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

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Anime in Real Life – Must-see spots in Shiga

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

Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Tour Historic Temples and Ride the Sakamoto Cable Car

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

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Shiga

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Stroll Through a Historical City of World Heritage

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture

Travel Stories in Western Shiga

Have you tried Omi Beef?

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Food & Drink

Hatsumoude in Chikubujima Island

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Biwako Valley, Kaizu’s Cherry Blossoms

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

2 open air activities of Shiga / Lake Biwa

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

高島市

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Food & Drink

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

Setagawa River & Lake Biwa River Cruises

Such scenes as the “Evening Glow at Seta” and the “Autumn Moon at Ishiyama” have been immortalized by the famous ukiyo-e painter Hiroshige Utagawa of the late Edo period (1603 – 1868) in his Eight Views of Omi.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sightseeing Cruises & Rides
#Lake Biwa

Hakodateyama Ski Resort

Hakodateyama Ski Resort is well known across the entire Kansai region, located 690m above sea level in a mountainous region to the northwest of JR Omi-Imazu Station.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Winter Sports / #Skiing

Kawashima Shuzo Brewery

Kawashima Shuzo is a brewery with more than 140 years of history, seeking to always consider the health of their drinkers and provide authentic flavor.

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

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

Omimaiko Beach

Omimaiko is an exceptionally beautiful region, with groves of green pines along the lakeshore and approximately 4km of white sand beach.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities

Omatsuzaki

Omatsuzaki is a spot of great beauty, and was even selected as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa, “Cool Breeze – Omatsuzaki White Beach.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Instagramable

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

Nango Onsen Futaba

A hotel boasting wonderful views of the pure flow of the Setagawa River and truly delicious fresh-fish dishes.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#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

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

Yumotokan

Would you like to try bathing in no less than seven different types of hot spring water? Yumotokan allows you to fully enjoy the hot spring experience, including outside baths that you can reserve for private use and even rooms with their own outside bath.

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

Shirahamaso

Allows groups to experience a variety of activities, including making things and outdoor experiences such as water sports on Lake Biwa.

Tour & Activities Stay
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Camping / #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
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