Spots in Shiga Area

Area

Shiga
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Chomeiji Temple

4.0

3 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Oumihachimanshi -chomeijichou 157

A Buddhist temple located in Chomeiji-cho, Omihachiman City. Records state the temple was founded by Prince Shotoku. The temple’s principal object of worship is a 1,000 handed, 11 faced, three bodied figure of Kanzeon Bodhisattva; said to grant long life and health to worshippers, this figure has attracted believers since ancient times. Temple buildings such as the main temple are designated Important Cultural Properties and every structure is at least designated a Cultural Property by the city or prefecture. The temple is counted as the 31st temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

ご祭神は太郎坊権現で、長命寺の総鎮とのことです。長命寺の境内にあります。太郎坊は天狗で、ここは阿賀神社の奥の院との説もあるとのことです。
Gichuji Temple

4.0

34 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Bamba 1-5-12

A Buddhist temple located in 1 Chome Bamba, Otsu City. The name of the temple is derived from an alternate reading of the characters used to write the name of the ancient general Kiso Yoshinaka, who is buried here. The temple is also famous as the location of the grave of the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho, and there are monuments inscribed with his poems on the grounds as well as exhibits on the artist. The entire grounds have been designated a National Historic Site.

JRの膳所駅から少し歩いた旧東海道沿いに、木曽義仲と松尾芭蕉の墓がある。義仲は平家追討のため、京都まで快進撃したが、味方であるはずの頼朝に疎まれてこの辺りで戦死したらしい。芭蕉は義仲を慕っていて、遺言で義仲の墓の側に葬ってもらうように言い残した。
Roadside Station Ryuo Kagaminosato

3.5

14 Reviews

Transportation

Shiga Pref. Gamougunryuouchou Kagami 1231-2

A roadside station situated along National Route 8 in Kagami, Ryuo Town, Gamo County, Shiga Prefecture. The station sells Omi rice grown in Ryuo Town and other local agricultural and specialty products as well as bento box lunches, side dishes, and fresh-baked breads. The station’s restaurant serves 100% Omi beef Hamburg steaks and other dishes made with Omi beef and rice, in addition to “Yoshitsune Genpuku Ryori,” a meal which recreates the kind of food samurai warriors would eat on special occasions in the Kamakura period (reservation required at least seven days in advance; minimum number of party members: 3).

道の駅竜王かがみの里の中にあるレストランです。出張時のランチで利用しました。近江牛が有名みたいでしたが、高かったのでカレーを頂きました。カレーは至って普通でしたが美味しかったです。
Roadside Station Omi Haha no sato

3.5

16 Reviews

Transportation

Shiga Pref. Maibarashi Ukano 1364-1

A roadside station situated along Prefectural Route 2 in Ukano, Maibara City. The station has a store selling local agricultural and specialty products, a restaurant, and a light meal corner, as well as four tennis courts, an indoor multipurpose sports ground, plaza, and park. The adjoining Kurashi no Kogeikan training facility can accommodate overnight stays and has a studio, training rooms, bath area, and restaurant; the facility also holds exhibits of traditional crafts.

食堂とか運動施設とか工芸館・展示場と公園が一体となった道の駅で、ありふれた道の駅よりは良い、場所も田舎であり駐車場も含めて広大！セット遍路旅行の昼食場所としての利用。昼食内容はどちらか云うと中の下、最近の日帰り旅行で行った傘松公園の昼食場所に比べると遥かに良かったが・・・(あれは、酷かった、下の最下位)、比較論の問題で同じ費用が要るなら(竹生島に行く為の昼食場所としてなら)個人的に行ったならここで...
The Biwako Terrace – THE MAIN Terrace Café

4.5

23 Reviews

Gourmet / Alcohol

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Kido 1547 - 1 Biwako Valley

The Biwako Terrace is an observation terrace located within the Biwako Valley nature resort, around five minutes' drive from the Shiga Interchange of the Nishi Otsu Bypass (Kosei Road), from which visitors can enjoy superb views of Lake Biwa. The terrace is situated around 10 minutes' walk from the ropeway summit station, on the summit of the 1,174 meter-high Mt. Horai. The terrace features an open, spacious design that makes use of large arches; visitors can enjoy a spectacular panorama, with views of Lake Biwa, the Ibuki Mountains, and even as far as Hira Mountains. Beverages and snacks are available from Cafe 360. Premium seats are available (for an additional charge). The terrace is open between April and October each year.

