Guide to Western Shiga

This area includes Otsu and Takashima, where the convenience of city life meets the beauty of nature.

Overview of Western Shiga

Western Shiga is home to Otsu and Takashima, where urban convenience meets the beauty of nature. Nestled between Lake Biwa and the mountains, visitors can enjoy peaceful travels here.

Otsu is just 9 minutes from Kyoto and offers the perfect combination of city convenience and lakeside relaxation.

Takashima, located about an hour away via the scenic Kosei Line, is surrounded by tranquil natural landscapes.

Take lakeside walks, visit historic temples and shrines, and enjoy the changing beauty of the seasons.

Trip Ideas in Western Shiga

Reveal the Roots of Japan’s Spiritual & Cultural Heritage

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Memorable Photo Spots Course

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Nature & Parks

Enjoy Shopping with Scenic Views of Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Shopping

A Journey into the Japanese Aesthetic

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

Discover the Legacy of Craft & Modern Creativity in Shiga

3-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Southern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities / #Stay / #Food & Drink

Discover Historic Temples and Craft Ceramics on Lake Biwa

1-Day Trip
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA
#History & Culture

Travel Stories in Western Shiga

3. Cheese Funazushi / Kunsaido

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Food & Drink / #Shopping

Biwaichi Trip (Cycling around Lake Biwa) – Day 3

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA Northern SHIGA
#Nature & Parks / #Tour & Activities

7. Spiral Stich Handle Bag / Kobo IMURA

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Shopping

Halloween Party in Shiga

Travel Diaries
Western SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Tour & Activities

Experience Luxury Floor “Vista” at Biwako Hotel

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA
#Onsen / #Stay

Have you tried Omi Beef?

Travel Tips
Western SHIGA Eastern SHIGA
#History & Culture / #Food & Drink

Tours & Activities in Western Shiga

赏雪船巡游

“赏雪船”纵向游行在冬季的琵琶湖上。

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Cruises / #Instagramable / #Lake Biwa / #Events

近江神宫纸牌节

在与小仓百人一首卷首歌渊源颇深的近江神宫,吟唱人在神位前朗诵,身着采女装束的4名取姬(女侍)奉上花牌,举行“开牌仪式”。

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Anime / #Places of Spiritual Energy / #Events / #Festivals

Mii-dera Temple New Year’s Bells

The “Evening bell at Mii-dera Temple” is famous for being one of the Three Bells of Japan, and also as one of The Eight Views of Omi.

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Shrines & Temples
#Japan Heritage Site / #National Treasure / #Events

Snow Appreciation Ship Cruises

Our “Snow Appreciation Ships” set sail on Lake Biwa during the winter months.

Nature & Parks Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Lakes & Rivers
#Cruises / #Instagramable / #Lake Biwa / #Events

山王祭

湖国三大祭之一的“山王祭”,是日本全国3,800多个“山王神”的总本宫“日吉大社”的例行祭典活动。现已被指定为大津市无形民俗文化遗产。本活动从3月1日起历时1个半月,其中4月12日至14日的3天为主要祭典活动。

History & Culture Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Heritage Sites
#Japan Heritage Site / #Events / #Festivals

BSC Watersports Center

The BSC Watersports Centre is located on the green and verdant Horaihama on the west side of the lake.

Tour & Activities
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Shiga Adventure Tourism / #Water Activities

Where to Stay in Western Shiga

Dantokan Kikunoya

Dantokan Kikunoya features a warm atmosphere, like coming home, and is also the only hotel in the Ogoto Onsen region that has rooms which allow pets to stay alongside their owners.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Taka.Sta

该住宿设施位于自然环境优美的滋贺县高岛市,很适合海外人士及对国际交流感兴趣者。房间配备壁炉,宽敞安静,您可在此悠闲放松。这里距离入选“日本渚百选”的“萩之浜”2分钟步程。夏天可在旁边的琵琶湖享受水上运动(SUP桨板冲浪、皮艇、帆板冲浪),冬天则可就近滑雪(乘车约30分钟)。这里还会举办各种活动,是了解当地人文的交流场所。

Tour & Activities Stay
Western SHIGA
Sports
#Water Activities / #Biwaichi Cycling Spot / #Sustainable

Yumotokan

Would you like to try bathing in no less than seven different types of hot spring water? Yumotokan allows you to fully enjoy the hot spring experience, including outside baths that you can reserve for private use and even rooms with their own outside bath.

Onsen Stay Food & Drink Shopping
Western SHIGA
Ryokan
#Car Parking

Shopping Street Hotel Koo Hyakucho

The first “shopping street hotel” in Japan, created by renovating a number of townhouses located along both the shopping street in the center of Otsu City and the old Tokaido road.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Guest Houses & Minshuku
#Car Parking

Ayaha Lakeside Hotel

The Ayaha Lakeside Hotel is a Japanese-style hotel right on the shores of Lake Biwa.

Onsen Stay
Western SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Car Parking

Auberge Meson

The forest hideaway of Auberge only accepts five bookings per day, and affords you a luxurious moment of relaxation during which you simply have to do nothing at all.

Stay
Western SHIGA
Resort Hotels
#Ryori Ryokan / #Car Parking

Explore More Things to Do in Western Shiga

Wondering what to pack for your trip?

Check Shiga’s year-round weather and climate trends to help you prepare for your trip.

Other Areas

Northern Shiga

Nagahama, Maibara

Eastern Shiga

Hikone, Higashi-omi, Omihachiman, Hino, Ryuoh, Aisho, Toyosato, Koura, Taga

Southern Shiga

Kusatsu, Koka, Konan, Moriyama, Ritto, Yasu
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