Guide to Southern Shiga

This area, which includes Kusatsu, Koka, and Shigaraki, is a region renowned for its deep historical heritage and living traditional crafts.

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

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

Anime in Real Life – Must-see spots in Shiga

2-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #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

Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Shopping

Experience World Class Art and Master Shigaraki Pottery

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

Travel Stories in Southern Shiga

A Mindful Fragrance Journey at a Quiet Temple

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

En route vers la Tokaido! Partie 2 : Kusatsu

Travel Tips
Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities

Shigaraki – Expérience de poterie

Travel Diaries
Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Shopping

The road to becoming a real Koka ninja!~Ninja Training~

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

2 open air activities of Shiga / Lake Biwa

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

Trip by Ohmi railway

Travel Diaries
Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

Tours & Activities in Southern Shiga

Kusatsu Sanyare Dance(Yakura / Shimogasa / Kataoka / Natsuka / Shina / Yoshida / Shinanaka)

An extension of the Furyu Dance that was popular in the Kinki region during the Muromachi Period, this dance is now mainly performed along the banks of Lake Biwa in Kusatsu City.

Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Japan Heritage Site / #Events

Japan Bass Fishing Agent

Our Fishing Guides are the most relaxing and happy time in your trip to Japan.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Fishing / #Lake Biwa

Shigaraki Touen Tanuki Village

Here you can take photos with the giant Shigaraki tanuki, dine at our restaurant, make pottery, enjoy confectionery, purchase Shigaraki-yaki pottery, and observe a climbing kiln.

Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Pottery Workshops / #Factory Tours / #Shigaraki-yaki

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.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Cityscapes
#Events

Maiamihama Auto Campground

A oasis in the urban sprawl, located just 1 hour from Kyoto and 2-3 hours from Osaka, Kobe and Nagoya.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Camping

Ohta Brewery Dokan-gura

The Ota family can trace their family tree back to one Dokan Ota, a samurai and Buddhist monk from the 15th century.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Southern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Factory Tours

Where to Stay in Southern Shiga

Shiono Onsen

Shiono Onsen, founded in 1898, is a restaurant and hotel with a hot spring.

Onsen Stay
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Biwako no Senmatsu

Offers a replete selection of gifts from Shiga, including not only popular regional products but also snacks, confections and sake that you can only buy from this location!

Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Ogawara Onsen Kamoshika Villa

Ogawara Onsen hot springs are still relatively new, only having started in 1995.

Onsen Stay
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Yumesakikan

Rent an entire house in our expansive 1300 square meter facilities, allowing you to enjoy your stay in a completely private space.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku
#Car Parking

Hotel Lake Villa

A hotel that welcomes you with the gentle splashing of illusory waters, and features ubiquitous open and liberating spaces.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel

The hotel also features a planetarium with digital surround technology.

Stay Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Biwaichi Cycling Spot / #Car Parking

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.

Other Areas

Western Shiga

Otsu, Takashima

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Eastern Shiga

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