If you find Kyoto and Osaka too crowded and touristy, consider visiting Shiga Prefecture when you land in Kansai next time! The less-visited prefecture is home to Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa. The attractions around the lake thus offer its visitors some magnificent “ocean view”. Locating next to Kyoto, Shiga Prefecture houses countless astonishing temples …
The Best Attractions to Visit in Shiga Prefecture Read More »
Located northeast of Kyoto, Shiga Prefecture is home to the biggest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa. But what many aren’t aware of is there are quite a few spots hidden in this less-traveled prefecture that are great for cherry blossom hunting. Many of these off-the-beaten-path places can be easily accessed from Kyoto by train.
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 fall in Shiga, head down to these spots to experience the astonishing natural wonder of these secret places!
At the south of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, three temples were erected in the early 8th century. Each has a worship hall designated as a National Treasure in its precinct. Together, the three Tendai sect temples have been known as the ‘Kōnan Sanzan (湖南三山)’ since 2005. But nowadays, instead of the national treasures, what …
Kōnan Sanzan – The Three Most Scenic Temples South of Lake Biwa Read More »
Kōka City, in the southeast of Shiga Prefecture, is undoubtedly most famous for Kōga ninja. But, pottery lovers visit Kōka for something else. The city, home to one of the Six Ancient Kilns in Japan, has another local specialty, the Shigaraki ware (信楽焼). So in Kōga, other than the ninja decorations, the other mascot representing …
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Do you feel like nothing you have done recently has gone smoothly? Then, next time you visit Japan, you may want to stop by Tamura Shrine (田村神社). Known for its power in helping pilgrims get rid of their bad luck, it is also a popular place to pray for a safe upcoming trip.
While there are quite a few temples and shrines that frequently appear on the big screen, Aburahi Shrine (油日神社) isn’t just a film shooting location. Its splendid tower gate and gorgeous hallway blend perfectly with the surrounding scenery and beautiful nature!
Kōka City, in Shiga Prefecture‘s southwest, is well-known for ninja because one of the three most prominent ninja martial art schools was born here. While that might be the primary reason you want to visit the city, we reckon you are missing out if you give other amazing attractions in the city a miss. This …
Kōka – The Ninja, the Ceramics, and Other Fascinating Spots Read More »
You must have heard of the occupation, ninja in your life. They are those people who snuck into enemies’ houses to gather information. To protect themselves, they developed a series of ninja martial arts that helped them disguise themselves and/or escape from the scene smoothly.
At the foot of Mt. Sawa (佐和山), not too far away from Hikone Station, there are three temples that have a deep connection with Ii clan, which is in charge of the Hikone Domain. Because of their history, these temples are popular tourist destinations after visiting Hikone Castle. If you have more than half a …
Ryōtan-ji and the Surrounding Temples Related to the Ii Clan Read More »