After an off the beaten path destination in Japan near Kyoto? Just a short, 10-minute train ride from the bustling streets of Kyoto lies Ōtsu (大津市), the historic capital of Shiga Prefecture and the peaceful gateway to the majestic Lake Biwa. While most travelers skip this lakeside gem in favor of its famous neighbor, Ōtsu […]
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Nestled along the rugged northwestern edge of Lake Biwa, Kaizu Ōsaki (海津大崎) offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Shiga Prefecture. Known as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” this scenic part of the lake features a spectacular four-kilometer stretch of over 800 Yoshino cherry trees that frame the crystal-blue waters of
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Escape the crowds of Kyoto and journey into the heart of Sakamoto (坂本) in Otsu City, a serene and historic temple town nestled at the foot of Mount Hiei in Shiga Prefecture. Known as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site Enryaku-ji Temple, Sakamoto is famous for its unique “Anozurazumi” stone walls, meticulously crafted by
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Whether you are a traveler seeking a peaceful escape from the crowds of Kyoto or a history buff eager to explore Japan’s feudal past, Shiga Prefecture offers a treasure trove of experiences centered around the majestic Lake Biwa. As Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Biwako provides a stunning backdrop for everything from the iconic floating torii
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Are you going to visit Hikone Castle soon? Don’t forget to stop by the Yume Kyobashi Castle Road (夢京橋 キャッスル口一ド), which continues for 350 meters from the castle’s Kyōbashi Bridge. Traditional houses with white walls and black windows lining the sides of the road will almost make you feel like you have slipped back in
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Although famed for the beautiful cherry blossom scenery, many places in Shiga Prefecture are worth visiting in autumn. So, if you find yourself at a loose end during the fall in Shiga, head down to these spots to experience the astonishing natural wonder of these secret places!
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Shiga Prefecture, next to Kyoto, is underrated. While it is in the rural part of the Kansai region, we are sure that you will be amazed by the tourist spots in Shiga once you get to know them. Although not as many as Kyoto, Shiga Prefecture also has a couple of plum blossom spots where
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Mt. Hiei or Hieizan (比叡山), a mountain lying on the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, is considered one of the Three Holiest Places in Japan together with Kōyasan (高野山) and Mt. Osore (恐山). The worship halls and pagodas of the World Heritage Enryakuji Temple (延暦寺) are scattered throughout the mountain. The temple, which is
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The city of Ōtsu has many stunning scenery and one of them is at the northern Ōtsu close to Biwako Bridge (琵琶湖大橋). The view of the worship hall of Mangetsu-ji Temple Ukimi-dō (満月寺 浮御堂) sticking out of Lake Biwa is one of the Eight Views of Ōmi (近江八景). Because of its fame, it is a
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The Seta River (瀬田川), south of Lake Biwa, is the only waterway from which the lake’s water can flow. The river stretches all the way to Kyoto and Osaka and has the 260-meter Seta no Karahashi Bridge (瀬田の唐橋) built across it. Not only is the bridge an important military and transportation hub, but it is
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