Guide to Southern Shiga
Overview of Southern Shiga
Southern Shiga is home to Kusatsu, Koka, and Shigaraki, a region where history and traditional crafts thrive.
Kusatsu retains the charm of a historic post town on the old Tokaido Road, offering a glimpse into the travel culture of centuries past.
Koka is known for its ninja history and has a unique charm, where historic sites and nature come together in harmony.
Shigaraki is one of Japan’s most famous pottery towns. Visitors can tour active kilns, browse workshops, and stroll through charming streets to experience the local craftsmanship firsthand.
Trip Ideas in Southern Shiga
See a Shrine Visited by Fans From Around the World
Experience History, Nature, and Shopping in Kusatsu
Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga
Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa
Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu
Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa
2 open air activities of Shiga / Lake Biwa
The road to becoming a real Koka ninja!~Ninja Training~
Shiga Adventure Tourism
The road to becoming a real Koka ninja!~Making Ninja Ration Balls~
Unleash Your Inner Shinobi: Experience Ninja Culture in Shiga Prefecture
Kusatsu Shukuba Festival
This festival includes a historical pageant that proceeds through the traditional city streets, with a large number of onlookers taking in the vast array of gorgeous outfits.
Koka City Rural Life Experiences
Koka City offers a “Rural Life Experiences in the Ninja’s Hometown, Koka”(home stay program), to experience real rural life for junior and senior high school excursions.
Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel
The hotel also features a planetarium with digital surround technology.
Tsuchiyama Saio Princess Procession
In the Heian Period (794 – 1185), the Saio (Princess) travelled from Heian-kyo (modern Kyoto) to Ise in order to become a priestess at the shrine there.
Trail Adventure Ritto
Trail Adventure is a mountain bike activity facility that has something for everyone, from children to adults, beginners to experts alike.
Sotoen
The Sotoen climbing kiln, making Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, is one of the largest in Japan, and continues to run at maximum output.
Kusatsu Estopia Hotel
A hotel with an extremely appealing location, only 3 minutes walk from JR Kusatsu Station, which itself is just 20 minutes from JR from Kyoto Station.
Koka City Rural Life Experiences
Koka City offers a “Rural Life Experiences in the Ninja’s Hometown, Koka”(home stay program), to experience real rural life for junior and senior high school excursions.
Minakuchi Century Hotel
A city hotel located in an urban center but with a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Ogawara Onsen Kamoshika Villa
Ogawara Onsen hot springs are still relatively new, only having started in 1995.
Hotel Lake Villa
A hotel that welcomes you with the gentle splashing of illusory waters, and features ubiquitous open and liberating spaces.
Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel
The hotel also features a planetarium with digital surround technology.
Explore More Things to Do in Southern Shiga
Wondering what to pack for your trip?
Check Shiga’s year-round weather and climate trends to help you prepare for your trip.
