Guide to Western Shiga

This area includes Otsu and Takashima, where the convenience of city life meets the beauty of nature.

Overview of Western Shiga

Western Shiga is home to Otsu and Takashima, where urban convenience meets the beauty of nature. Nestled between Lake Biwa and the mountains, visitors can enjoy peaceful travels here.

Otsu is just 9 minutes from Kyoto and offers the perfect combination of city convenience and lakeside relaxation.

Takashima, located about an hour away via the scenic Kosei Line, is surrounded by tranquil natural landscapes.

Take lakeside walks, visit historic temples and shrines, and enjoy the changing beauty of the seasons.

Trip Ideas in Western Shiga

Discover Historic Temples and Craft Ceramics on Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Stroll Through a Historical City of World Heritage

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Takashima Waterside Heritage and Chikubushima Island Tour

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Anime in Real Life – Must-see spots in Shiga

2-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities

Discover Ancient Temples and Cross the Famous Seta Bridge

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Mount Hiei Peak to Sakamoto Valley Historic Day Trip

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Travel Stories in Western Shiga

水鄉澤國~滋賀/遠離城市的喧囂,來一場恬靜的旅行

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#Tour & Activities / #Food & Drink

Your Complete Travel Guide to Lake Biwa, Japan’s Largest Lake

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Onsen / #Stay / #Food & Drink / #Shopping

Hiking to Hieizan- Enryakuji Temple

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

The Samurai Spirits of Shiga

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Mochi, thé et tradition en pleine nature

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities / #Food & Drink

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

Omimaiko Beach

Omimaiko is an exceptionally beautiful region, with groves of green pines along the lakeshore and approximately 4km of white sand beach.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities

Seta Golf Course

A 54 hole course that spreads across a hilly region overlooking Lake Biwa and Mt. Hieizan.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Golf

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

BSC Watersports Center

The BSC Watersports Centre is located on the green and verdant Horaihama on the west side of the lake.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Shiga Adventure Tourism / #Water Activities

Snow Appreciation Ship Cruises

Our “Snow Appreciation Ships” set sail on Lake Biwa during the winter months.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Cruises / #Instagramable / #Lake Biwa / #Events

Mt. Hiei Trekking “Honzaka Route”

The World Heritage site of Hieizan Enryakuji is a temple that you can visit while also enjoying a mountain-climbing trek.

History & Culture Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site / #Shiga Adventure Tourism / #Hiking / #Sustainable

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

Biwako Ryokusuitei

The concept behind Biwako Ryokusuitei was to make use of the blessings of nature in its design, and they now place their emphasis on making sure that you enjoy each and every relaxing moment while staying there.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Biwako Grand Hotel Kyo-Ohmi

Located on the shores of Lake Biwa, allowing the daily changing beauty of the great lake to be fully enjoyed and appreciated.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Auberge Meson

The forest hideaway of Auberge only accepts five bookings per day, and affords you a luxurious moment of relaxation during which you simply have to do nothing at all.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Ryori Ryokan / #Car Parking

Dantokan Kikunoya

Dantokan Kikunoya features a warm atmosphere, like coming home, and is also the only hotel in the Ogoto Onsen region that has rooms which allow pets to stay alongside their owners.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Satoyu Mukashibashi Yuzanso

A traditional Japanese ryokan where guests can enjoy spectacular views of Lake Biwa, rejuvenating hot springs, and seasonal kaiseki cuisine featuring the finest ingredients from Shiga.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Yumotokan

Would you like to try bathing in no less than seven different types of hot spring water? Yumotokan allows you to fully enjoy the hot spring experience, including outside baths that you can reserve for private use and even rooms with their own outside bath.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Explore More Things to Do in Western 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

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Eastern Shiga

Hikone, Higashi-omi, Omihachiman, Hino, Ryuoh, Aisho, Toyosato, Koura, Taga

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
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