Guide to Northern Shiga
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
Explore Shizugatake Nature and Walk a Historic Messenger Road
Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage
Explore the Core Values of Japan Through the Life and Legacy of the “Omi Merchants”
Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa
Discover Historic Temples and Craft Ceramics on Lake Biwa
Two Gems of Shiga: Rosa & Berry Tawada English Garden and Samegai Trout Farm
The Nagahama Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition
The Samurai Spirits of Shiga
Trip to Nagahama kurokabe & Bonbai Exhibition
Cycling trip in Shiga, Japan
Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 1
English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada
An English garden located in Maibara.
Woodypal Yogo
Allows you to enjoy the outdoors any time of year, with cottages, a restaurant, a ski slope and campsite.
Gransnow Okuibuki
Available as a campsite in the summer and for skiing in the winter.
Nihonmatsu Campground
A camp and swimming beach with incredibly beautiful and clean water, even for the Lake Biwa region.
Biwako Backroads
Biwako Backroads offers a series of guided tours for inbound tourists, based out of Maibara Station in Shiga Prefecture.
Woodypal Yogo
Allows you to enjoy the outdoors any time of year, with cottages, a restaurant, a ski slope and campsite.
Tokuyamazushi
Tokuyamazushi is a dining hotel where you can enjoy fish from Lake Yogo, mountain produce and game, centered in fermented foods.
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.
Onoe Onsen Ryokan Beniayu
A quiet and calming hot spring located in Kohoku.
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.
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.
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.
