Guide to Eastern Shiga
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
Explore Omi Merchant Houses and Tarobogu Shrine
Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu
Experience Traditional Crafts and the Hikone-jo Castle National Treasure
The Mystery of the Vanished Castle… and Shopping!
Historic Hikone Castle Walk and Yumekyobashi Shopping
Let’s make your own OMAMORI “Lucky charm” in Higashi-omi city
Shiga Agricultural Park “Blumen Hugel Farm”
This agricultural park is centered around wide flower fields, rose and herb gardens and greenhouses.
Hachiman Moat Tour
The Hachiman Moat Tour allows you to take to the stunning Hachiman Moats in a Japanese-style boat.
Hachimanyama Ropeway
This ropeway takes around four minutes to transport you from the base of the mountain to the top, from where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama that includes Lake Biwa, Lake Nishinoko and the old town below, all wreathed in the glory of the current season.
Roadside Station Kagaminosato
Holds a variety of events depending on the season, allowing an exciting slice of Japanese culture to be experienced.
Fujii Honke
Founded in 1831, Fujii Honke uses water from the Echigawa River and locally produced rice to brew their sake.
Suigo no Sato Maruyama
The Omi-Hachiman suigo canals are known as one of the three great canal networks of Japan, and are of particular note even among the three due to retaining their natural, historic state even today.
Machiya Inn
Omihachiman is a quiet place of history and tradition, located in the lake-land of Shiga.
Hikone Castle Resort & Spa
Provides a full range of souvenirs from Shiga, including confections, traditional art and local sake!
Ryotei Ryokan Yasui
A long standing dining hotel with history going back to 1869.
Hotel Sunroute Hikone
A hotel located just one minute on foot from Hikone Station, making it extremely conveniently located for visiting such National Treasures as the Hikone-jo Castle or Taga Taisha Shrine.
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.
Omi-Hino Rural Life Experiences
Proactively accepts educational tours, study tours and other groups of visitors.
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.
