2025 Shiga Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

The 2.5-kilometer-long Metasequoia Tree-lined Avenue is hailed as a hidden autumn foliage gem in Japan. The road stretches from Makino Highland to Makino Agricultural Park, with 500 tall and dense Metasequoia trees planted in orderly intervals along both sides. During the autumn foliage season, the trees transform into a tunnel of red and yellow leaves, creating an endless view of autumn colors. Whether driving through this vibrant universe or strolling along the road to admire and photograph the foliage, the sight of towering Metasequoia trees ablaze in orange-red hues is a breathtaking spectacle.

A shopping mall with a beautiful lawn near Otsukyo Station in Shiga Prefecture [BRANCH] The site is very large, and about half of it is a grassy park, so it feels good just to take a walk on a sunny day 🙆 That was the day I happened to go, but It seems that they also hold an event called Handmade Marche once a month. Handmade accessories and bags are on sale, and I never got bored looking at them. There is also a BRANCH food street, so dinner is perfect 👍 There is a parking lot on the second floor, so it doesn't seem to be crowded with cars. Opening hours 7:00-23:00 Address 1-1 Nihonmatsu, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture 520-0021 #Shiga#BRANCH

This time it is a very good parent-child travel skiing experience for us #琵琶湖 ski resort 🎿Hakodate Mountain. It is also our first time skiing⛷️From the kid who was very nervous to loving and taking the initiative to complete the goal alone, it is also a good experience and growth process for him... Hope to have a chance to play again next time👍🏻🙏🏻

I visited during Christmas time, and was impressed by the size of the restaurant, the seasonal decorations, and the deliciousness of the food. The restaurant is dark, but that's what makes it so great. First of all, I was excited just choosing the menu book! I definitely want to go again (*ˊ˘ˋ*) 3-9-27 Kokaki, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture, 520-3024 #cafe #trip2022 #coupletrip

Shaun the Sheep Farm Garden 🐑✨ "Shaun the Sheep Farm Garden" in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture is the first permanent outdoor facility of "Shaun the Sheep" in Japan. In addition to meeting the main character Shaun and his friends, the farmer's house and the sheep's huts that appear in the story are also realistically reproduced, so it is a place where you can experience the world of "Shaun the Sheep" in a realistic way. There are also many photogenic spots. 📷💖 There is also a place where you can feed the sheep. 🐑 The cakes at Shaun the Sheep Cafe were so cute that it was a shame to eat them. The park is very large and it is nice to walk around, but it is also easy to take the paid train. 🚂💭💭💭 Shaun the Sheep Farm Garden Address: 605-10 Tawada, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 #Travel #Shiga Prefecture #Cute #Farm #Recommended

I stayed at a bath cafe where you can relax 24 hours a day! 📍Bath Cafe New Biwako Hotel 📍Otsu Onsen Bath Cafe Biwakoza ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈❁⃘┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✈︎Plan name New plan♪1 night with 2 meals Bamboo basket meal (Japanese or Western) plan ✈︎Room name Hollywood twin room ✈︎1 night rate Lowest price 10,600 yen per person ✈︎Check-in/check-out 15:00-25:00/10:00 #Cost-effective hotel #Shiga

When I went to Shiga Prefecture to see the autumn leaves, I visited the shrines and temples on the east side of Lake Biwa that are famous for their autumn leaves, and the one I particularly liked was Kongorinji Temple. The red carpet and guest room at the main temple Myojuin were very atmospheric and lovely. Address: 874 Matsuo-dera, Aisho-cho, Aichi-gun, Shiga Prefecture Admission fee: 600 yen Parking: Free Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 #autumn leaves #maple #shrine

I went to the hotel "The Grand Resort Omi Maiko" in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. The rooms, lobby, and large public bath were all clean and very comfortable😆 You can see Lake Biwa from the guest rooms✨ The large public bath has a sauna and an open-air bath, so you can relax while looking out at Lake Biwa😊 #StayingAtHome

We stayed at GLAMPDOME Shiga Takashima in Shiga Prefecture! 💖 It's a dome-shaped glamping site, and although it's a bit pricey, it's really worth it!! 🥰 Everything from the facilities to the cleanliness was 100% perfect🌷 #stayhome #glamping #GRANDDOMEShigaTakashima #greatview #gourmettrip #triptoenjoyspring #coupletrip #gourmet

I went to Flyboard Lake Biwa Shirohige Beach in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture 🌴 Unlike the ocean, the lake doesn't have waves, and since it's fresh water, your body doesn't get sticky, so you can enjoy it like you're in a pool! ☀️ Recommended for those who want to go wild and get back to their childhood! 🔥 #themepark#greatview #gourmettrip #triptoenjoyspring #coupletrip #gourmet

