When it comes to traveling in Japan, do Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto still dominate your thoughts? NO, NO, NO. Nowadays, the various attractions in Shiga Prefecture, located in the central part of Japan’s Kansai region, have quietly gained popularity in travel guides. This historic land of Omi, rich in natural beauty, is winning over more and more Chinese tourists. Here’s a rundown of eight must-visit emerging spots in Shiga, taking you on a truly cutting-edge and unique Japanese journey.
1. Lake Biwa Terrace Café
[Address] 81547-1, Kibu, Otsu City, Shiga
[Public Transport] Take a bus fromJRShigaStation for about 10 minutesto arrive
[Website]http://www.biwako-valley.com/tips/biwako_terrace/
The most famous attraction in Shiga Prefecture is undoubtedly Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. Just a 20-minute trip from Kyoto, it’s easily accessible for a spontaneous getaway. The terrace café atop Mount Dakeyama has recently become a hot new spot in Otsu. Since opening in 2016, it has been bustling with visitors, attracting many international tourists. Its popularity lies in the fact that the magnificent and picturesque views of Lake Biwa can be enjoyed here all day long.
※ From an altitude of 1,100 meters, you can take in the entire Lake Biwa as well as the beautiful lake scenery of surrounding Kyoto, Shiga, and Mie prefectures.
Of course, the café’s stylish and playful decor, along with its delicious food that pleases the eye, nose, and taste buds, is also a big draw for many young female visitors. With such great sights and treats, it would be a shame not to snap photos from every angle, edit them beautifully, and share them on social media.
2. Hikone Castle
[Address] 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone City, Shiga
[Public Transport] A 14-minute walk from Hikone StationJR[Website] http://www.hikoneshi.com/
Built during the Edo period, Hikone Castle is one of only four surviving wooden castles among Japan’s national historic sites. It is an important cultural property and is recognized as a Japanese National Treasure and one of the “Eight Views of Lake Biwa.” The castle features several daimyo gardens that showcase various aspects of traditional Japanese garden design.
Beyond its irreplaceable historical significance, the stunning scenery is another major draw for visitors. In fact, it is a renowned cherry blossom spot in the Kansai region. Over 1,200 cherry trees line both sides of the moat, creating a picturesque scene. When the lanterns are lit at night, the reflections of the cherry blossoms on the water form an absolutely magical world.
3. Metasequoia Avenue
[Address] Makino Town, Takashima City, Shiga (from Hideruguchi to Makino)
[Public Transport] Take a bus bound for MAKINO Plateau from JR Makino Station and get off at PIKKURAND
( )( )Makino( )to arrive
Shiga’sMetasequoia Avenue is located in Makino Town, Takashima City, in the northwestern part of Shiga Prefecture. The breathtaking scenery of this small mountain village attracts visitors all year round. The spectacular 2.5-kilometer-long avenue makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a movie set. Stretching along this long road from the Makino Pickland (MAKINO PIKKURAND), one of the Kansai region’s top chestnut farms, to Makino Plateau, are over 500 metasequoia trees.makinoThis Metasequoia Avenue was also selected by the Yomiuri Shimbun in 1994 as one of the “100 New Japanese Tree-Lined Roads.” The area is also a popular destination during the late autumn maple leaf season. Whether by car or on foot, visitors can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery here.This avenue of metasequoia trees was also selected by the Yomiuri Shimbun as one of the "100 New Japanese Tree-Lined Roads" in 1994. The deep autumn season, when the maple leaves are at their peak, is also the area's tourist high season. Whether by car or on foot, visitors can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery here.
4. Shirahige Shrine
[Address] 215 Uigawa, Takashima, Shiga
[Public Transport] Take the JR Kosei Line to Omi-Takashima Station, then drive 5 minutes
[Website] http://shirahigejinja.com/
Shirahige Shrine is located in Takashima City in northwestern Shiga Prefecture, facing Lake Biwa. Built 1,900 years ago, it is revered as the oldest shrine in Omi and serves as the head shrine of all Shirahige Shrines across Japan.
The striking vermilion torii gate standing above Lake Biwa has become an iconic landmark of Takashima City, attracting countless visitors from both Japan and abroad. The view is magnificent not only during the day but also in the evening. Watching the sunrise and sunset here must be a truly unique experience. Moreover, the torii is illuminated for two hours before sunset every weekend, with extended lighting during New Year’s Eve to create a festive atmosphere.
