Shiga Prefecture Sights

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by Philbert Ono

Hikone Castle, a National Treasure.

With Japan's largest lake in Lake Biwa, mountains all around, and a feudal and cultural history of national importance, Shiga offers nature lovers, beachgoers, and history buffs many attractions.

Bicycle or drive around the lake, go on a boat cruise and visit an island in the lake, swim on white-sand beaches, hike or drive up a mountain and admire the view, visit historical castles and temples, or trace the stage towns along the Tokaido and Nakasendo Roads which connected Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). Shiga also has many places to view flowers and fall colors.

After Kyoto and Nara Prefectures, Shiga has the third highest number (178) of buildings (temples, shrines, etc.) designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. Shiga has 22 buildings which are National Treasures.

The main gateways to Shiga is Maibara Station (bullet train station) on the JR Tokaido Line in northern Shiga and Otsu, adjacent to Kyoto, down south. Being next to Kyoto, Shiga is also easily accessible from train stations in Kyoto such as Kyoto Station and Yamashina Station.

Replica of Azuchi Castle tower.

Contents

Festivals

Held in April, Nagahama Hikiyama Festival featuring kabuki performed by boys.
  • Nagahama Hikiyama Festival 長浜曳山祭り - The Hikiyama Festival is Nagahama's most famous festival featuring authentic kabuki plays performed by boys in mid-April. Several ornate floats on wheels serve as the stage for talented young actors.
  • Kusatsu Shukuba Festival 草津宿場まつり, Kusatsu - Annual festival held on April 29 to celebrate Kusatsu's history as a stage town on the Nakasendo and Tokaido Roads. Numerous events and activities are held such as flea markets, street & stage performances, and Japanese dances. The main highlight is the Kusatsu Jidai Gyoretsu procession of people dressed in historical costumes.
  • Hino Festival, Hino-cho - Held annually during May 2 and 3, the Hino Matsuri is the largest festival in eastern Shiga Pref. In 2006, sixteen ornate floats and three portable shrines were paraded through the streets. It is the spring festival of the Umamioka Watamuki Shrine and one of Shiga's Intangible Cultural Assets.
  • Azuchi Nobunaga Festival, Bungei no Sato, Azuchi-cho - Held in early June, festival held for Oda Nobunaga who built Azuchi Castle. Various events and activities highlighted by the Musha Gyoretsu warrior procession and a demonstration of firing matchlock guns. The boat ride along the moat was also enjoyable.

Castles

Hikone Castle.
  • Nagahama Castle 長浜城 - Nagahama Castle is a lakeside castle within a large park. The original castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century who lived in Nagahama Castle until 1582. The current castle tower was reconstructed in 1983. It serves as a history museum.
  • Azuchi Castle 安土城跡 - Built in 1579 by Oda Nobunaga, Azuchi Castle was unique for its octagonal castle tower. It was attacked and destroyed only 3 years later. The castle ruins are on a hill in Azuchi-cho. Lots of stone work remains. A replica of the top portion of the castle tower is displayed at a museum near the castle ruins.
  • Odani Castle 小谷城 - Odani Castle ruins in Kohoku-cho was originally built in 1524 atop Mt. Odani (495 m). The Azai clan called it home for three generations until they were defeated by Oda Nobunaga who bestowed the castle to Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi. However, Toyotomi built and occupied a castle in Nagahama, abandoning Odani. No buildings have survived, but there are many rock walls and foundations remaining.

Shrines

Shirahige Shrine's torii in Lake Biwa.
  • Omi Jingu 近江神宮 - Dedicated to Emperor Tenji who moved the capital to Otsu. The shrine holds a karuta card contest in Jan.
  • Hiyoshi Taisha 日吉大社 - Near Sakamoto (Keihan Line) and Hie-zan Sakamoto (JR Kosei Line), this shrine is noted for National Treasures. The fall leaves in Nov. with 3,000 maple trees are also lit up at night 5:30 - 9 pm. In April, it holds the Sanno Festival.

