Guide to Western Shiga
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
Tour Historic Temples and Ride the Sakamoto Cable Car
Takashima Waterside Heritage and Chikubushima Island Tour
Mount Hiei Peak to Sakamoto Valley Historic Day Trip
Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa
Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage
En route vers la Tokaido! Partie 1 : Otsu
Harie Fresh Water Village & Hakodateyama Lily Park
Your Complete Guide to Finding Your Ideal Stay Near Lake Biwa
Seiga Style Samurai Kembu
Experience the traditional art of “kembu,” literally meaning “sword dance.
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.
Omi Jingu Shrine
Omi Jingu Shrine is a registered Cultural Property, and a representative example of the Showa period (1926 – 1989) shrine construction known as Omi construction or Showa construction.
Takashima Village
In an atmospheric old castle town, Katsuno in Takashima City, a historic building still stands.
Mt. Hakodateyama (Lily Park & Kokia Park)
Mt.
Enryakuji Temple Ceremony to Exorcise Evil & New Year’s Bells
The New Year’s Bells and Ceremony to Exorcise Evil are annual traditions for New Year’s Eve at Hieizan.
Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu
The perfect hotel for those looking for clean, reassuring, low cost surroundings.
Nango Onsen Futaba
A hotel boasting wonderful views of the pure flow of the Setagawa River and truly delicious fresh-fish dishes.
Ogoto Onsen Biwako Hanakaido
Biwako Hanakaido seeks to provide a detailed and comprehensive service, welcoming and providing for you in every possible way in order to create wonderful memories to be shared by you and those you love.
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.
Biwako Hotel
The exterior of the Biwako Hotel is designed to evoke the ripples of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains.
Shirahamaso
Allows groups to experience a variety of activities, including making things and outdoor experiences such as water sports on Lake Biwa.
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.
