Guide to Western Shiga
Overview of Western Shiga
Western Shiga is home to Otsu and Takashima, where urban convenience meets the beauty of nature. Nestled between Lake Biwa and the mountains, visitors can enjoy peaceful travels here.
Otsu is just 9 minutes from Kyoto and offers the perfect combination of city convenience and lakeside relaxation.
Takashima, located about an hour away via the scenic Kosei Line, is surrounded by tranquil natural landscapes.
Take lakeside walks, visit historic temples and shrines, and enjoy the changing beauty of the seasons.
Trip Ideas in Western Shiga
Mount Hiei Peak to Sakamoto Valley Historic Day Trip
Tour Historic Temples and Ride the Sakamoto Cable Car
Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa
Biwako Valley, Kaizu’s Cherry Blossoms
Tout ce que vous avez besoin de savoir sur la randonnée au mont Hiei (Hieizan)
The Samurai Spirits of Shiga
Um passeio pelo Sunai no Sato: Mochitsuki, doces tradicionais, enfeites de ano novo e chá delicioso
Mii-dera Temple New Year’s Bells
The “Evening bell at Mii-dera Temple” is famous for being one of the Three Bells of Japan, and also as one of The Eight Views of Omi.
Mt. Hakodateyama (Kokia Park)
Mt.
Tour Design Ichie Wado
Tour Design Ichie Wado specializes in a half-day “Otsu-e” folk art workshop & immersive local culture walk for foreign tourists in Otsu, Shiga.
Mt. Hiei Trekking “Honzaka Route”
The World Heritage site of Hieizan Enryakuji is a temple that you can visit while also enjoying a mountain-climbing trek.
Sanno Festival
The “Sanno (Mountain King) Festival” is one of the three major Lake Biwa festivals.
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, with its sprawling grounds across Mt.
J-Hoppers Lake Biwa Guesthouse
A guesthouse located in Omi Maiko-hama, just two minutes on foot from the beach.
Dantokan Kikunoya
Dantokan Kikunoya features a warm atmosphere, like coming home, and is also the only hotel in the Ogoto Onsen region that has rooms which allow pets to stay alongside their owners.
Biwako Ryokusuitei
The concept behind Biwako Ryokusuitei was to make use of the blessings of nature in its design, and they now place their emphasis on making sure that you enjoy each and every relaxing moment while staying there.
Biwako Hotel
The exterior of the Biwako Hotel is designed to evoke the ripples of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains.
Biwako Grand Hotel Kyo-Ohmi
Located on the shores of Lake Biwa, allowing the daily changing beauty of the great lake to be fully enjoyed and appreciated.
Satoyu Mukashibashi Yuzanso
A traditional Japanese ryokan where guests can enjoy spectacular views of Lake Biwa, rejuvenating hot springs, and seasonal kaiseki cuisine featuring the finest ingredients from Shiga.
Explore More Things to Do in Western Shiga
Wondering what to pack for your trip?
Check Shiga’s year-round weather and climate trends to help you prepare for your trip.
