The closest major airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX). From there, you can take the Limited Express Haruka train and reach Otsu Station in about 90 minutes. Please check the official JR website for the latest timetables.

Take the JR Biwako Line for two stops and get off at Otsu Station.

To get to Shiga from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Maibara Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. Alternatively, you can get off at Kyoto Station, take the JR Biwako Line for 9 minutes, and get off at Otsu Station.

It takes about 50 to 60 minutes by JR Biwako Line (Rapid Service) from Osaka Station to Otsu Station in Shiga Prefecture.

Yes, there are many car rental locations in Shiga. Please see our car rentals map.

You can rent a bike from any of the locations listed on our bike rentals map.

While it's possible to do it in one day, we highly recommend a 2-night, 3-day trip to enjoy it comfortably.

Approximately 220 kilometers (about 137 miles).

The Koto Sanzan (the three major temples east side of Lake Biwa) are the most famous, but there are many beautiful spots.

Some of the most famous spots include Kaizu Osaki, Hikone Castle, Hachiman-bori Canal, Lake Biwa Canal, and Mii-dera Temple.

Early April is generally the best time to see them, though it varies each year depending on the weather.

Yes, it does snow, particularly in the northern and western mountain regions, and there are several ski resorts for you to enjoy when it does!

The Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival is held every August. The exact date is officially announced around May.

Ticket information is available on the official website. International visitors should purchase tickets through an official online travel agency.

Yes, you can! There are many designated swimming beaches around the lake. Please use these official locations.

Yes. There are regularly scheduled cruises from ports like Otsu and Hikone, as well as private boat rentals. 
Please see our sightseeing cruises map and contact the operators directly.

Yes, Shiga has several hot spring areas, such as Ogoto Onsen and Nagahama Taiko Onsen.
Please see our Onsen page for more details.

Yes, you can.
Please see our water activities page to find and contact local providers.

Yes. There are fishing guides available in Shiga.
Please see our fishing information.

Yes, there are many campsites around the lake.
Please see our camping information.

Yes, there are many mountains for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Popular choices include Mt. Mikami, Mt. Horai, Mt. Hiei, and Mt. Ibuki.
See our hiking page for more.

Yes, all of the ski resorts in Shiga have designated areas where you can enjoy playing in the snow without skiing or snowboarding.
See our skiing page for details.

Yes, there are guides in Shiga who speak English, Chinese, and other languages.
We can introduce one to you based on your needs.
Please contact us via our contact form.

Shiga is actively encouraging their adoption, but availability varies by facility.
Please check with each shop or restaurant directly.

Yes. For example, Yuzanso at Ogoto Onsen is Halal-certified.

Please contact the hotel or facility directly for inquiries on prayer room availability.

Shiga Prefecture does not currently charge an accommodation tax.

You can find information on Hikonyan's appearance schedule here.

See our list of restaurants that serve Omi beef.

Please check our Biwako Valley page or contact them directly for the latest operating status.

Yes. Please fill out our contact form with your name, full mailing address, and phone number to request one.