Guide to Western Shiga

This area includes Otsu and Takashima, where the convenience of city life meets the beauty of nature.

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

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

Anime in Real Life – Must-see spots in Shiga

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

Stroll Through a Historical City of World Heritage

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa

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

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Shiga

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Discover Ancient Temples and Cross the Famous Seta Bridge

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Travel Stories in Western Shiga

3. Cheese Funazushi / Kunsaido

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Food & Drink / #Shopping

Experience Luxury Floor “Vista” at Biwako Hotel

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Onsen / #Stay

Cycling trip in Shiga, Japan

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

Mochi, thé et tradition en pleine nature

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities / #Food & Drink

Matsukiya in Otsu,Shiga – 9 Courses of Blissful Enjoyment

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#Food & Drink

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

Otomegaike Pond

The vicinity of Otomegaike was known as the “Katori no Umi” during the seventh century Manyo period, and formed an inlet into Lake Biwa at the foot of the mountains.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Fishing

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.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Japan Heritage Site / #National Treasure / #Events

Omi Jingu Shrine Mounted Archery Performance

A display of yabusame (mounted archery) by the Takeda School from the Japanese Traditional Archery on Horseback Association.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Anime / #Events

Boat Race Biwako

Boat Race Biwako is located on the banks of Lake Biwa, and boasts awe-inspiring scenery even when compared to the other 23 boat race locations around Japan.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Outdoor Activities

Biwako Hakodateyama

From the parking area at the base, it takes about 8 minutes by gondola to reach the summit at an elevation of approximately 630 meters, where a spacious and open environment awaits.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Hiking / #Sustainable

Okuhiei Driveway

Okuhiei Driveway is a drive course 11.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

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.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

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.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Taka.Sta

A lodging facility located amid the abundant nature of Takashima City, Shiga.

Tour & Activities Stay
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Biwaichi Cycling Spot / #Sustainable

Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel

The shop offers a complete lineup of goods, including souvenirs from Shiga, drinks and snacks, tourism magazines and useful travel items.

Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

Auberge Meson

The forest hideaway of Auberge only accepts five bookings per day, and affords you a luxurious moment of relaxation during which you simply have to do nothing at all.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Ryori Ryokan / #Car Parking

Ogoto Onsen Biwako Hanakaido

Biwako Hanakaido seeks to provide a detailed and comprehensive service, welcoming and providing for you in every possible way in order to create wonderful memories to be shared by you and those you love.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

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.

Other Areas

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Eastern Shiga

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

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
>