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

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga

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

Memorable Photo Spots Course

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

A Journey into the Japanese Aesthetic

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

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

Tour Historic Temples and Ride the Sakamoto Cable Car

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities

Travel Stories in Western Shiga

Harie Fresh Water Village & Hakodateyama Lily Park

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Passeio de barco (Yakatabune Shiki) pelo Lago Biwa, o maior do Japão!

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

Halloween Party in Shiga

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

介绍最新的Glamping旅行方式

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

Boat Race Biwako

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

The Samurai Spirits of Shiga

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

Hieizan Sakamoto Cable Railway

The longest cable car route in Japan at 2,025 m in total, opened in 1927.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sightseeing Cruises & Rides

Okuhiei Driveway

Okuhiei Driveway is a drive course 11.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails

Makino Pic-land

Located next to the famous Metasequoia Avenue, this agricultural park offers seasonal fruit-picking experiences.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops

Omi Shirahama Beach

This beach with beautiful, endless white sands and green trees is also alive with people enjoying playing in the water, camping, barbeque and marine sports.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities

Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo Oiwake

Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo sells a full range of popular and delicious confections.

History & Culture Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Factory Tours

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

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

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

Hotel Koo Otsu Hyakucho

The first “shopping street hotel” in Japan, created by renovating a number of townhouses located along both the shopping street in the center of Otsu City and the old Tokaido road.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku
#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

Ogoto Onsen Biwako Hanakaido

Biwako Hanakaido seeks to provide a detailed and comprehensive service, welcoming and providing for you in every possible way in order to create wonderful memories to be shared by you and those you love.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
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

Biwako Ryokusuitei

The concept behind Biwako Ryokusuitei was to make use of the blessings of nature in its design, and they now place their emphasis on making sure that you enjoy each and every relaxing moment while staying there.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#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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