Shiga Travel Guide for Japanese Learners
Wrapped around Japan's largest lake, with a stunning castle.
Shiga is defined by Lake Biwa, the country's biggest freshwater lake. Hikone Castle is one of only a handful of original castles still standing.
History & background
Shiga (滋賀) surrounds Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), a strategic heart of old Japan. Hikone Castle (彦根城), completed in 1622, is one of only twelve original keeps still standing.
What to see
- Lake Biwa
- Hikone Castle (original keep)
- Enryaku-ji temple on Mount Hiei (UNESCO)
- Miho Museum
Hidden gems
- Taga Taisha is an ancient shrine tucked away in rural Shiga, famous for its enormous stone torii gate and peaceful woodland setting.
- Ōmi Hachiman is a charming canal-side town with whitewashed warehouses, sake breweries, and a relaxed atmosphere far from tourist crowds.
- Shigaraki Pottery Village is renowned for rustic ceramics and kiln studios where you can watch artisans at work and buy directly from makers.
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What to eat
Ōmi beef and funazushi (an ancient fermented sushi).
Getting there & when to go
Getting there: Ōtsu/Hikone are ~10–50 min from Kyoto by train.
Best time: Any season; an easy add-on to a Kyoto trip.
When to go — season by season
Cherry blossoms frame Hikone Castle in spring; the lake and Mount Hiei (比叡山) are pleasant spring through autumn. Winter is quiet and crisp.
Local culture
Shiga has a strong fishing and agricultural heritage tied to Lake Biwa. You'll notice locals eating seasonal lake fish like ayu (sweetfish) and shrimp, often grilled whole—this tradition stretches back centuries and shapes menus at casual restaurants throughout the prefecture.
The region is known for indigo dyeing (aizome) and traditional textiles. Small workshops in towns like Ōmi Hachiman still produce hand-dyed fabric using methods passed down through generations, and many offer visitors a chance to try dyeing themselves.
A suggested visit
An easy add-on to Kyoto: tour original Hikone Castle and its garden, then visit the vast Enryaku-ji (延暦寺) temple complex on Mount Hiei, reached by cablecar.
Seasonal tip: Visit Lake Biwa in early April for cherry blossoms along the shoreline, but arrive on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds that concentrate around Hikone Castle.
Local etiquette: When visiting Enryaku-ji temple on Mount Hiei, wear closed-toe shoes and avoid bright colors; the temple grounds are sacred and historically significant, and modest dress shows respect to monks and other pilgrims you'll encounter.
Hikone Castle is a genuine original keep — rarer than most 'castles' you'll see in Japan.
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Common questions
Q. How easy is it to visit Shiga from Kyoto?
A. Ōtsu and Hikone are just 10–50 minutes from Kyoto by train, making Shiga an effortless day trip or add-on. Go early to beat crowds at Hikone Castle's original keep.
Q. What makes Hikone Castle special compared to other castles in Japan?
A. Hikone Castle is one of only a handful of original castles still standing in Japan, preserving its authentic 17th-century keep. Its lakeside setting on Lake Biwa offers rare castle-and-water views.
Q. What's funazushi and is it worth trying?
A. Funazushi is Shiga's ancient fermented sushi—intensely pungent and acquired-taste. It's a genuine local specialty; try a small portion first to appreciate its umami depth.