivers soaring views looking out over the lake.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Western SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Instagramable

Zero Gravity

Here you can experience a range of activities, including shower climbing, rock climbing, hiking, snow shoe trekking and guided mountain climbing.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Shiga Adventure Tourism / #Water Activities / #Hiking / #Sustainable

Enryakuji Temple Ceremony to Exorcise Evil & New Year’s Bells

The New Year’s Bells and Ceremony to Exorcise Evil are annual traditions for New Year’s Eve at Hieizan.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#World Heritage Site / #National Treasure / #Events

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

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

Satoyu Mukashibashi Yuzanso

A traditional Japanese ryokan where guests can enjoy spectacular views of Lake Biwa, rejuvenating hot springs, and seasonal kaiseki cuisine featuring the finest ingredients from Shiga.

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

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

Auberge Meson

The forest hideaway of Auberge only accepts five bookings per day, and affords you a luxurious moment of relaxation during which you simply have to do nothing at all.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Ryori Ryokan / #Car Parking

Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel

The shop offers a complete lineup of goods, including souvenirs from Shiga, drinks and snacks, tourism magazines and useful travel items.

Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

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
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