Guide to Southern Shiga
Overview of Southern Shiga
Southern Shiga is home to Kusatsu, Koka, and Shigaraki, a region where history and traditional crafts thrive.
Kusatsu retains the charm of a historic post town on the old Tokaido Road, offering a glimpse into the travel culture of centuries past.
Koka is known for its ninja history and has a unique charm, where historic sites and nature come together in harmony.
Shigaraki is one of Japan’s most famous pottery towns. Visitors can tour active kilns, browse workshops, and stroll through charming streets to experience the local craftsmanship firsthand.
Trip Ideas in Southern Shiga
Experience World Class Art and Master Shigaraki Pottery
Anime in Real Life – Must-see spots in Shiga
Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa
See a Shrine Visited by Fans From Around the World
Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu
Experience the Healing Nature of the Konan Sanzan Temple National Treasures
A Mindful Fragrance Journey at a Quiet Temple
Unleash Your Inner Shinobi: Experience Ninja Culture in Shiga Prefecture
Shiga Adventure Tourism
Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 1
Japan Bass Fishing Agent
Our Fishing Guides are the most relaxing and happy time in your trip to Japan.
Omi Kenketo Festival / Ritual of Cutting Funazushi with a Long Knife
Shimoniikawa-jinja Shrine holds a regular spring festival in the form of the Omi Kenketo Festival, during which the Long Knife ritual takes place.
Sotoen
The Sotoen climbing kiln, making Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, is one of the largest in Japan, and continues to run at maximum output.
Strawberry & Blueberry Farm Felice
If you’re looking to pick some strawberries in Shiga, you need to head to Felice in Yasu City! Winter is actually the best time to pick them, as they are at their sweetest.
Shigaraki Touen Tanuki Village
Here you can take photos with the giant Shigaraki tanuki, dine at our restaurant, make pottery, enjoy confectionery, purchase Shigaraki-yaki pottery, and observe a climbing kiln.
Tsuchiyama Saio Princess Procession
In the Heian Period (794 – 1185), the Saio (Princess) travelled from Heian-kyo (modern Kyoto) to Ise in order to become a priestess at the shrine there.
Kusatsu Estopia Hotel
A hotel with an extremely appealing location, only 3 minutes walk from JR Kusatsu Station, which itself is just 20 minutes from JR from Kyoto Station.
Shiono Onsen
Shiono Onsen, founded in 1898, is a restaurant and hotel with a hot spring.
Kusatsu Dai-Ichi Hotel
The Kusatsu Dai-Ichi Hotel boasts 180 rooms, making it one of the largest business hotels in Shiga.
Yumesakikan
Rent an entire house in our expansive 1300 square meter facilities, allowing you to enjoy your stay in a completely private space.
Koka City Rural Life Experiences
Koka City offers a “Rural Life Experiences in the Ninja’s Hometown, Koka”(home stay program), to experience real rural life for junior and senior high school excursions.
Hotel Boston Plaza Kusatsu Lake Biwa
The JR Kusatsu Station is located approximately 20 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Biwako Line, and this hotel is located immediately outside the station’s west exit, making it perfectly suited for business or pleasure.
Explore More Things to Do in Southern Shiga
Wondering what to pack for your trip?
Check Shiga’s year-round weather and climate trends to help you prepare for your trip.
