Experience Shiga in Spring

Enjoy the most beautiful spring in Shiga, Japan and at Lake Biwa.

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

Kawara Museum

A museum all about hachiman-kawara tiles and the history of Hachiman.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Museums

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

Makino Highland

Makino Highland offers a wide range of activities to enjoy, including camping, snow activities & skiing, ground golf, hot springs and restaurants.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Outdoor Activities
#Golf

Strawberry Factory

Strawberry Factory, located in Kusatsu, Shiga, offers not only strawberry picking but also a café and fields for rent.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks

Yanmar Museum

An experience based museum that was opened to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Yanmar.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Museums

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.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Southern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Pottery Workshops

Nature & Parks in Spring

Aguri Park Ryuo Tulip Festival

See the brilliant blooming colors of 16,000 tulips.

Nature & Parks
Eastern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Instagramable / #Events / #Festivals

Shiga Prefecture Samegai Trout Farm

One of the longest-standing trout cultivation farms in Japan, established in 1878.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Fishing

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.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks

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.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks

Kohoku Wild-Bird Center / Biwako Waterfowl & Wetland Center

Facilities based in the Kohoku water bird park, the largest habitat for wild birds in the prefecture.

Nature & Parks
Northern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Instagramable

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) Avenue

Approximately 500 dawn redwoods (Metasequoia) form a beautiful avenue stretching over 2.

Nature & Parks
Western SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Instagramable

History & Culture in Spring

Isakiji Temple

Famous for a ceremony that involves jumping into the water from poles sticking out from Lake Biwa.

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site

Hyakusaiji Temple

Hyakusai-ji is the oldest temple in Omi.

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples

Kinomoto-Jizoin

Kinomoto-Jizoin is a Jishu sect temple that houses a Buddhist statue worshipped for healing eye diseases.

History & Culture
Northern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples

Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

As spring blooms once again it is joined by the 1,200 cherry trees in the vicinity of Hikone Castle, marking the most beautiful time of year to visit the castle and its grounds.

History & Culture Nature & Parks
Eastern SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#National Treasure / #Instagramable / #Events / #Festivals

Ashiura-kannon-ji Temple

This temple has been responsible for the safety of travel on the waters of Lake Biwa since the Azuchi Momoyama period.

History & Culture
Southern SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site

Chikubushima Island

This small island, with a circumference of just 2km, is located in the offing of Lake Biwa, approximately 6km from shore.

History & Culture Nature & Parks
Northern SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site

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

Enjoy the most beautiful summer in Shiga, Japan and at Lake Biwa.

Autumn

Enjoy the most beautiful autumn in Shiga, Japan and at Lake Biwa.

Winter

Enjoy the most beautiful winter in Shiga, Japan and at Lake Biwa.
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