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.
2 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· Nagahama
Chikubushima Island — Sacred Lake Island Temple
Chikubushima (竹生島) is a small sacred island in northern Lake Biwa, home to Hogonji Temple (宝厳寺) and Tsukubusuma Shrine (…
Chikubushimaisland templeLake Biwa+2
Updated Jul 2026
Shiga· Nagahama
Nagahama Castle & Lake Biwa Lakeside Park
Nagahama Castle (長浜城) was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1576 when he was still a rising warlord under Oda Nobunaga. The…
Nagahama CastleHideyoshiLake Biwa+2
Updated Jul 2026