滋賀県 · Kinki Region
Shiga Hidden Gems
Built around Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake — castle towns, lakeside shrines and the mountain temple complex that shaped Japanese Buddhism.
3 spots
Climate & Best Season
Cold, snowy in the north near the lake; milder in the south. Autumn foliage on Mt. Hiei is the seasonal highlight.
Famous For (Food)
- Omi beef
- Funazushi
- Lake fish tsukudani
- Sake
Signature Sights
- Hikone Castle
- Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei
- Shirahige Shrine's lake torii
- Lake Biwa cycling
Shiga· Hikone
Hikone Castle — Original Edo Castle with Gardens
Hikone Castle (彦根城) is one of Japan's 12 original castles (surviving since Edo period), built 1603–1622. The castle pres…
Hikone Castleoriginal castleEdo period+2
Updated Jul 2026
Shiga· Hikone
Genkyuen Garden — Daimyo Strolling Garden Masterpiece
Genkyuen Garden (玄宮園) is a traditional Japanese daimyo garden built in 1677 adjacent to Hikone Castle. The garden demons…
Genkyuengardentea house+2
Updated Jul 2026
Shiga· Hikone
Hikone Castle Town — Edo-Period Streets & Merchant Houses
Hikone's castle town (城下町, jokamachi) preserves the urban layout and atmosphere of an Edo-period samurai district. The Y…
Hikonecastle townOmi beef+2
Updated Jul 2026