Guide to Southern Shiga
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
Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa
Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa
See a Shrine Visited by Fans From Around the World
Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu
Experience History, Nature, and Shopping in Kusatsu
Anime in Real Life – Must-see spots in Shiga
Lake Biwa Museum & Kusatsu Headquarters
The road to becoming a real Koka ninja!~Making Ninja Ration Balls~
Nakasendo Walking in Shiga prefecture (Kusatsu Post Town)
The road to becoming a real Koka ninja!~Ninja Training~
Sotoen
The Sotoen climbing kiln, making Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, is one of the largest in Japan, and continues to run at maximum output.
Japan Bass Fishing Agent
Our Fishing Guides are the most relaxing and happy time in your trip to Japan.
Omi Kenketo Festival / Ritual of Cutting Funazushi with a Long Knife
Shimoniikawa-jinja Shrine holds a regular spring festival in the form of the Omi Kenketo Festival, during which the Long Knife ritual takes place.
Katsube Fire Festival
The Fire Festival, with a history of nearly 800 years, is a dramatic winter ritual held in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture.
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.
Forest Adventure Ritto
Forest Adventure is an outdoor activity park with locations in forests across Japan.
Village of Fire Shigaraki Hotel Ogawatei
The interior of the Ogawatei hotel is home to a number of Shigaraki-yaki ceramics; sit quietly and you can almost hear the hot breath of the earth that helped to fire them.
Kusatsu Dai-Ichi Hotel
The Kusatsu Dai-Ichi Hotel boasts 180 rooms, making it one of the largest business hotels in Shiga.
Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel
The hotel also features a planetarium with digital surround technology.
Biwako no Senmatsu
Offers a replete selection of gifts from Shiga, including not only popular regional products but also snacks, confections and sake that you can only buy from this location!
Koka City Rural Life Experiences
Koka City offers a “Rural Life Experiences in the Ninja’s Hometown, Koka”(home stay program), to experience real rural life for junior and senior high school excursions.
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.