快晴の日でしたがロープウェイで標高1100mの山頂につくとモヤがかかっていて、ぼんやりとした景色しか見えませんでした。それでも琵琶湖を一望できる景色は素晴らしかったです。水盤が琵琶湖と一体化するようにデザインされていて美しいです。レストランとカフェがありましたが土産物店はありませんでした。お土産はロープウェイの下の駅で少しだけ売っていました。
Hikiyama Museum

4.0

48 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Motohamachou 14-8

It is a museum concerning one of the three largest float festivals in Japan, the “Nagahama Hikiyama Festival” which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and is held in April every year in Nagahama City. There are four festival floats in the collection, two of which are exhibited in the museum. These luxurious and gorgeous ornaments with gold engraving, wood carving and lacquer coating are a must see. There are also an exhibition of stage dummies and a “Kid’s Kabuki” (Japanese classical drama) video show, which is performed on one of the stage floats that is a highlight of the festival. There is also a coffee shop at the museum.

長浜市曳山博物館は、平成12年(2000年)10月1日にオープンしました。本物の曳山が展示されていたり、修理を行う修理ドックや曳山の文化の普及を担っている施設です。見学には約40分かかりました。
Koka Ninja Village

4.0

9 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Koukashi Koukachouoki 394

A theme park located in Oki Koka-cho, Koka City. Facilities include a museum with exhibits on Koka ninja, a ninja funhouse, a ninja dojo with nine training grounds, a shuriken dojo, a craft dojo where you can pain raku ware and do other crafts, and a Shinobi-jinja Shrine dedicated to ninja. There’s also a restaurant where you can enjoy “ninja barbecue,” a store selling ninja goods, and a costume rental shop.

JR草津線甲南駅から行く望月家の忍者屋敷とこの忍者村の両方に行くなら車で行くのが便利です。公共の乗り物だと甲賀駅からですがかなり距離があります。甲賀忍者の術、生活が体験できるので大人も楽しく遊べます。からくり井戸、水ぐもが体験できる池近くに忍術博物館があります。忍者の使う装束、道具」なども展示されています。生活道具もあるので忍者について知識が深められます。からくり屋敷は住居に使われていたもので、か...
Roadside Station Kutsuki-Shin-Honjin

3.5

15 Reviews

Transportation

Shiga Pref. Takashimashi Kutsukichiba 777

A roadside station situated along National Route 367 in Kutsukiichiba, Takashima City. The station sells local dishes like mackerel sushi and fermented narezushi and tochimochi chestnut rice cakes, as well as naturally grown shiitake mushrooms and other local agricultural and specialty products. The station is adjoined by an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant serving dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and a morning market is held at the station every Sunday.

今日は雨で、鯖街道の旅も、湿りがちでした。鯖街道は、古い街道で、名前の通り、昔は小浜から京の都へ「サバ」を運ぶための道です。小さな道の駅です。鯖街道をたどる途中にある道の駅で、地域の農産物や、名産が売られています。
Kinomoto Jizoin Temple

4.0

43 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Kinomotochoukinomoto 944

A Buddhist temple located in Kinomoto Kinomoto-cho, Nagahama City. The temple’s founding is said to date back to the Hakuho period (645–710), and temple records state that it was visited by such eminent figures as the great monk Kukai and shogun Ashikaga Takauji. The temple’s principal object of worship is known as the “Eye Buddha;” a hidden Buddha not normally made viewable to the public, a Kshitigarbha figure modeled after this statue stands on the grounds, with a frog with one eye closed called the “Stand-in Frogs” sitting at the figure’s feet.

駐車場に車を停めて境内に入ると、大きな地蔵像の後ろ姿が見えて来ました。平日のためか、参拝客の姿はほとんど無く、ひっそりとしていました。眼の地蔵菩薩として、古くから信仰を集めているそうです。人気店のつるやパンは、すぐそこです。
Ishiyama-dera Temple

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Ishiyamadera 1-1-1

This is a temple of the To-ji Temple Shingon sect which is located in Otsu City. It was founded in 747 at the request of Emperor Shomu. It is known as one of the most famous Kannon temples in Japan, also being the stamp office for temple number 13 of the Saigoku Sanjusansho Kannon Pilgrimage. In addition, it is said that this was the place where Murasaki Shikibu got her inspiration for the idea of the Tale of Genji, and it also appears in literary works such as “Makura no Soshi” (the Pillow Book) and “Sarashina Nikki” (The Sarashina Diary). In the temple, there are many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties such as the oldest Taho-to (a pagoda that enshrines the Buddha) and the oldest main temple building in Japan, so there is no shortage of highlights. It is also a famous place for its autumnal leaves and the illumination in the evening is worth seeing.
Otsumatsuri Exhibition Pavilion

4.0

41 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Chuou 1-2-27

"The Otsumatsuri Exhibition Pavilion is located around five minutes' drive from the Otsu Interchange on the Meishin Expressway. The exhibits displayed in the Pavilion include artifacts and materials relating to the Otsu Matsuri (Otsu Festival), which is held in Otsu City, to the southwest of Lake Biwa, and which has been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, as well as life-size replicas of the Hikiyama floats used in the festival. The emphasis in the displays within the Pavilion is on ""enabling visitors to experience the fun and excitement of the Otsu Matsuri,"" and visitors can view video footage of the actual festival. The ""Ohayashi Experience"" area, in which visitors can try their hand at playing ohayashi festival music using such traditional instruments as gongs and Taiko big drums and so on, is very popular with children."

