Shiga Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan, surrounded by four prefectures of Kyoto, Fukui, Gifu, and Mie. At the center of Shiga, rests the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa accounting for no less than one-sixth of the total area of the prefecture, and the lake is encircled by verdant mountains of Ibuki, Suzuka, Hira, and Hiei. As a key transportation hub, Shiga has long been a place of economic and cultural development and has many historic sites and streets brimming with old-fashioned charm.
The region is also famous for the homeland of numbers of military commanders with outstanding abilities along with military prowess, such as Asai Nagamasa, Ishida Mitsunari, and Ii Naosuke.
Shigaraki-yaki [ceramics] made in Shigaraki, Koka City, is particularly famous for the Shigaraki statuette of tanuki [Japanese raccoon dog]. Local specialties are Omi Beef, funazushi [salted ßish fermented with rice, local sake, miso, and vinegar], Yaki Saba [grilled mackerel] somen noodles, "Suyaki" [fried noodles], Biwa Masu [Trout], Omi Chanpon [noodle soup], and Kamonabe [Duck Hot Pot], are also well-known overseas.

by Train

From JR Tokyo and Nagoya Station
Board the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (Bullet Train), disembark at Maibara Station (approx. 30 min.),
transfer to JR local lines.

From Kansai International Airport
Board the JR Haruka Special Express, disembark at Otsu Station (86 min.).

From Kyoto Station
Board the JR Tokaido Main Line, disembark at Otsu Station (approx. 10min.).

Places of Interest

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. .....

Read more

• Points of Interest

• Hikone Castle

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 ......

Read more

• Points of Interest

• Enryakuji Temple
• Lake Biwa