5. Miho Museum
[Address] 300 Taisho-Dotani, Shigaraki, Koka, Shiga
[Public Transport] Take a bus bound for Miho Museum from Ishiyama Station on the JR Biwako Line, approximately 50 minutes
[Website]http://miho.jp
Designed by renowned American architect I.M. Pei, who also created the glass pyramid at the Louvre in France and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Miho Museum opened in 1997. Notably, its design concept of a “hidden utopia” was inspired by Tao Yuanming’s “The Peach Blossom Spring.” To preserve the natural environment, 80% of the museum is built underground, achieving a harmonious blend between human architecture and nature.
6. LA COLLINA Near Ohmi-Hachiman
[Address] 615-1 Kitanoshocho, Ohmi-Hachiman, Shiga
[Public Transport] Take the Ohmi Railway Bus from JR Ohmi-Hachiman Station and get off at Kitanosho, then walk 3 minutes
[Website] http://taneya.jp/la_collina/
This flagship store of the well-known Kansai cake brand “Taneya CLUB HARIE” is nestled within vast, lush greenery, offering visitors a chance to enjoy nature and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The first floor features a wide selection of Japanese and Western sweets, where visitors can also observe the dessert-making process up close. The second floor is a trendy café popular among young people. Enjoying a cup of coffee and freshly baked pastries here in this rare green oasis is nothing short of delightful.
7. Keizouji Temple
[Address] Furubashi, Kinomoto-cho, Nagahama, Shiga
[Public Transport] About 10 minutes from the Kinomoto Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway
Keizouji Temple in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, is a famous spot for autumn foliage in the Kansai region, with a history dating back over 1,300 years to the Nara period. The temple grounds are home to more than 200 maple trees. Every year from mid to late November, visitors flock here to witness the sweeping carpet of crimson leaves. It's a breathtaking sight where vibrant red hues stretch as far as the eye can see.
8. Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Shisui
[Address] 178-694 Shisui, Gamou-gun, Shiga
[Public Transport] From JR Tokaido Main Line Yasu Stationor Ohmi-Hachiman Station,take a busfor about30 minutes to the final stop, Mitsui Outlet Park (三井アウトレットパーク 滋賀竜王)30 minutes to the final destination, Mitsui Outlet Park (Mitsui Outlet Park).
[Website] https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/mop/shiga/cn
How can you travel to Japan without shopping? And how can your Japanese shopping spree be complete without visiting the well-known outlet malls? As everyone knows, from world-renowned luxury brands to must-buy items in Japan, to local specialties and gourmet treats from all over the country—anything you can think of, and even things you can’t, can be found here. The Shiga Ryuo store is the largest outlet mall in the Kansai region of Japan.With a total of 230 stores, including over 100 duty-free shops, it offers a wide range of fashion, business goods, baby and maternity products, outdoor and sports gear, footwear, kids’ items, cosmetics,0?/span>and popular Japanese drugstore and beauty products—all sold at outlet discount prices.Just the sheer variety of high-value goods on offer is enough to get our hearts racing.
Since it’s located in Shiga, you can’t miss the famous Omi beef.There are authentic specialty shops for Omi beef as well as trendy cafes,offering a dazzling array of unique culinary delights. Don’t forget to snap some photos before digging in.
Additionally, every weekend(through2019the end of3the month during the event period, with weekday service depending on circumstances—please check the official website for details)there are direct shuttle buses between Kyoto Station and the mall, making it easy for visitors to get around, so you won’t have to worry about mobility even with heavy shopping bags. This spacious, comfortable, and refreshing shopping environment is unmatched by those in big-city malls.
※ An elegant shopping environment surrounded by natural beauty
Also, currently at Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo, there’s a special offer for international tourists. Simply check in, post on social media such as Weibo or WeChat Moments, and you can receive a 2,000-yen (000JPY
) voucher. Don’t miss out on this great deal.
What’s more, when you take the direct shuttle bus from Kyoto Station to Mitsui Outlet Park, you’ll also get a 1,000-yen coupon.So, aside from those well-trodden classic city routes, why not consider Shiga Prefecture, where nature, history, art, and commerce blend seamlessly? Whether you’re a discerning backpacker with an artistic streak or a family looking for fun together, you’ll find something to enjoy among these eight top attractions.After your trip to Kyoto, why not also visit neighboringShigato make your Japanese adventure truly unique?