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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

Korean Messengers’ Road

The road once used by the Korean messengers traveling to Edo.

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Historic Sites & Gardens

Haku-unkan

Haku-unkan (former Hachian Higashi School) is a school building that was erected in 1877, fusing Western construction with traditional Japanese techniques.

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Art Gallery & Halls

Kamo-jinja Shrine

Long ago, the vicinity of Kamo-jinja Shrine was used for horse racing and as a ranch for raising farm horses, and the shrine itself was established in 736 in order to protect the region.

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples

Townscape of Gokasho Kondo (Omi Merchant Houses)

The Gokasho Kondo is a region with strong links to the Omi Merchants, and has been designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, as well as a Japan Heritage site in 2015.

History & Culture
Eastern SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site

Tarobogu Shrine (Aga-jinja Shrine)

Tarobogu Shrine is located about halfway up the 350m high Mt.

History & Culture Nature & Parks
Eastern SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Places of Spiritual Energy

Ishiyama-dera Temple

Ishiyamadera is the 13th location on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage of 33 Buddhist Temples.

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

Namura-jinja Shrine

The large, holy forest in the center of the town is the location of the Namura-jinja Shrine, a National Treasure.

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

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
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