Guide to Northern Shiga

This area includes Nagahama and Maibara, and offers a blend of historical charm and scenic lakeside views of Lake Biwa.

Overview of Northern Shiga

Northern Shiga is home to Nagahama and Maibara, where historical charm meets scenic views of Lake Biwa.

Nagahama's streets preserve the charm of a castle town, ideal for exploring alongside the beautiful lakeside scenery.
Maibara is a charming gateway to northern Lake Biwa and nearby mountain trails, offering a relaxing mix of nature and history.

Enjoy walks by the lake, seasonal festivals, and the rich heritage of the region.

Trip Ideas in Northern Shiga

Climb Mount Ibuki and Eat Samegai Trout

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Shopping

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

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

Eat Your Way Across Nagahama

1-Day Trip
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Explore the Core Values of Japan Through the Life and Legacy of the “Omi Merchants”

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

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

Discover Historic Temples and Craft Ceramics on Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Travel Stories in Northern Shiga

Your Complete Travel Guide to Lake Biwa, Japan’s Largest Lake

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Onsen / #Stay / #Food & Drink / #Shopping

Your Complete Guide to Finding Your Ideal Stay Near Lake Biwa

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Onsen / #Stay / #Food & Drink

L’île des dieux

Travel Diaries
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Rosa & Berry Tawada English Garden

Travel Tips
Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks

Chikubu Island: The Sacred Jewel of Lake Biwa That Connects Japan and Austria

Know Shiga
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Trip to Nagahama kurokabe & Bonbai Exhibition

Travel Diaries
Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Shopping

Tours & Activities in Northern Shiga

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival

The Nagahama Hikiyama Festival is one of the Three Great Float Festivals of Japan, and is a designated Important Intangible Folk Culture Property of Japan.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Japan Heritage Site / #Events / #Festivals

Nagahama Railroad Square

Nagahama Railroad Square preserves the “First Nagahama Station Building,” the oldest station building still remaining in Japan.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Art Gallery & Halls

Shiga Prefecture Samegai Trout Farm

One of the longest-standing trout cultivation farms in Japan, established in 1878.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Fishing

Roadside Station Kohoku Mizudori Station

Kohoku Mizudori Station is located inside a water bird park that is visited by a variety of wild birds throughout the year.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Instagramable

Gransnow Okuibuki

Available as a campsite in the summer and for skiing in the winter.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails
#Winter Sports / #Skiing / #Hiking / #Camping / #Sustainable

Nagahama Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition

The Nagahama Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition started in 1952, and has now become the number one plum tree bonsai exhibition in Japan in terms of both history and scale, as well as a much beloved annual springtime tradition in Kansai.

History & Culture Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Historic Sites & Gardens
#Events

Where to Stay in Northern Shiga

L’ Hôtel Du Lac

The large grounds of approx. 100,000 square meters, almost three times the size of the Tokyo Dome, feature nature walks that allow you to experience the colors of the four seasons, and has a large lawn area between the hotel and Lake Biwa.

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

Woodypal Yogo

Allows you to enjoy the outdoors any time of year, with cottages, a restaurant, a ski slope and campsite.

Stay Tour & Activities
Northern SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku

Kitabiwako Hotel Grazie

A hotel with an Italian inspired design.

Stay
Northern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Hotel & Resorts NAGAHAMA

The Nagahama Royal Hotel is a resort hotel that stands on the shores of Lake Biwa, extremely conveniently located just 3 minutes on foot from Nagahama Port and 5 minutes on foot from Nagahama-jo Castle.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Northern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Tokuyamazushi

Tokuyamazushi is a dining hotel where you can enjoy fish from Lake Yogo, mountain produce and game, centered in fermented foods.

Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Ryori Ryokan / #Car Parking

Sugatani Onsen

Sugatani Onsen is famous for its hot spring waters, which the generals of the warring states period would often visit for extended periods.

Onsen Stay
Northern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Explore More Things to Do in Northern 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

Eastern Shiga

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

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
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