Guide to Eastern Shiga

This area, which includes Hikone, Higashi-omi, and Omi-Hachiman, is a region defined by its magnificent castles and deeply rooted traditional culture.

Overview of Eastern Shiga

Eastern Shiga is home to Hikone, Higashi-omi, and Omi-Hachiman, where castles and traditional culture thrive.

Hikone City is a castle town that retains its historic charm, allowing visitors to experience local traditions through its streetscape and cultural sites.

Higashi-omi offers a mix of historic temples, traditional industries, and beautiful rural landscapes, providing a glimpse into authentic Shiga life.

Omi-Hachiman is famous for its historic canals, merchant houses, and traditional crafts, a town known for its cultural heritage and timeless atmosphere.

Trip Ideas in Eastern Shiga

Explore Omi Merchant Houses and Tarobogu Shrine

1-Day Trip
Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Shopping

Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu

1-Day Trip
Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture

See Hikone-jo Castle National Treasure and Become Lucky in Love

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

Cycle Through Time Along Historical Roads & Canals

1-Day Trip
Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities / #Shopping

Historic Hikone Castle Walk and Yumekyobashi Shopping

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

The Mystery of the Vanished Castle… and Shopping!

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

Travel Stories in Eastern Shiga

How to Be Beautiful in Shiga

Travel Tips
Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Cycling trip in Shiga, Japan

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

The Ultimate Guide to the Biwaichi Cycling Route in Shiga, Japan

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

What is “Sanpo-yoshi”?

Know Shiga
Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture

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

Your Complete Guide to Finding Your Ideal Stay Near Lake Biwa

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

Tours & Activities in Eastern Shiga

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

Meet to Hear the Sound of Insects in Genkyu-en

In the illuminated Genkyu-en, listen to the sound of insects and enjoy the gentle passage of time in a manner impossible in any city.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Historic Sites & Gardens
#National Treasure / #Events

Rare Wood Beads Bijoux

Experience hand-making accessories using precious rare wood beads.

Tour & Activities Shopping
Eastern SHIGA
Culture Workshops

Roadside Station Higashi Omi City Aito Marguerite Station

Aito Marguerite Station, always bustling with visitors, functions as a rest spot for travelers on the road and a base for imparting information about the local region.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Eastern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks

Aikyo-no-Mori

Aikyo-no-Mori (Aikyo Forest) is located amid a natural pine forest that spreads along the Shibukogawa River, a tributary of the Echigawa River.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Eastern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Camping / #Fishing

Roadside Station Aguri Park Ryuo

The experience and exchange style agricultural park “Aguri Park Ryuo” is a facility where you can enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer, through “looking, picking and eating.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Eastern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks

Where to Stay in Eastern Shiga

Ryotei Ryokan Yasui

A long standing dining hotel with history going back to 1869.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Ryori Ryokan / #Car Parking

Kyukamura Omi-Hachiman

Kyukamura is located amid the rich natural environment of the Biwako Quasi-National Park, and features beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and popular lake swimming and camping spots in the summer.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

Yokaichi Royal Hotel

This Higashiomi hotel aims to provide a relaxed, at-home atmosphere along with a warm and complete welcome and close attention to detail, bringing a smile to the face of every guest who stays here.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

Hitomi Sanso

An old house that has accepted just one booking per day since 1979.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Hotel Sunroute Hikone

A hotel located just one minute on foot from Hikone Station, making it extremely conveniently located for visiting such National Treasures as the Hikone-jo Castle or Taga Taisha Shrine.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Guesthouse En

Guesthouse En is located in a small settlement a little distance from the center of Omihachiman, allowing you to enjoy lodging in a real Japanese countryside.

Stay
Eastern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Explore More Things to Do in Eastern 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

Western Shiga

Otsu, Takashima

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
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