Mii-dera Temple is the head temple of the Tendaijimon Buddhist sect. It is comprised of numerous buildings, including the Kondo, a National Treasure, the Kannondo Hall, which is the 14th site on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, the Shakado, and the Toin. It also became a Japan Heritage site in 2015, and is home to more than 100 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. It is also a spot often used for the filming of movies, including recently being featured in the live action adaptation of the popular anime “Rurouni Kenshin.”

Omi Jingu Shrine is a registered Cultural Property, and a representative example of the Showa period (1926 – 1989) shrine construction known as Omi construction or Showa construction. Women can rent kimono to wear. (Reception from 9:30 – 15:30, not available on Mondays other than holidays). Omi Jingu Shrine is also a location featured in the anime “Chihayafuru.”
【Trip Report】
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2017/01/20170114-otsu-trip-part2.html
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2017/01/20170114otsu-trip.html

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. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi. The vicinity of the hotel also offers excellent amenities, including tax-free shops, a currency exchange, shopping malls and restaurants.

Take a tour around the school that was used as the setting for the popular anime “K-On!” There are also guided tours that allow you to see rooms and facilities that are not open to regular tours.
Prior reservation is required but you can stipulate your desired day and time.
【Trip Report】
http://en.biwako-visitors.jp/foreigners/blog/2017/03/trip-by-ohmi-railway.html

Hikone Castle is a National Treasure and counted among the greatest castles in the world. It took around 20 years to build, and was completed in 1622. Extremely beautiful when illuminated by moonlight, it is one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa.
The so-called “Water Castle” once stood alongside Lake Biwa and the inner lake, and its waterways were also used for the transport of goods to the town. Hints of it can still be seen everywhere, from the area name “Funamachi” (meaning “Boat Town”) to the remains of wharfs and houses belonging to boatmen that can be found along the canals. Always thronging with houseboats, the canals remain a place of relaxation for the residents of Shiga even today.
In spring time, 1200 trees with eight varieties of cherry, including Yoshino cherry, all bloom at once, creating a fabulous sight. The trees are also illuminated at night each year. The Hikone-jo Castle region also plays host to a performance from the Hikone City mascot Hikonyan three times a day. Please see Hikonyan’s official website (http://hikone-hikonyan.jp/) for further details on when and where Hikonyan will appear.