Shiga
滋賀
Shiga
Shiga Prefecture is located almost smack dab in the center of Japan and is surrounded by the four prefectures of Kyoto, Fukui, Gifu, and Mie. The prefecture is encircled by majestic mountains such as Ibuki, Suzuka, Hira, and Hiei, and boasts Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, in the center of the prefecture, which occupies about one-sixth of Shiga's total area. As a key transportation hub, Shiga has long been a place of economic and cultural development and features several historic sites and streets brimming with old-fashioned charm.
The region is also famous for having produced a number of military commanders with outstanding abilities other than military prowess, such as Asai Nagamasa, Ishida Mitsunari, and Ii Naosuke.
Shigaraki-ware made in Shigaraki, Koka City, is particularly famous for its raccoon dog figurines. Local specialties include Omi beef, Funa-zushi, Yaki Saba (grilled mackerel) Somen, Suyaki fries noodles, Biwa trout, Omi Chanpon (noodle soup), and Kamonabe (duck hot pot), which are also well-known morsels overseas.
Getting there and around
Train
・From Tokyo
Accessible from JR Tokyo Station via the Tokaido Shinkansen.
・From Nagoya
Accessible from JR Nagoya Station via Tokaido Shinkansen or Tokaido Main Line.
Top Destinations
Hikone
Initially springing up as a castle town of Hikone Domain in the Edo period, Hikone City is blessed with a rich natural environment and deep heritage, and it continues to develop as a core city in the northeastern region of Lake Biwa to this day. .....
Otsu
Located in the southwest of Shiga, Otsu is Shiga’s largest city. Long ago, before Kyoto became Japan’s capital, Otsu in fact served as the country’s capital, albeit for a brief period of time, and was known as “Otsu-kyo.” Situated right next to ......
Nagoya Travel Guide