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

Discover Historic Temples and Craft Ceramics on Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Shopping

Discover Ancient Temples and Cross the Famous Seta Bridge

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

A Journey into the Japanese Aesthetic

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

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

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

Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 2

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Boat Race Biwako

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

Rokasensuiso – inside the urban jungle in Otsu city

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

Have you tried Omi Beef?

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

Let’s Make a Japanese Kite

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

Otsu trip part2

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

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

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

Omi Jingu Shrine Mounted Archery Performance

A display of yabusame (mounted archery) by the Takeda School from the Japanese Traditional Archery on Horseback Association.

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

Otsu & Takashima Local Farmhouse Visit & Lunch Cooking

Spend quality time with your family, friends or a special person at the tranquil lakeside which is a hidden gem away from all the main toursits hot spots of Japan.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Sustainable

Snow Appreciation Ship Cruises

Our “Snow Appreciation Ships” set sail on Lake Biwa during the winter months.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Cruises / #Instagramable / #Lake Biwa / #Events

Biwako Hakodateyama Ski Resort

Hakodateyama Ski Resort is well known across the entire Kansai region, located 690m above sea level in a mountainous region to the northwest of JR Omi-Imazu Station.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Winter Sports / #Skiing

Omatsuzaki

Omatsuzaki is a spot of great beauty, and was even selected as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa, “Cool Breeze – Omatsuzaki White Beach.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Instagramable

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

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

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

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

Ogoto Onsen

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

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

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

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
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