Guide to Western Shiga

This area includes Otsu and Takashima, where the convenience of city life meets the beauty of nature.

Overview of Western Shiga

Western Shiga is home to Otsu and Takashima, where urban convenience meets the beauty of nature. Nestled between Lake Biwa and the mountains, visitors can enjoy peaceful travels here.

Otsu is just 9 minutes from Kyoto and offers the perfect combination of city convenience and lakeside relaxation.

Takashima, located about an hour away via the scenic Kosei Line, is surrounded by tranquil natural landscapes.

Take lakeside walks, visit historic temples and shrines, and enjoy the changing beauty of the seasons.

Trip Ideas in Western Shiga

Mount Hiei Peak to Sakamoto Valley Historic Day Trip

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Onsen / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Ancient Trails and Modern Cruises through Scenic Otsu

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Discover Historic Temples and Craft Ceramics on Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

日本文化體驗

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

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 Western Shiga

Cycling trip in Shiga, Japan

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Tour & Activities

Harie Fresh Water Village & Hakodateyama Lily Park

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Great Lake Biwa Fireworks Display 2017

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

Experience Luxury Floor “Vista” at Biwako Hotel

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Onsen / #Stay

Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 3

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

Biwako Valley, Kaizu’s Cherry Blossoms

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#Tour & Activities / #Food & Drink

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

Biwaichi Bikes

A rental bicycle shop located right beside Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Biwaichi Cycling Spot / #Sustainable

Omi Jingu Shrine Mounted Archery Performance

A display of yabusame (mounted archery) by the Takeda School from the Japanese Traditional Archery on Horseback Association.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Anime / #Events

Boat Race Biwako

Boat Race Biwako is located on the banks of Lake Biwa, and boasts awe-inspiring scenery even when compared to the other 23 boat race locations around Japan.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Outdoor Activities

Roadside Station Toju-no-sato Adogawa

The folding fan gallery allows you to experience painting onto a folding fan to create your own original fan.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops

Omi Shirahama Beach

This beach with beautiful, endless white sands and green trees is also alive with people enjoying playing in the water, camping, barbeque and marine sports.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities

Otsu & Takashima Local Farmhouse Visit & Lunch Cooking

Spend quality time with your family, friends or a special person at the tranquil lakeside which is a hidden gem away from all the main toursits hot spots of Japan.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Culture Workshops
#Sustainable

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

Biwako Ryokusuitei

The concept behind Biwako Ryokusuitei was to make use of the blessings of nature in its design, and they now place their emphasis on making sure that you enjoy each and every relaxing moment while staying there.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Hotel Blue Lake Ohtsu

A hotel located only 1 minute on foot from Hamaotsu Station, which is itself convenient for access from Kyoto and Osaka.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Business Hotels
#Car Parking / #9 Minutes From Kyoto

Shirahamaso

Allows groups to experience a variety of activities, including making things and outdoor experiences such as water sports on Lake Biwa.

Tour & Activities Stay
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Camping / #Car Parking

Taka.Sta

A lodging facility located amid the abundant nature of Takashima City, Shiga.

Tour & Activities Stay
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Biwaichi Cycling Spot / #Sustainable

Dantokan Kikunoya

Dantokan Kikunoya features a warm atmosphere, like coming home, and is also the only hotel in the Ogoto Onsen region that has rooms which allow pets to stay alongside their owners.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Nango Onsen Futaba

A hotel boasting wonderful views of the pure flow of the Setagawa River and truly delicious fresh-fish dishes.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Explore More Things to Do in Western 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

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Eastern Shiga

Hikone, Higashi-omi, Omihachiman, Hino, Ryuoh, Aisho, Toyosato, Koura, Taga

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
>