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

Discovery JAPAN in Lake Biwa Tour

The Lake Biwa Tour departs from Nagahama and tours Lake Biwa in an amphibious bus.

Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Sightseeing Cruises & Rides
#Water Activities / #Lake Biwa

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.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops

Yumekyobashi Castle Road

Yumekyobashi Castle Road starts immediately from the bridge that crosses the moat at Hikone-jo Castle, and is designed to evoke the townscape of the Edo period (1603 – 1868).

History & Culture Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Eastern SHIGA
Cityscapes

Takashima Village

In Katsuno, a charming castle town in Takashima City, historic buildings can still be seen today.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops

Seiga Style Samurai Kembu

Experience the traditional art of “kembu,” literally meaning “sword dance.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#9 Minutes From Kyoto

Lake Biwa Marine Sports Auto Campground

The Lake Biwa Marine Sports Auto Campground offers swimming & camping activities amid the clear waters of Lake Biwa.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Camping / #Fishing / #Lake Biwa

Nature & Parks in Summer

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

Chikubushima (Hogonji Temple)

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 / #National Treasure / #Places of Spiritual Energy

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 Nature & Parks
Western SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site / #Sustainable

Omizo Waterside Sightseeing

The ruins of Omizo-jo Castle and the old castle town were reorganized by the powerful Wakebe clan, and the old waterworks and water channels that draw water from mountains and wells are still being used by residents today.

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

Mt. Ibukiyama

The tallest mountain in Shiga, Mt.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Places of Spiritual Energy / #Hiking / #Sustainable

English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada

An English garden located in Maibara.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Northern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Anime

History & Culture in Summer

Omi Merchant Cityscape (Shinmachi Street)

The old townscape is especially well preserved in the vicinity of the Shinmachi area, and is a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Cityscapes

Biwako Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Shiga

Biwako Hall features a large hall with a four-sided stage, one of the few in Japan, realizing varied performances and frequent stage changes.

History & Culture
Western SHIGA
Art Gallery & Halls

Yumekyobashi Castle Road

Yumekyobashi Castle Road starts immediately from the bridge that crosses the moat at Hikone-jo Castle, and is designed to evoke the townscape of the Edo period (1603 – 1868).

History & Culture Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Eastern SHIGA
Cityscapes

Keiunkan

Keiunkan is a state guest house that was built by a wealthy merchant in Nagahama for visits from the Emperor Meiji during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

History & Culture
Northern SHIGA
Historic Sites & Gardens

Nakasendo Road Samegaijuku (Jyuousui, Jizokawa River)

Jizokawa River is comprised of pure spring water such as Isame no Shimizu, and is famous for the extremely rare water buttercups that grow in the river.

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

Ishiyama-dera Temple

Ishiyamadera is the 13th location on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage of 33 Buddhist Temples.

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

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.
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