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

Enjoy Shopping and Gourmet Delights

1-Day Trip
Eastern SHIGA
#Shopping

The Mystery of the Vanished Castle… and Shopping!

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

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

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

Cycle Through Time Along Historical Roads & Canals

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

National Treasure Hikone Castle and Sacred Places

1-Day Trip
Eastern SHIGA
#Default Tag / #Default Tag 2 / #Default Tag 3

Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu

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

Travel Stories in Eastern Shiga

Hyakusaiji & Fuji Honke

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

Hachimanbori Matsuri(Festival)

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

Autumn Leave in Shiga

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

Leste do lago Biwa

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

Have you tried Omi Beef?

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

Viagem para a ilha de Takeshima

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

Tours & Activities in Eastern Shiga

Fujii Honke

Founded in 1831, Fujii Honke uses water from the Echigawa River and locally produced rice to brew their sake.

Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Culture Workshops

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

Hachiman Moat Tour

The Hachiman Moat Tour allows you to take to the stunning Hachiman Moats in a Japanese-style boat.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Cruises

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.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails

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

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
#Sustainable

Where to Stay in Eastern Shiga

Guesthouse Mio

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

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Kyukamura Omi-Hachiman

Kyukamura is located amid the rich natural environment of the Biwako Quasi-National Park, and features beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and popular lake swimming and camping spots in the summer.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

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

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 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

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

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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