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
Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga
Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa
Craft Shigaraki Pottery and Explore The Way of the Ninja
Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu
See a Shrine Visited by Fans From Around the World
Experience World Class Art and Master Shigaraki Pottery
2 open air activities of Shiga / Lake Biwa
Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 2
Nakasendo Walking in Shiga prefecture (Kusatsu Post Town)
A Mindful Fragrance Journey at a Quiet Temple
10. Adzuki filled Asamiya and Matcha Tea Mochi / Yamamotoen
Unleash Your Inner Shinobi: Experience Ninja Culture in Shiga Prefecture
Sotoen
The Sotoen climbing kiln, making Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, is one of the largest in Japan, and continues to run at maximum output.
Okudachuzaemongama Shigaraki-togeimura
At this historic ceramics maker, experience making something yourself, watch a master at work or do a little shopping.
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.
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.
Ohta Brewery Dokan-gura
The Ota family can trace their family tree back to one Dokan Ota, a samurai and Buddhist monk from the 15th century.
Koga Country Club
Offers a highly strategic course laid out amid a forest of millions of red pine trees.
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.
Shiono Onsen
Shiono Onsen, founded in 1898, is a restaurant and hotel with a hot spring.
Yumesakikan
Rent an entire house in our expansive 1300 square meter facilities, allowing you to enjoy your stay in a completely private space.
Kusatsu Dai-Ichi Hotel
The Kusatsu Dai-Ichi Hotel boasts 180 rooms, making it one of the largest business hotels in Shiga.
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.
