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
Experience History, Nature, and Shopping in Kusatsu
Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa
Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga
Experience the Healing Nature of the Konan Sanzan Temple National Treasures
Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu
See a Shrine Visited by Fans From Around the World
En route vers la Tokaido! Partie 2 : Kusatsu
The road to becoming a real Koka ninja!~Ninja Training~
Lake Biwa Museum & Kusatsu Headquarters
Shiga Adventure Tourism
Nakasendo Walking in Shiga prefecture (Kusatsu Post Town)
10. Adzuki filled Asamiya and Matcha Tea Mochi / Yamamotoen
Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel
The hotel also features a planetarium with digital surround technology.
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.
Koka Ninjutsu Yashiki
This ninjutsu yashiki (“house of ninja techniques”) was built during the Edo period (1603 – 1868), and is the last true house of ninja remaining in Japan.
Yanmar Marina
Yanmar Marina is one of the few marinas found on the eastern bank of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.
Okudachuzaemongama Shigaraki-togeimura
At this historic ceramics maker, experience making something yourself, watch a master at work or do a little shopping.
Oogoya Co., Ltd
A great place to enjoy some shopping, with tableware, vases, sundry items, glass goods and gardening products all on offers, centered around the historical Shigaraki-yaki ceramics of Japan.
Shiono Onsen
Shiono Onsen, founded in 1898, is a restaurant and hotel with a hot spring.
Minakuchi Century Hotel
A city hotel located in an urban center but with a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
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.
Ogawara Onsen Kamoshika Villa
Ogawara Onsen hot springs are still relatively new, only having started in 1995.
Hotel Lake Villa
A hotel that welcomes you with the gentle splashing of illusory waters, and features ubiquitous open and liberating spaces.
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.
