Guide to Eastern Shiga

This area, which includes Hikone, Higashi-omi, and Omi-Hachiman, is a region defined by its magnificent castles and deeply rooted traditional culture.

Overview of Eastern Shiga

Eastern Shiga is home to Hikone, Higashi-omi, and Omi-Hachiman, where castles and traditional culture thrive.

Hikone City is a castle town that retains its historic charm, allowing visitors to experience local traditions through its streetscape and cultural sites.

Higashi-omi offers a mix of historic temples, traditional industries, and beautiful rural landscapes, providing a glimpse into authentic Shiga life.

Omi-Hachiman is famous for its historic canals, merchant houses, and traditional crafts, a town known for its cultural heritage and timeless atmosphere.

Trip Ideas in Eastern Shiga

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

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

National Treasure Hikone Castle and Sacred Places

1-Day Trip
Eastern SHIGA
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Enjoy Shopping and Gourmet Delights

1-Day Trip
Eastern SHIGA
#Shopping

Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu

1-Day Trip
Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Historic Hikone Castle Walk and Yumekyobashi Shopping

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

Visit the Azuchi Castle Ruins and Historic Hachiman Canal

1-Day Trip
Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Travel Stories in Eastern Shiga

The Samurai Spirits of Shiga

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

Viagem para a ilha de Takeshima

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

Have you tried Omi Beef?

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

Linen Experience in Aisho Town

Travel Diaries
Eastern SHIGA
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Chance to stay in Japan Heritage site

Travel Tips
Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Stay

Let’s make your own OMAMORI “Lucky charm” in Higashi-omi city

Travel Tips
Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities

Tours & Activities in Eastern Shiga

Yumekyobashi Castle Road

Yumekyobashi Castle Road starts immediately from the bridge that crosses the moat at Hikone-jo Castle, and is designed to evoke the townscape of the Edo period (1603 – 1868).

History & Culture Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Eastern SHIGA
Cityscapes

Meet to Hear the Sound of Insects in Genkyu-en

In the illuminated Genkyu-en, listen to the sound of insects and enjoy the gentle passage of time in a manner impossible in any city.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Historic Sites & Gardens
#National Treasure / #Events

Original Boat Tour

The Omi-Hachiman boat tour allows you to enjoy a different, natural world while riding a boat under the skillful control of a traditional boast master.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers

Roadside Station Kagaminosato

Holds a variety of events depending on the season, allowing an exciting slice of Japanese culture to be experienced.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Eastern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks

Toyosato Elementary School Old School Buildings

Take a tour around the school that was used as the setting for the popular anime “K-On!” There are also guided tours that allow you to see rooms and facilities that are not open to regular tours.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Art Gallery & Halls
#Anime

Aikyo-no-Mori

Aikyo-no-Mori (Aikyo Forest) is located amid a natural pine forest that spreads along the Shibukogawa River, a tributary of the Echigawa River.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Camping / #Fishing

Where to Stay in Eastern Shiga

Hitomi Sanso

An old house that has accepted just one booking per day since 1979.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Yokaichi Royal Hotel

This Higashiomi hotel aims to provide a relaxed, at-home atmosphere along with a warm and complete welcome and close attention to detail, bringing a smile to the face of every guest who stays here.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

Machiya Inn

Omihachiman is a quiet place of history and tradition, located in the lake-land of Shiga.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku
#Car Parking

Guesthouse Mio

Guesthouse Mio is a traditional Japanese townhouse that was renovated in 2018.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Eigenji Onsen Happuno-Yu

Eigenji Onsen “Happuno-Yu,” located in front of the gates to Eigenji Temple, allows you to enjoy outdoor bathing amid incredible natural beauty.

Onsen Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Omi-Hino Rural Life Experiences

Proactively accepts educational tours, study tours and other groups of visitors.

Tour & Activities Stay Food & Drink
Eastern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
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Explore More Things to Do in Eastern 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

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
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