無料で見られる大津祭の展示館です。大津祭の写真や山車なども館内に有りました。写真から祭りの熱気も感じられます。スタッフの方も親切ですよ。尚館内は撮影OKです。
Zensuiji Temple

4.5

37 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Konanshi Iwane 3518

A Buddhist temple located in Iwane, Konan City. The temple was founded on the order of Empress Genmei some 1,300 years ago. The temple’s principal object of worship is a hidden figure of Bhaisajyaguru and worshippers are said to be granted such boons as recovery from illness, good health, and protection from misfortune. The main temple, built in 1366 during the Nanboku-cho period, is a designated National Treasure. Together with the Joraku-ji Temple and Choju-ji, this temple is counted as one of the “Three Temples of Konan.”

湖南市岩根にある天台宗の仏教寺院、本堂が国宝に指定されており、仏像の多くは重要文化財に指定されています、湖南三山の一つです。入り口前に無料駐車場があります、参拝料は600円です。紅葉が過ぎて、参拝客が誰も居なかったおかげで、お庫裏さんが丁寧に説明して頂きました。誰も居ないお寺は落ち着いた雰囲気で、ゆったりとした時間を過ごせます。
Kawara Museum

3.5

46 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Omihachiman-shi Tagacho 738-2

This museum, located in Taga-cho, Omihachiman City, contains exhibits on Hachiman roof tiles, a local industry which developed with the building of Hachimanyama Castle in 1585 by Toyotomi Hidetsugu. Here visitors can view gold leaf and eave-end roof tiles excavated from the ruins of Hidetsugu’s residence, decorative ridge-end gargoyle roof tiles and tile figures from the Edo period, and gargoyle roof tiles from studios and workshops situated along the Hachiman-bori Canal.

Very expensive entry fee ($10 / 1,000 yen) to see some roof-tiles. If it was more friendly fee, I think you would have seen more visitors.
Kohoku Mizudori Station

3.5

11 Reviews

Transportation

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Kohokuchouimanishi 1731-1

A roadside station situated along Prefectural Route 331 in Imanishi Kohoku-cho, Nagahama City. The station sells local agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, and rice; and processed foods made with local specialty products like fish from Lake Biwa, including signature baby ayu tempura which is prepared right in front of customers. The station’s restaurant serves duck hotpot and dishes made with tasty delicacies from Lake Biwa. At the adjoining Kohoku Wild Birds Center and Biwako Waterfowl and Wetland Center, visitors can watch the water birds which visit Lake Biwa.

超かっこいい、オオワシに出会える貴重な場所です。もちろん、オオワシ以外にもコハクチョウ、国の天然記念物オオヒシクイ、ミサゴなどなども見れます。北海道（羅臼）まで行かなくても見れる、貴重な場所だと思います。それほど寒くもなく、ありがたい観察スポットです。
Onjo-ji (Mii-dera) Temple

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Onjoujichou 246

The Onjo-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tendaijimon Buddhist sect and is located in Otsu City. The temple is also known as one of the “Omi Hakkei” (Best 8 scenic spots in Omi) (Mii-no-Bansho lit. the temple’s evening bell). In the main temple structure which is a National Treasure, the principal image of Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya Bodhisattva) is said to be enshrined, but since it is unconditionally a Buddhist image withheld from public view, it is not made public. Kannondo and Shakado, the stamp office for temple number 14 of Saigoku Sanjusansho Kannon Pilgrimage stand lined up within the temple, which possesses a great many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. It is also a well-known spot for its autumnal leaves.
Ryotanji Temple

4.0

36 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Hikoneshi Furusawachou 1104

A Buddhist temple located in Furusawa-cho, Hikone City. The temple was founded in what is now Shizuoka Prefecture during the Nara period by the great priest Gyoki. The family temple of the Ii clan for generations, the temple was moved to Hikone when the general Ii Naomasa became the lord of Sawayama Castle. The temple is famous for its beautiful gardens. The temple holds a Daruma Festival each year on April 1 and 2; during the festival, 3,000 Daruma dolls are consecrated.

