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
Mount Hiei Peak to Sakamoto Valley Historic Day Trip
Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga
Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa
Harie Fresh Water Village & Hakodateyama Lily Park
Mochi, thé et tradition en pleine nature
Um passeio pelo Sunai no Sato: Mochitsuki, doces tradicionais, enfeites de ano novo e chá delicioso
6. Funazushi cockies, pie, rice crackers – Shiseian
Mt. Hakodateyama (Lily Park & Kokia Park)
Mt.
Setagawa River & Lake Biwa River Cruises
Such scenes as the “Evening Glow at Seta” and the “Autumn Moon at Ishiyama” have been immortalized by the famous ukiyo-e painter Hiroshige Utagawa of the late Edo period (1603 – 1868) in his Eight Views of Omi.
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.
Omatsuzaki
Omatsuzaki is a spot of great beauty, and was even selected as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa, “Cool Breeze – Omatsuzaki White Beach.
Otsu Festival
The Otsu Festival has been held since the start of the Edo period (1603 – 1868), and is a designated Intangible Folk Culture Property of the prefecture.
Snow Appreciation Ship Cruises
Our “Snow Appreciation Ships” set sail on Lake Biwa during the winter months.
Toyoko Inn Kyoto Biwako Otsu
The perfect hotel for those looking for clean, reassuring, low cost surroundings.
Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
The shop offers a complete lineup of goods, including souvenirs from Shiga, drinks and snacks, tourism magazines and useful travel items.
Racine home HARIE
Racine Home HARIE provides travelers with our hotel, restaurant, Mayko Shop and also the one day hot spring facility.
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.
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.
Nango Onsen Futaba
A hotel boasting wonderful views of the pure flow of the Setagawa River and truly delicious fresh-fish dishes.
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.
