Shiga Attractions

Shiga Prefecture is right next to Kyoto. Otsu City, the prefectural capital, is only nine minutes away from Kyoto Station by Japan Railway (JR) train. In addition to JR, Sanjo Keihan station in Kyoto’s downtown is very convenient to get to Biwako Hama Otsu Station in front of Hama Otsu port. It’s only 20 minutes ride!

There are two ways to get to Shiga prefecture from Kyoto Station, so please pay the most attention on the platform of Kyoto Station.

➀ JR Biwako Line : trains bound for the east side of Lake Biwa

② JR Kosei Line : trains bound for the west side of Lake Biwa

The biggest challenge for foreign visitors to Japan is that two different line trains depart from the same platform (No. 2 or No. 3). If you should make a mistake and notice it later, as there are no water taxis, the recovery will be incredibly hard.”

Kyoto Station ➀Biwako Line　　(External link)

Kyoto Station ②Kosei Line　　　(External link)

<Main stations>

➀ Otsu Station (JR Otsu Station: 9 minutes from Kyoto on the JR Biwako Line)　　

The old townscape flourished as an inn town during the time when Kyoto was the capital.

It is a city where you can feel the history of old and famous temples representing Japan, such as Mii-dera, Ishiyama-dera, and Hieizan-Enryakuji on Mount Hiei.

Furthermore, it boasts Hama Otsu Port where the large sightseeing boat Michigan arrives and departs, and the lake shore has a wonderful view you can have a good relaxing time.

② Takashima City (JR Omi Takashima Station: 50 minutes from Kyoto on the JR Kosei Line)

Lake Biwa’s northwest side is rich in nature, and the scenery of Lake Biwa, which is as vast as the sea, and the high mountains behind it, give it a sense of resort. Such as Metasequoia trees that stretch for 2km, cruises landing on the mysterious island of Chikubushima, and winter skiing. Takashima area is a popular resort that many Japanese tourists also visit.

③Omi-Hachiman City (JR Omi Hachiman Station: 34 minutes from Kyoto on the JR Biwako Line)

Omi-Hachiman is a castle town built by warlords during the warring states period, and it is well-known all over Japan that merchants of this area called Omi Shonin have been active since that time. Splendid mansions of successful merchants of those days still remain, and many tourists visit to enjoy the quaint townscape. The unique and large confectionery shop that opened in recent years is also very popular among tourists.

④ Hikone City (JR Omi Hachiman Station: 48 minutes from Kyoto on the JR Biwako Line)

Hikone castle, a national treasure still remains and you can tour the inside of the castle.

There are only 5 national treasures with remaining castle towers in Japan, and they are valuable cultural assets. The area around the castle is lined with restaurants where you can enjoy souvenirs and local Omi beef and is bustling with many tourists.

In addition, there are more things to see in Shiga Prefecture, such as Koka City where MIHO MUSEUM, Shigaraki pottery area, and Ninja houses are located. Also, Nagahama City is close to Hikone and has a Nagahama castle situated by the shore of Lake Biwa.

SHIGGA Tourism Official Websight

Otsu Biwako Otsu Travel Guide
Kusatsu Kusatsu City Tourist Guide
Moriyama Moriyama City Tourism and Local Products Association　
Yasu Yasu Tourist Product Association
Ritto Ritto City Tourism Association
Konan Konan City Tourism Association
Koka Koka City Tourism Association
Omihachiman Omihachiman City Tourism Association
Higashiomi Higashiomi Sightseeing
Hikone HIKONE Travel Guide
Nagahama TRAVEL GUIDE NORTHEN LAKE BIWA
Takashima TRAVEL GUIDE BIWAKO TAKASHIMA