I visited this temple in month of April so it appeared to be blessed with nature. Everything was go green and the cherry blossom in early April made it look surreal. Probably one kilometer away from...
Jorakuji Temple

4.5

22 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Konanshi Nishitera 6-5-1

A Buddhist temple located in Nishitera, Konan City. Together with the Zensuiji Temple and the Choju-ji, this temple is counted as one of the “Three Temples of Konan.” The main temple and three-tiered pagoda are designated National Treasures. During the “Konan Sanzan Koyo Meguri,” an event held from November through December, these three temples open up especially for visitors to enjoy the lovely seasonal fall foliage; the temples also open up especially for visitors with an advance reservation.

滋賀県旅行の二日目は、「湖南三山紅葉めぐり」と「教林坊」を見学します。「湖南三山」とは、「常楽寺」、「長寿寺」そして「善水寺」の三つのお寺のことです。まずは、「常楽寺」に向かいます。「常楽寺」は歴史と由緒のあるお寺です。奈良時代中期の和銅年間に「良弁」が、「元明天皇」の勅命により開いたお寺です。「常楽寺」は、「阿星山五千坊」の中心であり、平安時代初期には「長寿寺」とともに歴代天皇の尊崇が厚かったと...
Otsu City Museum of History

3.5

21 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Goryouchou 2-2

A museum located in Goryo-cho, Otsu City. The museum’s collection spans 82,000 items relating to the history and culture of Shiga and Omi, eight of which have been designated Important Cultural Properties. The museum has a standing exhibit which includes a model showing what the ancient capital of Otsu no Miya once looked like, displays covering the eight picturesque sights of Omi, and a chronology of the history of Omi City; the museum also holds special exhibits on themes such as Buddhist culture.

京阪の大津市役所前駅から徒歩5分ほど。 1990年開館。入館料は330円。京阪電車の「びわ湖1日観光チケット」などを提示すると260円(団体料金)に割引となる。展示室は1階と2階にあり、大津の歴史・文化・産業について実物資料、ジオラマ・模型などを展示するとともにパネル解説が行われている。建物は山の中腹にあるため、エントランスや2階からは遠く琵琶湖を望むことができる。
Odani Castle Sengoku Historical Museum

3.5

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Odanigujouchou 139

A museum located at the site of the Odani Castle Ruins, a National Historic Site, in Ibe Kohoku-cho, Nagahama City. The museum contains exhibits on the Azai clan, who ruled Omi during the Warring States period, as well as their castle, Odani Castle. The museum’s two exhibition rooms, dedicated to three generations of the Azai clan and Odani Castle, respectively, exhibit artefacts excavated from the site of the castle, portraits of relevant individuals, and materials on the structure of Odani Castle.

日本百名城の一つである小谷城を訪問した際、夕方でお城に向かうのは時間が無かった為、こちらの資料館に足を運びました。小谷城が背後に控えている場所にあります。小谷城とその主だった浅井氏の歴史を丁寧に説明しているので、歴史好きの方にはオススメします。次回は、小谷城を歩いて廻った後、訪問してみたいと思います。
Soanji Temple

4.0

36 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Hikoneshi Honmachi 2-3-7

A Buddhist temple located in 2 Chome Hon-machi, Hikone City. The temple was moved here from Kozuke Province by Ii Naomasa, the first lord of Hikone. The temple’s principal object of worship is a figure of Amitabha believed to have belonged to Yodo-dono which was taken out of Osaka Castle during the summer siege on the fortress. The temple was also used to house a Korean delegation to Japan during the Edo period.

夢京橋キャッスルロード沿いにあるお寺ですが、散策中に朱塗りの山門（通称赤門）や境内に咲くピンクの見事な八重桜が目に付き訪れました。そのお寺に徳川家康公の御位牌や、石田三成公の念持仏、そして、淀殿の念持仏が安置されていることなど、門前の案内板で初めて知りました。更に、妻が帰宅して調べると、淀殿の念持仏が御本尊の阿弥陀如来であること、また、赤門は石田三成公の佐和山城から移築したことや、大坂夏の陣で討...

Otsu Shigaraki / Koka Konan / Kusatsu Omihachiman Koto / Hikone Kohoku / Nagahama Kosei / Takashima

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Shiga Areas

Visitors to Shiga prefecture are almost always hopping east across the prefectural border from Kyoto, and they are almost certainly Lake Biwa-bound. Covering an area of 670 square kilometers, Lake Biwa makes up the bulk of Shiga prefecture, with beautiful lakeside paths that offer myriad walking and cycling opportunities, connecting a string of museums, shrines, and picturesque views that finally lead you to Hikone Castle on the eastern side of the lake.