Guide to Southern Shiga

This area, which includes Kusatsu, Koka, and Shigaraki, is a region renowned for its deep historical heritage and living traditional crafts.

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 History, Nature, and Shopping in Kusatsu

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

Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu

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

Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Shopping

Craft Shigaraki Pottery and Explore The Way of the Ninja

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

Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities / #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

Travel Stories in Southern Shiga

Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 2

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Nakasendo Walking in Shiga prefecture (Kusatsu Post Town)

Travel Tips
Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities

Trip by Ohmi railway

Travel Diaries
Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 1

Travel Diaries
Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Lake Biwa Museum & Kusatsu Headquarters

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

MORIYAMA – CIDADE DOS CAFÉS (1)

Travel Tips
Southern SHIGA
#Food & Drink

Tours & Activities in Southern Shiga

Kusatsu Shukuba Festival

This festival includes a historical pageant that proceeds through the traditional city streets, with a large number of onlookers taking in the vast array of gorgeous outfits.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Cityscapes
#Japan Heritage Site / #Events / #Festivals

Yamada Farm

A working dairy farm that has opened its doors to the public under the concept of “letting people see the truth about milk.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks

Koga Country Club

Offers a highly strategic course laid out amid a forest of millions of red pine trees.

Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Sports
#Golf

Moriyama Spring and Fireflies

Moriyama City is an alluvial plain that was created by sand and soil carried by the Yasu River, and long ago the underground water that bubbled up from almost everywhere was effectively used in both agriculture and everyday life.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Japan Heritage Site / #Events

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.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks

National Treasure Zensuiji Lantern Festival

A “Sentoe” lantern festival is held in order to pray for wishes to be fulfilled.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#National Treasure / #Events / #Festivals

Where to Stay in Southern Shiga

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.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel

The hotel also features a planetarium with digital surround technology.

Stay Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Biwaichi Cycling Spot / #Car Parking

Kusatsu Dai-Ichi Hotel

The Kusatsu Dai-Ichi Hotel boasts 180 rooms, making it one of the largest business hotels in Shiga.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

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.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Miyano Onsen

Koka is well known for being the home of the Koka Ninja.

Onsen Stay
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Yumesakikan

Rent an entire house in our expansive 1300 square meter facilities, allowing you to enjoy your stay in a completely private space.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku
#Car Parking

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.

Other Areas

Western Shiga

Otsu, Takashima

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Eastern Shiga

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