Temples

Jorakuji Temple in Konan.
  • Ishiyama-dera 石山寺 - Founded in 749, Ishiyama-dera, belonging to the Shingon Buddhist Sect, is the 13th Temple of the Saigoku Pilgrimage. Lady Murasaki Shikibu is said to have written the epic novel, "A Tale of Genji" in a room at this temple. The fall colors are also brilliant.
  • Miidera 三井寺 - Also called Onjoji, Miidera is one of Otsu's historical temples. Famous for cherry blossoms which are also lit up at night.
  • Enryakuji 延暦寺 - This is the headquarters of the Tendai Sect atop Mt. Hie in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. It is a large complex of temples.
  • Chomeiji 長命寺 - The 31st temple on the Saigoku (Western Japan) Pilgrimage circuit, Chomeiji (Long Life Temple) worships the Kannon goddess dedicated to long life and good health.
  • Hogonji 宝厳寺 - Chikubushima is an island in northern Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture. Easily accessible by boat from Nagahama and Imazu, the island has a large temple complex called Hogonji which includes buildings designated as National Treasures.
  • Katata Ukimido 堅田 浮御堂 - The Ukimido Floating Temple in Lake Biwa, Katata, Shiga Prefecture is famous as one of the Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi). Today, it is supported by strong concrete pillars instead of wooden stilts of long ago.
  • Eigenji 永源寺 - Located in Higashi-Omi and established in 1361, Eigenji is a temple of the Zen Rinzai Buddhist Sect (Eigenji School) and well-known for fall colors with 3,000 maple trees. Although not part of the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio (all Tendai Buddhist temples), most visitors also visit Eigenji together with the Koto Sanzan temples. Accessible by bus taking 30-40 min. from Yokaichi Station on the Omi Railway Line or from Hyakusaiji. Admission 500 yen.
  • Kongorinji 金剛輪寺 - Tendai Buddhist temple established in 741 and the middle temple in the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio. The main temple hall is a National Treasure houseing an 11-faced Kannon statue and 13 other statues designated as Important Cultural Properties. The 3-story pagoda is engulfed in foilage in autumn. Also see many little stone Jizo statues. Visit this temple before or after Saimyoji. Admission 500 yen.
  • Hyakusaiji 百済寺 - Located in Higashi-Omi and established by Shotoku Taishi in 609, this is Shiga Prefecture's oldest temple and one of Japan's oldest. It belongs to the Tendai Buddhist Sect. Being the southern-most temple in the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio, visit it after Eigenji or Kongorinji Temple. The hillside garden gives a good view of Lake Biwa. The main temple hall worships an 11-faced Kannon statue carved by Shotoku Taishi. Admission 500 yen.
  • Saimyoji 西明寺 - Established in 834, this Tendai Buddhist temple is the northern-most one in the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio. The main temple hall, designated as Japan's first National Treasure, houses statues of gods with a carving of the 12 Oriental Zodiac signs on the head. During fall, the autumn leaves are brilliant, and you can enter the three-story pagoda (National Treasure) to see the wall paintings. Near Amago Station on the Omi Railway Line. Admission 500 yen.
  • Jorakuji Temple 常楽寺 - A stone's throw from Chojuji Temple in Konan, Jorakuji Temple (est. 708) of the Tendai Buddhist Sect boasts two National Treasures with its main hall and three-story pagoda. It is one of the Konan Sanzan Temple Trio accessible by bus from JR Ishibe Station.
  • Chojuji Temple 長寿寺 - Meaning "Long Life Temple," Chojuji's Hondo temple hall is a National Treasure. It belongs to the Tendai Buddhist Sect and one of the Konan Sanzan Temple Trio along with Jorakuji and Zensuiji Temples. Fall colors are also nice. Accessible by bus from Ishibe Station or walk from Jorakuji.

Other Architecture

  • Gokasho 五個荘 - Traditional and grand homes of wealthy Omi shonin merchants. Most of them are open to the public.
  • Koka Ninja House 甲賀流忍術屋敷 - The world's only authentic ninja house still in its original location. Revolving doors, trap doors, and underground tunnels helped the ninja escape or hide from the enemy. They avoided direct combat as much as possible. Called Koka-ryu Ninjutsu Yashiki, this house was the residence of Mochizuki Izumo-no-kami, the leader clan of the Koga ninja. Even actor Harrison Ford visited this house once. Located in Konan-cho, the former heart of the Koka ninja, popularly called Koga ninja. JR Konan Station on the Kusatsu Line is the closest train station.
  • Koka Ninja Village 甲賀 忍術村 - Koka, Shiga Prefecture is known historically as a town of the Koga ninja. (Correct pronunciation is "Koka.") As a theme park, the Koka-no-Sato Ninjutsu-mura or Koka Ninja Village offers a good tourist sampling of ninja in a hidden village of former ninja houses transplanted to this "village."

Flowers, Gardens, & Parks

Mizunomori Lotus Pond in Kusatsu.
  • Mishima Pond 三島池 - With Mt. Ibuki in the background, Mishima Pond is very scenic during sunny winter days and the cherry blossom season.
  • Toyo Park - Castle park in Nagahama noted for cherry blossoms.
  • Kaizu-Osaki 海津大崎 - Along the northern shore of Lake Biwa, Kaizu-Osaki is one of the most scenic areas, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
  • Genkyu-en Garden 玄宮園 - Genkyu-en is a Japanese garden next to Hikone Castle. It was built as a castle garden in 1677 by Ii Naooki, the fourth lord of Hikone Castle. In Nov., the fall colors are beautifully lit up at night (6 pm - 9 pm). Admission 500 yen.
  • Hyakusaiji 百済寺 - Located in Higashi-Omi and established by Shotoku Taishi in 609, this is Shiga Prefecture's oldest temple and one of Japan's oldest. The garden is full of azaleas in spring and fall leaves in Nov.
  • Nagisa Park 第一なぎさ公園 - Rape blossoms (nano-hana) bloom in winter from early-Jan. to mid-March at this lakeside park in Moriyama, Shiga Prefecture. About 12,000 flower plants carpet the area in yellow. Free admission.
  • Lake Biwa Quasi-National Park
  • Suzuka Quasi-National Park

*Also see Fall Colors below for gardens, parks, and temples to see in autumn.

