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

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

Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu

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

See a Shrine Visited by Fans From Around the World

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

Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa

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

Experience History, Nature, and Shopping in Kusatsu

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

Travel Stories in Southern Shiga

MORIYAMA – CIDADE DOS CAFÉS (1)

Travel Tips
Southern SHIGA
#Food & Drink

2 open air activities of Shiga / Lake Biwa

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

The road to becoming a real Koka ninja!~Making Ninja Ration Balls~

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

8. Junmai Daiginjo Fujikura “Dokan” / Ohta Shuzo Brewery

Travel Tips
Southern SHIGA
#Food & Drink / #Shopping

Lake Biwa Museum & Kusatsu Headquarters

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

Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 1

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

Tours & Activities in Southern Shiga

Forest Adventure Ritto

Forest Adventure is an outdoor activity park with locations in forests across Japan.

Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Outdoor Activities

Trail Adventure Ritto

Trail Adventure is a mountain bike activity facility that has something for everyone, from children to adults, beginners to experts alike.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails

Shigaraki Touen Tanuki Village

Here you can take photos with the giant Shigaraki tanuki, dine at our restaurant, make pottery, enjoy confectionery, purchase Shigaraki-yaki pottery, and observe a climbing kiln.

Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Pottery Workshops / #Factory Tours / #Shigaraki-yaki

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

Katsube Fire Festival

The Fire Festival, with a history of nearly 800 years, is a dramatic winter ritual held in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture.

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

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.

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

Where to Stay in Southern Shiga

Minakuchi Century Hotel

A city hotel located in an urban center but with a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#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

Shiono Onsen

Shiono Onsen, founded in 1898, is a restaurant and hotel with a hot spring.

Onsen Stay
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Ogawara Onsen Kamoshika Villa

Ogawara Onsen hot springs are still relatively new, only having started in 1995.

Onsen Stay
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

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!

Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

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

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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