Guide to Northern Shiga

This area includes Nagahama and Maibara, and offers a blend of historical charm and scenic lakeside views of Lake Biwa.

Overview of Northern Shiga

Northern Shiga is home to Nagahama and Maibara, where historical charm meets scenic views of Lake Biwa.

Nagahama's streets preserve the charm of a castle town, ideal for exploring alongside the beautiful lakeside scenery.
Maibara is a charming gateway to northern Lake Biwa and nearby mountain trails, offering a relaxing mix of nature and history.

Enjoy walks by the lake, seasonal festivals, and the rich heritage of the region.

Trip Ideas in Northern Shiga

Tour Ancient Temples and Cruise the Waters of Nagahama

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Explore Shizugatake Nature and Walk a Historic Messenger Road

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks

Explore the Core Values of Japan Through the Life and Legacy of the “Omi Merchants”

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

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

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

Eat Your Way Across Nagahama

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Onsen / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Travel Stories in Northern Shiga

Rosa & Berry Tawada English Garden

Travel Tips
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks

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

Chikubu Island: The Sacred Jewel of Lake Biwa That Connects Japan and Austria

Know Shiga
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

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

Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 1

Travel Diaries
Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Making chopsticks in Maibara

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

Tours & Activities in Northern Shiga

Nagahama Railroad Square

Nagahama Railroad Square preserves the “First Nagahama Station Building,” the oldest station building still remaining in Japan.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Art Gallery & Halls

Tonda Puppet Hall

The origins of Tonda Ningyokan date back to the 6th year of Tenpo (1835).

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Art Gallery & Halls

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival

The Nagahama Hikiyama Festival is one of the Three Great Float Festivals of Japan, and is a designated Important Intangible Folk Culture Property of Japan.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Japan Heritage Site / #Events / #Festivals

Nagahama Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition

The Nagahama Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition started in 1952, and has now become the number one plum tree bonsai exhibition in Japan in terms of both history and scale, as well as a much beloved annual springtime tradition in Kansai.

History & Culture Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Historic Sites & Gardens
#Events

Yanmar Museum

An experience based museum that was opened to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Yanmar.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Museums

Shiga Prefecture Samegai Trout Farm

One of the longest-standing trout cultivation farms in Japan, established in 1878.

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

Where to Stay in Northern Shiga

Nagahamataiko Hot Spring Hamakogetsu

Hamakogetsu, founded during the Meiji period (1868-1912), is a dining hotel close to both Nagahama-jo Castle and the shores of Lake Biwa, and providing an incredible view to be enjoyed while soaking in hot spring water.

Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Tokuyamazushi

Tokuyamazushi is a dining hotel where you can enjoy fish from Lake Yogo, mountain produce and game, centered in fermented foods.

Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Ryori Ryokan / #Car Parking

Sugatani Onsen

Sugatani Onsen is famous for its hot spring waters, which the generals of the warring states period would often visit for extended periods.

Onsen Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

L’ Hôtel Du Lac

The large grounds of approx. 100,000 square meters, almost three times the size of the Tokyo Dome, feature nature walks that allow you to experience the colors of the four seasons, and has a large lawn area between the hotel and Lake Biwa.

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

Woodypal Yogo

Allows you to enjoy the outdoors any time of year, with cottages, a restaurant, a ski slope and campsite.

Stay Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Hotel & Resorts NAGAHAMA

The Nagahama Royal Hotel is a resort hotel that stands on the shores of Lake Biwa, extremely conveniently located just 3 minutes on foot from Nagahama Port and 5 minutes on foot from Nagahama-jo Castle.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Northern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Explore More Things to Do in Northern 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

Eastern Shiga

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

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
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