The large, vermilion‐lacquered Torii gate in the middle of Lake Biwa is like the symbol of Shirahige-jinja Shrine, and has been a draw for visitors for many years.

The Kutsuki Mountain Stream Fish Center is a mountain stream fishing center that also includes a barbeque house and restaurant serving local dishes.

The vicinity of Otomegaike was known as the “Katori no Umi” during the seventh century Manyo period, and formed an inlet into Lake Biwa at the foot of the mountains.

Shirahige-jinja Shrine was founded 1900 years ago, boasting the longest history for a shrine Omi.

Humans have lived alongside waterways since ancient times, and you can still feel the roots of that lifestyle here, from Lake Biwa to the rivers and inner lakes, stone walls and common wells along the shoreline, the fishing industry and the vicinity of the sand dunes.

All across these areas you can see underground water from the Adogawa River and the Hira mountains bubbling up as fresh springs.