On a clear day, the view of Lake Biwa from Lake Biwa Terrace is spectacular. There are many exciting spots with unique impacts, such as swings and zip lines that will make you envious. This is a theme park where you can experience something out of the ordinary. Address: 1547-1 Kido, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture #Theme Park

It's a very large square with a lot of play equipment, including bouldering, unicycles, stilts, horseshoes, and target practice. All are free to play with. It's so fulfilling that an hour will fly by if you play around with everything. There are many things for children, but adults can also enjoy it. Address: 1547-1 Kido, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture #Free Spot

Metasequoia trees line the Makino Plateau in Shiga Prefecture A road leading to Makino Plateau, lined with Metasequoia trees on both sides of the straight road. It's a popular spot for Instagram, and is best seen during the autumn foliage season. The best time to see the autumn leaves is late November to early December. Address: Makino, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture #Free Spot

In the Children's Kingdom Park in Penghu, I played at noon to a nearby family restaurant that my locals loved. really can't resist all kinds of home-made risotto egg The essence is that after opening the egg tart, it is very tender egg tart our family is very clean and hobby we go to eat the cabin at 2 o'clock at noon and are full of people next to the proprietress The first floor of the home is also used to make a restaurant name and food like the nature called, so that only the boss's family can not be copied, always my first choice for travel around the world

Beautiful cry! Japan's dreamy waterbirds, Kyoto, small travel guides, nets, red photographs, holy places, hh/ , have always been obsessed with Japanese vermilion, and looking for distinctive torii is every time I come to Japan. One of the goals. This time I came to Kyoto to finally check out the net red water bird house: Baishou Shrine. Transportation From Kyoto Station, take JR to Yamagata Station and transfer to the Biwa Line to Omi Takashima Station. You can choose to take a taxi or walk after you leave the station. Personally, you can walk on the one hand. On the one hand, it is because it is quite biased. It is not an easy task to get a car. On the other hand, it is about 30 minutes on foot. Moreover, the road will pass through Wuhu, which is very suitable for taking pictures. Stopping and taking pictures at the edge of Lake Biwa will soon arrive. Photo Raiders: The road to Baishen Shrine will pass through Wuhu. The water here is very clear. You must know that Wuhu is the only designated water source for SK2 products. When the weather is good, the lake is very Blue, it is very suitable for taking photos of Japanese style. If you want to take a good-looking Baishou Shrine, it is recommended to choose a sunny day. In the afternoon, it will be backlit at noon. The afternoon light is best for shooting, especially when it is more than five o'clock. Very beautiful evening (the dusk I met this time is not the most beautiful, I have seen other photographers shoot, really fried chicken!!) next to the white mustard / Hh/ Near the Shishou Shrine, the stone monument facing the Shisu Shrine is about 3 minutes left. There is a traditional Japanese ramen shop, a very authentic Japanese ramen, recommended to you.

Shiga Gokoku Shrine Shiga Gokoku Jinja Shrine is located in Shiga Prefecture and is a shrine dedicated to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country. The environment here is quiet and shaded by green trees, giving people a solemn atmosphere. There are many gods enshrined in the shrine, where visitors can pray in peace and learn about Japan's Shinto culture. Hikone Castle Horse Farm Site The Hikone Castle Horse Breeding Site, which is close to the Shiga Gokoku Shrine, was established by the lord of Hikone Castle to breed excellent war horses. The relics here bear witness to the importance attached to horses in history and demonstrate the horse breeding techniques and methods of the time. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions related to the history of Hikone Castle and get a feel for that glorious past. In summary, Shiga Gokoku Shrine and Hikone Castle Horse Ruins are great places to explore the history and culture of Shiga Prefecture. Whether it's a quiet shrine or a historic site, both places offer a deep understanding of local culture and history. #2月好去2025 💞Recommendation reason: Free

#japantrip I've been wanting to go to chapter one for a long time and finally got to go! It's part of a popular chain, and the interior is decorated with lots of bear-shaped ornaments and figurines, which are super cute...🤍 The cookie sandwich (weekend only) is filled with berry cream, which is refreshing and easy to eat! The financier was crisp on the outside and moist inside, and it was just the right taste for me✨ I like coffee, so I ordered the Caramel Vienna, but the sweetness of the milk and the caramel were just right and it was really delicious☕️! If you're wondering where to go for a cafe in Shiga, be sure to give this a try 〜Menu Ordered〜: ⚪︎Caramel Vienna (ICE) 700 yen ⚪︎Vanilla Latte (hot) ? yen ⚪︎Bear Chocolate Crouffle 900 yen ⚪︎Bear Financier 650 yen ⚪︎Canelé 500 yen ⚪︎Cookie Sandwich Address: 1F, 2-3-5 Baba, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan 🚃Nearest station: 5 minutes walk from Keihan Zeze Station 🕘Opening hours: 11:30-18:00

