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

Discover Historic Temples and Craft Ceramics on Lake Biwa

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

A Journey into the Japanese Aesthetic

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Ancient Trails and Modern Cruises through Scenic Otsu

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

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Stay / #Food & Drink

日本文化體驗

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

Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Shopping

Travel Stories in Western Shiga

Takashima Trip

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Food & Drink

Have you tried Omi Beef?

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Food & Drink

The Ultimate Guide to the Biwaichi Cycling Route in Shiga, Japan

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities / #Onsen / #Stay / #Food & Drink / #Shopping

Everything you need to know about Hieizan Mountain Trekking

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Experience Luxury Floor “Vista” at Biwako Hotel

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Onsen / #Stay

水鄉澤國~滋賀/遠離城市的喧囂,來一場恬靜的旅行

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

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

Snow Appreciation Ship Cruises

Our “Snow Appreciation Ships” set sail on Lake Biwa during the winter months.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Cruises / #Instagramable / #Lake Biwa / #Events

Shiga MK Co., Ltd.

We wish to provide not only a means of transport, but also hospitality, smiles, and reassurance.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sightseeing Cruises & Rides

BSC Watersports Center

The BSC Watersports Centre is located on the green and verdant Horaihama on the west side of the lake.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Shiga Adventure Tourism / #Water Activities

Biwako Hakodateyama Ski Resort

Hakodateyama Ski Resort is well known across the entire Kansai region, located 690m above sea level in a mountainous region to the northwest of JR Omi-Imazu Station.

Tour & Activities Food & Drink
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Winter Sports / #Skiing

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

Hieizan Driveway

Hieizan Driveway is a drive course 8.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Mountains & Scenic Trails

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

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

Shopping Street Hotel Koo Hyakucho

The first “shopping street hotel” in Japan, created by renovating a number of townhouses located along both the shopping street in the center of Otsu City and the old Tokaido road.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku
#Car Parking

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

Yumotokan

Would you like to try bathing in no less than seven different types of hot spring water? Yumotokan allows you to fully enjoy the hot spring experience, including outside baths that you can reserve for private use and even rooms with their own outside bath.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
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

Biwako Grand Hotel Kyo-Ohmi

Located on the shores of Lake Biwa, allowing the daily changing beauty of the great lake to be fully enjoyed and appreciated.

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
>