Experience Shiga in Summer

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

Overview of Summer in Shiga

Explore Shiga's lush green mountains and glistening lakes during the summer.
Enjoy the best of the season with vibrant festivals, riverside fun, and water activities on Lake Biwa.

Summer Tours & Activities

Takeshima Cruise (Omi Marine)

Linking Hikone Port with Takeshima in just 20 minutes, a simple and easy way to visit one of Hikone’s greatest sightseeing spots.

Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Sightseeing Cruises & Rides

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.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Southern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Factory Tours

Roadside Station Kohoku Mizudori Station

Kohoku Mizudori Station is located inside a water bird park that is visited by a variety of wild birds throughout the year.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Instagramable

Shizugatake Lift

In May, the route taken by the Shizugatake Lift passes beautifully blooming fringed iris.

Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Sightseeing Cruises & Rides

Karahashi-yaki Pottery

A potter creating pieces in “Lake Biwa Blue,” representing the blue of the lake, and Otsu pottery that is intended to fuel the dreams of all who see it.

Tour & Activities Shopping
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Pottery Workshops

Kawara Museum

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

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Museums

Nature & Parks in Summer

Hokoen Garden

Hokoen Garden was created in 1909 on the ruins of Nagahama-jo Castle, which was abandoned in the start of the Edo period (1603 – 1868).

Nature & Parks
Northern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Instagramable

Okishima

Okishima island is located in the offing of Lake Biwa, approximately 1.

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

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) Avenue

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

Nature & Parks
Western SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Instagramable

Shiga Agricultural Park “Blumen Hugel Farm”

This agricultural park is centered around wide flower fields, rose and herb gardens and greenhouses.

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

Ibukiyama Driveway

A drive course located 2km from the Sekigahara IC on the Meishin Expressway, 17km in length and reaching all the way to Mr.

Nature & Parks
Northern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Car Parking

Biwako Otsukan

The Biwako Otsukan was built in 1934 as the first international tourism hotel in the prefecture, with the intention of bringing in more tourists from overseas.

History & Culture Nature & Parks Food & Drink
Western SHIGA
Museums

History & Culture in Summer

Kawara Museum

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

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Museums

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, with its sprawling grounds across Mt.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#World Heritage Site / #Japan Heritage Site / #National Treasure / #Places of Spiritual Energy

Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo Oiwake

Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo sells a full range of popular and delicious confections.

History & Culture Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Factory Tours

Hachiman-bori Canal

The Hachiman-bori Canal was a mainstay in regional economics and transportation until the start of the Showa period (1926 – 1989).

History & Culture Nature & Parks
Eastern SHIGA
Historic Sites & Gardens
#Anime / #Instagramable

Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park

A verdant green cultural park with a “ceramics” theme, located in the town of ceramics Shigaraki.

History & Culture Nature & Parks
Southern SHIGA
Art Gallery & Halls
#Shigaraki-yaki

Kamo-jinja Shrine (Famous Water Isame no Shimizu)

Kamo-jinja Shrine is also known for its famous water called “Isame no Shimizu.

History & Culture Nature & Parks
Northern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples

Looking for more seasonal experiences?

Wondering what to pack for your trip this summer?

Check Shiga’s year-round weather and climate trends to help you prepare for your trip.

Other Seasons

Spring

Enjoy the most beautiful spring 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.
>