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

A Journey into the Japanese Aesthetic

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

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

Memorable Photo Spots Course

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

Tour Historic Temples and Ride the Sakamoto Cable Car

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

Travel Stories in Western Shiga

Otsu trip part2

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

Have you tried Omi Beef?

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

介绍最新的Glamping旅行方式

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

Tour do Otsu-e

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Explore Otsu City

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Onsen

6. Funazushi cockies, pie, rice crackers – Shiseian

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Food & Drink / #Shopping

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

Omi Jingu Shrine

Omi Jingu Shrine is a registered Cultural Property, and a representative example of the Showa period (1926 – 1989) shrine construction known as Omi construction or Showa construction.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Anime

Okuhiei Driveway

Okuhiei Driveway is a drive course 11.

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

O’pal

A marine sports school that caters to all, even beginners.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Shiga Adventure Tourism / #Water Activities

Lake Biwa Marine Sports Auto Campground

The Lake Biwa Marine Sports Auto Campground offers swimming & camping activities amid the clear waters of Lake Biwa.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Camping / #Fishing / #Lake Biwa

Mt. Hiei Trekking “Honzaka Route”

The World Heritage site of Hieizan Enryakuji is a temple that you can visit while also enjoying a mountain-climbing trek.

History & Culture Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site / #Shiga Adventure Tourism / #Hiking / #Sustainable

Nango Fisheries Center

The wide grounds of the Fisheries Center includes a number of ponds, providing plenty of opportunities to get close to the water and the fish swimming in it.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Fishing

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

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

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

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

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

Ayaha Lakeside Hotel

The Ayaha Lakeside Hotel is a Japanese-style hotel right on the shores of Lake Biwa.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

Ogoto Onsen

In the south of Ogoto Onsen there is a Tendai temple called Hokoji Temple.

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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