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 Ancient Temples and Cross the Famous Seta Bridge

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Stay / #Food & Drink

日本文化體驗

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

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Shiga

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Shopping

Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Travel Stories in Western Shiga

Tout ce que vous avez besoin de savoir sur la randonnée au mont Hiei (Hieizan)

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

Walk the Path of Warriors: Discover Shiga’s Samurai Spirit

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

Rokasensuiso – inside the urban jungle in Otsu city

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

3. Cheese Funazushi / Kunsaido

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Food & Drink / #Shopping

Cycling trip in Shiga, Japan

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

Halloween Party in Shiga

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

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

Kanou Shoujuan Sunai no Sato

Experience making Japanese confections for yourself while observing a master at work, and then eat your handiwork with some tea after you are finished.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops

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

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

Omi Jingu Shrine Mounted Archery Performance

A display of yabusame (mounted archery) by the Takeda School from the Japanese Traditional Archery on Horseback Association.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Anime / #Events

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

Kutsuki Mountain Stream Fish Center

The Kutsuki Mountain Stream Fish Center is a mountain stream fishing center that also includes a barbeque house and restaurant serving local dishes.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Fishing

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

Biwako Hotel

The exterior of the Biwako Hotel is designed to evoke the ripples of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

Shopping Street Hotel Koo Hyakucho

The first “shopping street hotel” in Japan, created by renovating a number of townhouses located along both the shopping street in the center of Otsu City and the old Tokaido road.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku
#Car Parking

Taka.Sta

A lodging facility located amid the abundant nature of Takashima City, Shiga.

Tour & Activities Stay
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Biwaichi Cycling Spot / #Sustainable

Satoyu Mukashibashi Yuzanso

Yuzanso is a hot spring hotel that has many Omi mukashibanashi (“old stories”) placed around inside, bringing you closer to the folk history of the region.

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

Nango Onsen Futaba

A hotel boasting wonderful views of the pure flow of the Setagawa River and truly delicious fresh-fish dishes.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

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.

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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