#japantrip Menu Ordered ⚪︎Lava de Cheeseburger 2,178 yen⚪︎300 yen set (bottled cola) *Drink set price during lunchtime from 11:00 to 15:00! The lava is cheese‼️ I think it's irresistible for cheese lovers I don't like cheese that much, so I went with fried onions! It was crispy and delicious It's a popular restaurant in Arashiyama, so even on a rainy weekday, the restaurant was full🧀 I ordered a cheeseburger that was so impressive✨ Their service spirit was amazing and they let me film them putting the cheese on, so it was fun to watch and delicious🤤 It was covered in two types of cheese and ended with a fire🔥 The performance was amazing...!! ! ! The meat was juicy and it was the best I've ever had! Recommended for those who want to eat their fill and those who want to be happy! Address: 1F, 1-4-7 Noji, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan 🚃Nearest station: 5-minute walk from JR Minami-Kusatsu Station 🕘Opening hours: 11:00-22:00

📍 Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture Head to Nagahama, famous for the name Kurokabe Square. Here are tourist spots such as food tours, souvenir shopping, and photo spots. The Kurokabe area is also nice, but the highlight spot I would like to recommend is "Japan's No. 1 Kaleidoscope" 🔭 Completely different from the toy kaleidoscopes I've seen so far, it's just colorful✨sparkly✨ The color and pattern change depending on the amount of light and the angle, so what kind of pattern will appear? That's also one of the fun. Adults will feel nostalgic, and children will enjoy the mysterious scenery, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders. Please use this as a reference for your next trip 🔖 _ _ _ _ _ ⚫︎Access 5 minutes walk northeast from JR "Nagahama" #Shiga #ShigaTourism #DomesticTravel #0YenTravelFebruary2025

📍Maibara, Shiga Prefecture A town where you might meet Totoro I love Ghibli and was looking for a pilgrimage I found out about a spot with a Totoro motif in Shiga Prefecture, so I went there. It's not a location where the anime was filmed, but I walked around the peaceful space and photo spots where you might meet Totoro...and Mei-chan and Satsuki, so I'll introduce them to you. ⚫︎Ghibli Forest Garbage Collection Site ⚫︎Ghibli Forest Sakuragaoka MAP ⚫︎Watch out for Totoro jumping out sign ⚫︎Forest where you might meet Totoro ⚫︎Cat Bus Stone Photo Spot ⚫︎Road where you might meet Satsuki and Mei-chan ※Please be mindful of manners when walking around as it is a residential area 😉 ⚫︎Memo The area around Maibara Station is closer to a residential area, so I went there as a set with Nagahama Kurokabe Square. It was a perfect sightseeing trip, so for reference _ _ _ _ ⚫︎Access About 20 minutes walk from JR Maibara Station #Shiga #ShigaTourism #DomesticTravel #0YenTravelFebruary2025

#0yentravelFebruary2025 When I was traveling in Shiga, I suddenly wanted to eat meat, so I looked up a restaurant and it looked delicious! Whenever I travel, I always go on a gourmet trip, but this time it was so delicious I'll never forget it! I want you to actually try it and experience the taste! 📍Location: Omi Beef Steak and Gulp Wine Nikubaru Modern Meal Otsu Branch 🕰️Opening hours: Lunch: 11:00-14:00 Dinner: 17:00-22:30 Closed: Mondays 💰Price per person: 2000 yen

Japan's largest warehouse cafe restaurant. New Year's party and girls' party course from 3,500 yen Free transportation available Private reservations and parties for more than 100 people are also possible, so it's also great for wedding after-parties 💗 The concept is a hidden bar during the Prohibition era in the 1920s. 1920s United States Prohibition was enacted An era when the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol were completely prohibited. Even so, people who wanted to drink alcohol created hidden bars (speakeasies) in dimly lit or hard-to-find places to enjoy their drinks... Inspired by the space of the Prohibition era, our staff renovated a 150 tsubo warehouse by themselves, and created a hidden space with an overwhelming sense of scale and attention to detail. Please enjoy an extraordinary experience that feels like a time trip to the Prohibition era away from your daily life! #0 yen trip January 2025

