Things to Do

History & Culture in Shiga

Discover one of Japan's largest concentrations of historic and cultural artifacts in Shiga Prefecture. As a key travel point since ancient times, Shiga developed an advanced culture and economy. This long history resulted in a rich legacy of shrines, temples, and townscapes. Here, you'll find the best places in Shiga to experience authentic history firsthand.

Results for History & Culture

127 results

Saikyo-ji Temple

Saikyo-ji Temple is the head of the Tendai Shinsei Sect, which has more than 450 branch temples across Japan.

History & Culture
Western SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site

Kishitsu-jinja Shrine

The grave of one Shusui Kishitsu, a respected and cultured visitor from Korea more than 1,300 years ago, is located behind the main shrine here.

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, with its sprawling grounds across Mt.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#World Heritage Site / #Japan Heritage Site / #National Treasure / #Places of Spiritual Energy

Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archeological Museum

The first permanent installation hall has a theme of “archaeology,” allowing you to slip back in time to Omi during the Yayoi period (300 BC to 300 AD) and the Kofun period (300 to 538).

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Museums

Jorakuji Temple

Jorakuji Temple is one the three mountains of Konan that are famous for their leaves in fall.

History & Culture
Southern SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site / #National Treasure

Azuchi Castle Ruins

Azuchi castle ruins are a nationally designated Special Historic Site.

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Castles & Castle Ruins

Zensuiji Temple

The main hall of Zensuiji Temple is a designated National Treasure, and one of the three Konan Sanzan temples.

History & Culture
Southern SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site / #National Treasure

Azuchi-jo Castle Museum “The House of Nobunaga”

Azuchi-jo Castle, constructed in 1579 under orders from Nobunaga Oda and said to be the first high-rise wooden construction in the world, was apparently also a big hit with missionaries visiting Japan.

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Museums

Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park

A verdant green cultural park with a “ceramics” theme, located in the town of ceramics Shigaraki.

History & Culture Nature & Parks
Southern SHIGA
Art Gallery & Halls
#Shigaraki-yaki

Borderless Art Museum NO-MA

The “Borderless Art Museum NO-MA,” renovated in June 2004, stands in the historic Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Omi-Hachiman City, Shiga, making use of the Japanese-style rooms, storeroom and other features of a townhouse from the start of the Showa period (1926 – 1989).

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Museums
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