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

Explore the Core Values of Japan Through the Life and Legacy of the “Omi Merchants”

3-Day Trip
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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Historic Hikone Castle Walk and Yumekyobashi Shopping

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

Explore Omi Merchant Houses and Tarobogu Shrine

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

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

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

See Hikone-jo Castle National Treasure and Become Lucky in Love

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

Travel Stories in Eastern Shiga

Hyakusaiji & Fuji Honke part2

Travel Diaries
Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Food & Drink

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

Your Complete Guide to Finding Your Ideal Stay Near Lake Biwa

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

Trip by Ohmi railway

Travel Diaries
Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

5. SHIRONEKO / The OMI Sake Brewery Co.,Ltd

Travel Tips
Eastern SHIGA
#Food & Drink / #Shopping

Have you tried Omi Beef?

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

Tours & Activities in Eastern Shiga

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

Okinahajimeshiki

The “Okinahajimeshiki” is a divine service performed at Taga Taisha Shine to greet the gods at the start of the year.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Events

Chikubushima Sea Route (Omi Marine)

A route between Hikone Port and Chikubushima.

Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Sightseeing Cruises & Rides

Ashifuse-no-some

A horse racing ceremony held at a shrine with a long connection to horses.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Events

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

Shiga Prefectural Kibogaoka Culture Park

Shiga Prefectural Kibogaoka Culture Park covers approximately 416 hectares and is divided into three zones; the culture zone, outdoor activities zone, and sports zone.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Camping / #Golf

Where to Stay in Eastern Shiga

Hotel New Omi

Just one minute on foot from JR Omi-Hachiman Station, this hotel is conveniently located for both business and sightseeing.

Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Eastern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#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

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.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Hitomi Sanso

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

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Guesthouse En

Guesthouse En is located in a small settlement a little distance from the center of Omihachiman, allowing you to enjoy lodging in a real Japanese countryside.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

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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