"Omi Beef Okaki" at Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo Enjoy a variety of dishes using the finest Omi beef🤤 The particularly popular "Roast Beef Bowl" is a luxurious dish with plenty of soft and juicy roast beef on top of rice☝🏽 The "Omi Beef Diced Steak" and "Omi Beef Beef Steak Bowl" are also delicious, so be sure to stop by between shopping✨ ⏰Business hours: 11:00-21:00 📍Address: 1178-694 Sunayama, Yakushi, Ryuo-cho, Gamo-gun, Shiga Prefecture Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo 1F #0 Yen Trip January 2025 #Shiga

I went to La Collina Omihachiman in Shiga Prefecture! 📍615-1 Kitanosho-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture This is a facility where you can enjoy sweets and nature! At the Club Harie cafe, I had freshly baked Baumkuchen and soft serve ice cream, which were delicious! I had a great time taking photos at the door, a popular photo spot, and eating delicious food! The vast grounds are apparently covered with fields and rice paddies, so I'd like to see it in different seasons too!! #FuriTabiWinter

#asiatrip The Kamaha Castle Ruins, located in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s Sengoku period. This mountain castle, originally built by the Dohi clan before the Ōnin War, played a crucial role in the conflicts between the Kyōgoku and Rokkaku clans, and later between Oda Nobunaga and Azai Nagamasa. Although the castle was abandoned in 1574, the site still features well-preserved earthworks, stone walls, and moats. The panoramic views from the ruins are stunning, providing a perfect backdrop for understanding the strategic importance of this historic site. The Kamaha Castle Ruins are a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those looking to explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

#asiatrip Exploring the Minakuchi Castle Ruins offers a fascinating journey into Japan’s Edo period. Originally built in 1634 by Tokugawa Iemitsu as a rest stop on his way to Kyoto, this castle later became the residence of the lords of Minakuchi Domain. Although much of the original structure was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration, the site still features remnants of stone walls and moats, providing a glimpse into its past grandeur. The reconstructed yagura (turret) and the Minakuchi Castle Museum offer insightful exhibits about the castle’s history and significance. The serene surroundings and historical artifacts make it a perfect spot for history buffs and casual visitors alike.

#BiwaLake has always been a place I've longed to visit. After taking the JR Lake Tour last year to explore the beauty of Lake Biwa, I decided to take a self-driving tour this year starting from Kyoto. I first crossed the #BiwaLake Bridge (bridge fee ¥150) to the #Sagawa Art Museum. The architectural style is unique, and the water shadows seem to be projected after precise processing. Then we crossed the bridge again and headed towards Takashima. On the way, we arrived at #Shirahige Shrine to see the underwater torii. There is a parking lot at the shrine. After checking in, we headed to our first night’s accommodation, Auberge RUKAWA, which can be considered a luxury B&B that combines traditional Japanese architecture with modern aesthetics. The next morning, we arrived at #メタセコイアNamiki in the north of Takashima City. Although the red leaves have not yet fully bloomed, the scenery is beautiful. There are also different camp sites and hot springs nearby, which is suitable for visiting in the summer. Follow the mountain road, pass Kaizu Osaki, enjoy the scenery along the way, and come to the #つづら尾崎Observatory, where you can see the northern side of Lake Biwa. There is also a store on the observation deck for some supplies. Then after passing #Jianyue, we came to #Jizu Temple to see the red leaves. We went up from #Sekido Temple where there were fewer people. After viewing the red leaves, we headed to our second night’s accommodation, the #Biwako Grand Mercure Hot Spring Hotel in Nagahama City. It includes a buffet breakfast with many varieties and a large public bath, which is very popular among Japanese people. On the third day, we drove up #Ibukiyama. It was the 60th anniversary of the Ibukiyama driveway. After parking the car at the 9th station, we could walk up the mountain road to the top of the mountain, which took about 40 minutes. However, due to the lack of cold-resistant equipment, we did not go up the mountain this time. After the tour, we went to the B&B #大津町家粋世 in Otsu, and also went to #三井outletpark石贺龙王 in Kusatsu for shopping. By the way, the three-day trip to Lake Biwa ended.

I went to the Sagawa Art Museum in Shiga Prefecture. 📍2891-44 Mizuho-cho, Moriyama-shi, Shiga Admission fees were 1,000 yen for adults and 800 yen for students (high school and university students). The shadows created by the water and light were reflected on the ceiling and floor, sparkling and beautiful. Just looking at it is a space that heals the soul. There were not many people, so it was easy to see. I ate a sandwich at the Museum Cafe SAM inside. The view was great and I was able to enjoy the cafe in a nice atmosphere. #DomesticTravelRecord