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

Anime in Real Life – Must-see spots in Shiga

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

Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa

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

Experience History, Nature, and Shopping in Kusatsu

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

Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga

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

Travel Stories in Southern Shiga

Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 2

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

MORIYAMA – CIDADE DOS CAFÉS (2)

Travel Tips
Southern SHIGA
#Food & Drink

A Mindful Fragrance Journey at a Quiet Temple

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

The road to becoming a real Koka ninja!~Making Ninja Ration Balls~

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

The Samurai Spirits of Shiga

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture

2 open air activities of Shiga / Lake Biwa

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

Tours & Activities in Southern Shiga

Koka Ninjutsu Yashiki

This ninjutsu yashiki (“house of ninja techniques”) was built during the Edo period (1603 – 1868), and is the last true house of ninja remaining in Japan.

Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Ninja Experiences

Forest Adventure Ritto

Forest Adventure is an outdoor activity park with locations in forests across Japan.

Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Outdoor Activities

Yamada Farm

A working dairy farm that has opened its doors to the public under the concept of “letting people see the truth about milk.

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

Yanmar Marina

Yanmar Marina is one of the few marinas found on the eastern bank of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers

Shigaraki Touen Tanuki Village

Here you can take photos with the giant Shigaraki tanuki, dine at our restaurant, make pottery, enjoy confectionery, purchase Shigaraki-yaki pottery, and observe a climbing kiln.

Tour & Activities
Southern SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Pottery Workshops / #Factory Tours / #Shigaraki-yaki

Ohta Brewery Dokan-gura

The Ota family can trace their family tree back to one Dokan Ota, a samurai and Buddhist monk from the 15th century.

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

Where to Stay in Southern Shiga

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

Kusatsu Estopia Hotel

A hotel with an extremely appealing location, only 3 minutes walk from JR Kusatsu Station, which itself is just 20 minutes from JR from Kyoto Station.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Hotel Boston Plaza Kusatsu Lake Biwa

The JR Kusatsu Station is located approximately 20 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Biwako Line, and this hotel is located immediately outside the station’s west exit, making it perfectly suited for business or pleasure.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Kusatsu Dai-Ichi Hotel

The Kusatsu Dai-Ichi Hotel boasts 180 rooms, making it one of the largest business hotels in Shiga.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking

Hotel Lake Villa

A hotel that welcomes you with the gentle splashing of illusory waters, and features ubiquitous open and liberating spaces.

Stay
Southern SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

Shiono Onsen

Shiono Onsen, founded in 1898, is a restaurant and hotel with a hot spring.

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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