Guide to Southern Shiga

This area, which includes Kusatsu, Koka, and Shigaraki, is a region renowned for its deep historical heritage and living traditional crafts.

Overview of Southern Shiga

Southern Shiga is home to Kusatsu, Koka, and Shigaraki, a region where history and traditional crafts thrive.

Kusatsu retains the charm of a historic post town on the old Tokaido Road, offering a glimpse into the travel culture of centuries past.

Koka is known for its ninja history and has a unique charm, where historic sites and nature come together in harmony.

Shigaraki is one of Japan’s most famous pottery towns. Visitors can tour active kilns, browse workshops, and stroll through charming streets to experience the local craftsmanship firsthand.

Trip Ideas in Southern Shiga

Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu

1-Day Trip
Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Experience World Class Art and Master Shigaraki Pottery

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

Craft Shigaraki Pottery and Explore The Way of the Ninja

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

See a Shrine Visited by Fans From Around the World

1-Day Trip
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

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

Travel Stories in Southern Shiga

A Mindful Fragrance Journey at a Quiet Temple

Travel Diaries
Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities

Unleash Your Inner Shinobi: Experience Ninja Culture in Shiga Prefecture

Travel Tips
Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Shopping

Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 2

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

En route vers la Tokaido! Partie 2 : Kusatsu

Travel Tips
Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities

Cycling trip in Shiga, Japan

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

Trip by Ohmi railway

Travel Diaries
Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

Tours & Activities in Southern Shiga

Koga Country Club

Offers a highly strategic course laid out amid a forest of millions of red pine trees.

Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Sports
#Golf

Moriyama Spring and Fireflies

Moriyama City is an alluvial plain that was created by sand and soil carried by the Yasu River, and long ago the underground water that bubbled up from almost everywhere was effectively used in both agriculture and everyday life.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks
#Japan Heritage Site / #Events

Japan Bass Fishing Agent

Our Fishing Guides are the most relaxing and happy time in your trip to Japan.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Fishing / #Lake Biwa

Strawberry Factory

Strawberry Factory, located in Kusatsu, Shiga, offers not only strawberry picking but also a café and fields for rent.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Botanical Gardens & Parks

Trail Adventure Ritto

Trail Adventure is a mountain bike activity facility that has something for everyone, from children to adults, beginners to experts alike.

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

Koka Ninja Village

In the wide grounds of this village in Koka, origin of the ninja, you can find a museum dedicated to ninja techniques, a house full of ninja traps and secret panels, “water spider” water crossing devices and a shuriken throwing star dojo.

Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Ninja Experiences

Where to Stay in Southern Shiga

Village of Fire Shigaraki Hotel Ogawatei

The interior of the Ogawatei hotel is home to a number of Shigaraki-yaki ceramics; sit quietly and you can almost hear the hot breath of the earth that helped to fire them.

Onsen Stay
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking / #Shigaraki-yaki

Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel

The hotel also features a planetarium with digital surround technology.

Stay Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Biwaichi Cycling Spot / #Car Parking

Miyano Onsen

Koka is well known for being the home of the Koka Ninja.

Onsen Stay
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Koka City Rural Life Experiences

Koka City offers a “Rural Life Experiences in the Ninja’s Hometown, Koka”(home stay program), to experience real rural life for junior and senior high school excursions.

Tour & Activities Stay Food & Drink
Southern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Sustainable

Biwako no Senmatsu

Offers a replete selection of gifts from Shiga, including not only popular regional products but also snacks, confections and sake that you can only buy from this location!

Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Ogawara Onsen Kamoshika Villa

Ogawara Onsen hot springs are still relatively new, only having started in 1995.

Onsen Stay
Southern SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Explore More Things to Do in Southern 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

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Eastern Shiga

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