Guide to Northern Shiga

This area includes Nagahama and Maibara, and offers a blend of historical charm and scenic lakeside views of Lake Biwa.

Overview of Northern Shiga

Northern Shiga is home to Nagahama and Maibara, where historical charm meets scenic views of Lake Biwa.

Nagahama's streets preserve the charm of a castle town, ideal for exploring alongside the beautiful lakeside scenery.
Maibara is a charming gateway to northern Lake Biwa and nearby mountain trails, offering a relaxing mix of nature and history.

Enjoy walks by the lake, seasonal festivals, and the rich heritage of the region.

Trip Ideas in Northern 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

Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Onsen / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

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

Explore Shizugatake Nature and Walk a Historic Messenger Road

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks

Climb Mount Ibuki and Eat Samegai Trout

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

Tour Ancient Temples and Cruise the Waters of Nagahama

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Travel Stories in Northern Shiga

Hatsumoude in Chikubujima Island

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

L’île des dieux

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

Glamp Element

Travel Tips
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Stay

The Ultimate Guide to the Biwaichi Cycling Route in Shiga, Japan

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

Chikubu Island: The Sacred Jewel of Lake Biwa That Connects Japan and Austria

Know Shiga
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Two Gems of Shiga: Rosa & Berry Tawada English Garden and Samegai Trout Farm

Travel Diaries
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Food & Drink

Tours & Activities in Northern Shiga

Gransnow Okuibuki

Available as a campsite in the summer and for skiing in the winter.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Winter Sports / #Skiing / #Hiking / #Camping / #Sustainable

Yanmar Museum

An experience based museum that was opened to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Yanmar.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Museums

Woodypal Yogo

Allows you to enjoy the outdoors any time of year, with cottages, a restaurant, a ski slope and campsite.

Stay Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Kintsugi Apprenticeship

Experience authentic kintsugi in northern Shiga, from a beginner-friendly 2-day temple stay to immersive 7-, 10-, and 30-day artisan courses.

Stay Tour & Activities Shopping
Northern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada

An English garden located in Maibara.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Northern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Anime

Nagahama Railroad Square

Nagahama Railroad Square preserves the “First Nagahama Station Building,” the oldest station building still remaining in Japan.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Art Gallery & Halls

Where to Stay in Northern Shiga

Hotel & Resorts NAGAHAMA

The Nagahama Royal Hotel is a resort hotel that stands on the shores of Lake Biwa, extremely conveniently located just 3 minutes on foot from Nagahama Port and 5 minutes on foot from Nagahama-jo Castle.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Northern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Nagahamataiko Hot Spring Hamakogetsu

Hamakogetsu, founded during the Meiji period (1868-1912), is a dining hotel close to both Nagahama-jo Castle and the shores of Lake Biwa, and providing an incredible view to be enjoyed while soaking in hot spring water.

Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Woodypal Yogo

Allows you to enjoy the outdoors any time of year, with cottages, a restaurant, a ski slope and campsite.

Stay Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Onoe Onsen Ryokan Beniayu

A quiet and calming hot spring located in Kohoku.

Onsen Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

L’ Hôtel Du Lac

The large grounds of approx. 100,000 square meters, almost three times the size of the Tokyo Dome, feature nature walks that allow you to experience the colors of the four seasons, and has a large lawn area between the hotel and Lake Biwa.

Stay
Northern SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Ryori Ryokan / #Car Parking

Sugatani Onsen

Sugatani Onsen is famous for its hot spring waters, which the generals of the warring states period would often visit for extended periods.

Onsen Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Explore More Things to Do in Northern 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

Eastern Shiga

Hikone, Higashi-omi, Omihachiman, Hino, Ryuoh, Aisho, Toyosato, Koura, Taga

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
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