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

Discover Historic Temples and Craft Ceramics on Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

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

Eat Your Way Across Nagahama

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

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

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

Tour Ancient Temples and Cruise the Waters of Nagahama

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Climb Mount Ibuki and Eat Samegai Trout

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

Travel Stories in Northern Shiga

Two Gems of Shiga: Rosa & Berry Tawada English Garden and Samegai Trout Farm

Travel Diaries
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Food & Drink

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

Making chopsticks in Maibara

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

Dedicate a “Wish Daruma” doll on Chikubushima Island!

Travel Tips
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Day Trip to Nagahama city

Travel Diaries
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Food & Drink / #Shopping

Tours & Activities in Northern Shiga

Biwako Backroads

Biwako Backroads offers a series of guided tours for inbound tourists, based out of Maibara Station in Shiga Prefecture.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Northern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Biwaichi Cycling Spot / #Sustainable

English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada

An English garden located in Maibara.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Northern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Anime

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

Nihonmatsu Campground

A camp and swimming beach with incredibly beautiful and clean water, even for the Lake Biwa region.

Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Sports
#Camping

Mt. Ibukiyama

The tallest mountain in Shiga, Mt.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Places of Spiritual Energy / #Hiking / #Sustainable

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

Where to Stay in Northern Shiga

Temple Stay – Guesthouse Ko-Rai-Gen

Experience a quieter and deeper side of Japan at Guesthouse Ko-Rai-Gen, a private temple stay beside a 600-year-old Buddhist temple near Lake Biwa in northern Shiga.

History & Culture Stay
Northern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Places of Spiritual Energy

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

Kitabiwako Hotel Grazie

A hotel with an Italian inspired design.

Stay
Northern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#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

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

Onoe Onsen Ryokan Beniayu

A quiet and calming hot spring located in Kohoku.

Onsen Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#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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