Guide to Northern Shiga

This area includes Nagahama and Maibara, and offers a blend of historical charm and scenic lakeside views of Lake Biwa.

Overview of Northern Shiga

Northern Shiga is home to Nagahama and Maibara, where historical charm meets scenic views of Lake Biwa.

Nagahama's streets preserve the charm of a castle town, ideal for exploring alongside the beautiful lakeside scenery.
Maibara is a charming gateway to northern Lake Biwa and nearby mountain trails, offering a relaxing mix of nature and history.

Enjoy walks by the lake, seasonal festivals, and the rich heritage of the region.

Trip Ideas in Northern Shiga

Discover Historic Temples and Craft Ceramics on Lake Biwa

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

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

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

Climb Mount Ibuki and Eat Samegai Trout

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Shopping

Explore Shizugatake Nature and Walk a Historic Messenger Road

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks

Eat Your Way Across Nagahama

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

Tour Ancient Temples and Cruise the Waters of Nagahama

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Travel Stories in Northern Shiga

Your Complete Travel Guide to Lake Biwa, Japan’s Largest Lake

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

Trip to Nagahama kurokabe & Bonbai Exhibition

Travel Diaries
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Shopping

L’île des dieux

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

Chikubu Island: The Sacred Jewel of Lake Biwa That Connects Japan and Austria

Know Shiga
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Maibara; Shiga’s Hidden Gems

Travel Tips
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Glamp Element

Travel Tips
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Stay

Tours & Activities in Northern Shiga

Nihonmatsu Campground

A camp and swimming beach with incredibly beautiful and clean water, even for the Lake Biwa region.

Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Sports
#Camping

Roadside Station Kohoku Mizudori Station

Kohoku Mizudori Station is located inside a water bird park that is visited by a variety of wild birds throughout the year.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Instagramable

Ikehara Soba Dojo

A refurbished old house that lets you experience authentic soba noodle making for yourself.

Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Culture Workshops

Okubiwako Parkway

The 18.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Hiking / #Sustainable

Discovery JAPAN in Lake Biwa Tour

The Lake Biwa Tour departs from Nagahama and tours Lake Biwa in an amphibious bus.

Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Sightseeing Cruises & Rides
#Water Activities / #Lake Biwa

Woodypal Yogo

Allows you to enjoy the outdoors any time of year, with cottages, a restaurant, a ski slope and campsite.

Stay Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Where to Stay in Northern Shiga

Woodypal Yogo

Allows you to enjoy the outdoors any time of year, with cottages, a restaurant, a ski slope and campsite.

Stay Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Nagahamataiko Hot Spring Hamakogetsu

Hamakogetsu, founded during the Meiji period (1868-1912), is a dining hotel close to both Nagahama-jo Castle and the shores of Lake Biwa, and providing an incredible view to be enjoyed while soaking in hot spring water.

Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Onoe Onsen Ryokan Beniayu

A quiet and calming hot spring located in Kohoku.

Onsen Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

L’ Hôtel Du Lac

The large grounds of approx. 100,000 square meters, almost three times the size of the Tokyo Dome, feature nature walks that allow you to experience the colors of the four seasons, and has a large lawn area between the hotel and Lake Biwa.

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

Hotel & Resorts NAGAHAMA

The Nagahama Royal Hotel is a resort hotel that stands on the shores of Lake Biwa, extremely conveniently located just 3 minutes on foot from Nagahama Port and 5 minutes on foot from Nagahama-jo Castle.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Northern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Tokuyamazushi

Tokuyamazushi is a dining hotel where you can enjoy fish from Lake Yogo, mountain produce and game, centered in fermented foods.

Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Ryori Ryokan / #Car Parking

Explore More Things to Do in Northern 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

Western Shiga

Otsu, Takashima

Eastern Shiga

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

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
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