Top 16 things to do in Shiga according to TripAdvisor

In Shiga there is the biggest lake in Japan, and it should not come in any surprise that most of the sights in Shiga have to do something about the lake, for example, The Lake Biwa museum which is an interactive museum about the lake. Then there is the Chikubu island which is located of course on Lake Biwa and has been worshipped since ancient times. There are a lot of other things to in Shiga as well, not all having to do with the lake, there are a lot of beautiful temples and castles in Shiga as well for example the Hikone Castle.

Miho Museum

The glassed-in museum entrance was designed by I.M. Pei who worked on the pyramid at The Louvre. Approximately 250 works of art are on permanent display and the tunnel of weeping cherry blossom trees in the spring is also famous.

Hikone Castle

This is a valuable castle, constructed in the early Edo Era, has preserved its original appearance most excellently. Its lofty silhouette looking down from Mt. Hikone upon Lake Biwa and the castle town is impressive.

Kurokabe Square

There are many shops dotted around the retro townscape of Nagahama, centering around the Kurokabe Glass Museum, a renovated old bank. It is also known as Japan’s largest exhibition area for glass art.

Metasequoia Namiki Avenue

It was selected as one of the country’s top 100 roadside sceneries. The straight road lined with metasequoia trees is a beautiful view that changes with the four seasons, charming everyone who sees it.

Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa takes up one sixth of Shiga Prefecture. There are many tourist spots in the area around the lake such as shrines and also areas for outdoor activities.

Hachimanbori

White walled storehouses and old houses line the canal like a reminder of the prosperous old castle town. You can enjoy a tour of the canal via the quaint “wasen” (Japanese flat bottomed boats).

Koka Ninja Village

Ninja Village, resembling a hamlet hidden inconspicuously in the forest, is a theme park for ninja fans. There’s a museum on the history of ninja, a “dojo” (training center) to throw ninja stars, a mansion full of tricks, and other facilities.

Enryaku-ji Temple

Mount Hiei is worshiped as the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism and as the headquarters of the Tendai sect. Enryaku-ji Temple is divided into 3 areas, the East Pagoda, the West Pagoda, and Yokawa.

Lake Biwa Museum

This is the museum to learn all about Lake Biwa. The theme of the museum is the “Lake and Man”. You can see, touch, and experience. Learning about Lake Biwa will enhance your enjoyment of sightseeing in Shiga Prefecture!

Suigo Meguri (Tour of the Riverside)

Gently traversing the river on hand paddled boats and seeing the different views of the four seasons is a soothing experience. The waterways of Omihachiman are considered to be one of The Eight Great Views of Lake Biwa.

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Built 2100 years ago at the foot of Mount Hiei, this is the head shrine for the more than 3,000 Sanno shrines in the country. Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is located in the northeastern (and therefore, unlucky) direction as seen from the ancient capital of Kyoto. So, as a protective shrine from this unlucky direction, it is known as beneficial in warding off evil.

Ishiyama-dera

Shikibu Murasaki was said to have started writing The Tale of Genji while ensconced at Ishiyama-dera, and during every spring and fall, the Shikibu Murasaki Exhibition is held at the temple which can be enjoyed for its flowers all throughout the seasons.

Mii-dera (Onjo-ji)

Beginning with the National Treasure of the Main Hall, the temple has over 100 prominent National Treasures and Important Cultural Assets. It is also famous for its temple bell from the Momoyama Era which has been chosen as one of the Top 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

Sagawa Art Museum

Opened to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sagawa Express Co. Ltd., the museum focuses on art works by the Japanese painter Ikuo Hirayama, sculptor Churyo Sato and potter Kichizaemon Raku.

Chikubu Island

A deserted island containing the 30th site of Hogon-ji Temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage and Tsukubusuma Shrine, Chikubu is a mysterious island covered all over with coniferous trees.

Azuchi Castle

Azuchi Castle had Japan’s first genuine keep, but following the Honno-ji Incident where Nobunaga Oda fell, the castle was burned down only leaving the stone walls with the surviving cornerstones and moat serving as relics from an ancient time.

Plan your trip to shiga

Chat with a local tour guide who can help organize your trip.

Request a Tour

Planetyze

Private Tours About Us Company Contact Us Press

Youtube Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

Legal