Experience Shiga in Spring
Overview of Spring in Shiga
Shiga Prefecture is home to many places where brilliant cherry blossoms bloom in the springtime.
Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the cherry blossoms on a Lake Biwa cruise or a traditional boat ride through the canals to really enjoy spring in Shiga.
Spring Tours & Activities
Ikehara Soba Dojo
A refurbished old house that lets you experience authentic soba noodle making for yourself.
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.
Woodypal Yogo
Allows you to enjoy the outdoors any time of year, with cottages, a restaurant, a ski slope and campsite.
Roadside Station Toju-no-sato Adogawa
Conveniently located along National Route 161, which runs north and south along the western shore of Lake Biwa, this roadside station is an excellent stop for shopping and dining in Takashima City.
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, with its sprawling grounds across Mt.
Toyosato Elementary School Old School Buildings
Take a tour around the school that was used as the setting for the popular anime “K-On!” There are also guided tours that allow you to see rooms and facilities that are not open to regular tours.
Nature & Parks in Spring
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park
A verdant green cultural park with a “ceramics” theme, located in the town of ceramics Shigaraki.
Strawberry Factory
Strawberry Factory, located in Kusatsu, Shiga, offers not only strawberry picking but also a café and fields for rent.
Kaizu-Osaki Peninsula
The Kaizu-Osaki peninsula is a particularly famous region of scenic beauty in the Biwako Quasi-National Park, and is one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa.
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.
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.
Takashima City: Harie & Shimofuri Waterside Sightseeing
All across these areas you can see underground water from the Adogawa River and the Hira mountains bubbling up as fresh springs.
History & Culture in Spring
Kyorinbo Temple
Said to have been created by Prince Shotoku in the year 605, “Kyorinbo Temple” got its name from being a place of teaching (“kyo”) surrounded by forest (“rin”).
Takashima City: Harie & Shimofuri Waterside Sightseeing
All across these areas you can see underground water from the Adogawa River and the Hira mountains bubbling up as fresh springs.
Nagahama Castle History Museum
Nagahama Castle was abandoned during the start of the Edo Period (1603 – 1868), the remains transferred to Hikone Castle and Daitsuji Temple, leaving only a stone wall and well behind.
Himure Hachimangu Shrine
A veritable forest of trees grows on the vast, 44,000 square meter shrine grounds.
Karasaki-jinja Shrine
Karasaki-jinja Shrine is dedicated to a god with a deep connection to Hiyoahita-taisha Shrine, and as featured in the “Night Rain at Karasaki,” one of the Eight Views of Omi, is also a place of exceptional beauty.
Enman-in Monzeki
A temple with more 1000 years of history, founded in the later Heian period (794-1185).
Looking for more seasonal experiences?
Wondering what to pack for your trip this spring?
Check Shiga’s year-round weather and climate trends to help you prepare for your trip.
Other Seasons
Summer
Autumn
Winter