Guide to Southern Shiga
Overview of Southern Shiga
Southern Shiga is home to Kusatsu, Koka, and Shigaraki, a region where history and traditional crafts thrive.
Kusatsu retains the charm of a historic post town on the old Tokaido Road, offering a glimpse into the travel culture of centuries past.
Koka is known for its ninja history and has a unique charm, where historic sites and nature come together in harmony.
Shigaraki is one of Japan’s most famous pottery towns. Visitors can tour active kilns, browse workshops, and stroll through charming streets to experience the local craftsmanship firsthand.
Trip Ideas in Southern Shiga
Unwind with Nature on a Freshwater Adventure Around Lake Biwa
See a Shrine Visited by Fans From Around the World
Revisit Shiga’s Past and Taste Seasonal Fruit in Yasu
Craft Shigaraki Pottery and Explore The Way of the Ninja
Experience the Healing Nature of the Konan Sanzan Temple National Treasures
Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga
Shiga Adventure Tourism
Unleash Your Inner Shinobi: Experience Ninja Culture in Shiga Prefecture
Lake Biwa Museum & Kusatsu Headquarters
8. Junmai Daiginjo Fujikura “Dokan” / Ohta Shuzo Brewery
A Mindful Fragrance Journey at a Quiet Temple
Omi Kenketo Festival / Ritual of Cutting Funazushi with a Long Knife
Shimoniikawa-jinja Shrine holds a regular spring festival in the form of the Omi Kenketo Festival, during which the Long Knife ritual takes place.
Maiamihama Auto Campground
A oasis in the urban sprawl, located just 1 hour from Kyoto and 2-3 hours from Osaka, Kobe and Nagoya.
Japan Bass Fishing Agent
Our Fishing Guides are the most relaxing and happy time in your trip to Japan.
Sotoen
The Sotoen climbing kiln, making Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, is one of the largest in Japan, and continues to run at maximum output.
Moriyama Spring and Fireflies
Moriyama City is an alluvial plain that was created by sand and soil carried by the Yasu River, and long ago the underground water that bubbled up from almost everywhere was effectively used in both agriculture and everyday life.
Koka Ninja Village
In the wide grounds of this village in Koka, origin of the ninja, you can find a museum dedicated to ninja techniques, a house full of ninja traps and secret panels, “water spider” water crossing devices and a shuriken throwing star dojo.
Village of Fire Shigaraki Hotel Ogawatei
The interior of the Ogawatei hotel is home to a number of Shigaraki-yaki ceramics; sit quietly and you can almost hear the hot breath of the earth that helped to fire them.
Shiono Onsen
Shiono Onsen, founded in 1898, is a restaurant and hotel with a hot spring.
Kusatsu Estopia Hotel
A hotel with an extremely appealing location, only 3 minutes walk from JR Kusatsu Station, which itself is just 20 minutes from JR from Kyoto Station.
Hotel Lake Villa
A hotel that welcomes you with the gentle splashing of illusory waters, and features ubiquitous open and liberating spaces.
Biwako no Senmatsu
Offers a replete selection of gifts from Shiga, including not only popular regional products but also snacks, confections and sake that you can only buy from this location!
Explore More Things to Do in Southern Shiga
Wondering what to pack for your trip?
Check Shiga’s year-round weather and climate trends to help you prepare for your trip.