Lake Biwa

White sand beach at Omi-Maiko.
Chikubushima island.
  • Chikubushima 竹生島 - An island in northern Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture. Easily accessible by boat from Nagahama and Imazu, the island has a large temple complex called Hogonji which includes buildings designated as National Treasures.
  • Takeshima 多景島 - Called "Island of Many Views," this is a small island (600 m circumference) having many different shapes depending on your viewpoint. A Nichiren temple and the priest's family are on the island. Accessible by boat from Hikone.
  • Sugaura 菅浦 - Small town along the northern shore of Lake Biwa in Nishi-Azai, Shiga Prefecture. It is a very scenic area with a nice lakeshore road and trail almost to the tip of the peninsula.
  • Okinoshima island 沖島 - Lake Biwa's largest island is inhabited by over 400 residents, mainly into fishing. It is a short boat ride away from Omi-Hachiman's Horikiri port.
  • Kaizu-Osaki 海津大崎 - Along the northern shore of Lake Biwa, Kaizu-Osaki is one of the most scenic areas, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
  • Katata Ukimido 堅田 浮御堂 - The Ukimido Floating Temple in Lake Biwa, Katata, Shiga Prefecture is famous as one of the Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi). Today, it is supported by strong concrete pillars instead of wooden stilts of long ago.
  • Otsu Waterfront - Otsu dominates southern and southwestern Shiga Prefecture. It has a long lake shore.

Lake and River Cruises

  • Michigan Paddlewheel Cruise - Operates from Otsu for pleasure cruises on the lake. Other boat cruises start from Nagahama, Hikone, and Omi-Imazu to Chikubushima and Takeshima.

Smaller Lakes and Ponds

  • Lake Yogo 余呉湖 - Small but scenic lake north of Lake Biwa. You can walk or bicycle around the lake. Accessible from Yogo Station on the JR Hokuriku Line.
  • Mishima Pond 三島池 - With Mt. Ibuki in the background, Mishima Pond is very scenic during sunny winter days and the cherry blossom season. It is also well-known locally for migratory birds (especially ducks).
  • Suigo Boat Ride 水郷めぐり - The Suigo boat ride in waterways connected to Lake Biwa is a major tourist attraction in Omi-Hachiman.

Rivers

  • Setagawa River - The only river where water flows out from Lake Biwa. Regattas are held here.
  • Samegai 醒井 - Samegai, in Maibara is a former stage town on the Nakasendo road. It is also famous for the Samegai Trout Farm, one of the largest in Asia and a clean river sprouting baikamo underwater flowers in summer.
  • Hachiman-bori 八幡堀 - As a part of Hachiman Castle, Hachiman-bori canal enabled boats to ply to Hachiman Castle from Lake Biwa. It is famous for cherry blossoms in spring.
  • Anegawa River - Site of the historic Anegawa River battle.
  • Echigawa River
  • Biwako Canal 琵琶湖疎水 - Not exactly a tourist attraction except the part where cherry trees are planted, but a vital water link for Kyoto and Osaka which depend on Lake Biwa for its water supply.

Mountains

Mishima Pond in winter with Mt. Ibuki in the background. Part of the pond is frozen over.
  • Mt. Ibuki 伊吹山 - Located in Maibara, Ibuki-yama is Shiga Prefecture's tallest mountain at 1,377 meters. Popular for flower viewing and hiking in spring and summer and skiing in winter although the snow is not as good as before. A gondola and ski lifts carry you toward the top which affords fine views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding area. Going to the summit in summer is the best time when alpine flowers are in bloom, and short hiking trails make it very pleasant. There are r 1,200 species of wild flowers and plant life. It is one of Japan's 100 most famous peaks. The nearest station is Omi-Nagaoka Station from where local buses go to Mt. Ibuki. To reach the summit, take a bus from Sekigahara Station in neighboring Gifu taking you on the Ibuki-yama Driveway.
  • Mt. Shizugatake 賤ヶ岳 - Provides grand views of Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo. Take a bus from Kinomoto Station on the JR Hokuriku Line, then go up the chair lift.
  • Hachiman-yama 八幡山 - At 271 meters high, this mountaintop was the site of Hachiman Castle built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu in 1585. Now home to Zuiryuji temple of the Nichiren Sect, some of the castle's stone walls still remain. Great views of Lake Biwa and Omi-Hachiman, as well as fall colors. Easily accessible via ropeway near Hachiman-bori canal.
  • Mt. Mikami 三上山 - Nicknamed "Omi-Fuji" (Shiga's Mt. Fuji) since its conical shape resembles Mt. Fuji, Mt. Mikami-yama is a sacred mountain belonging to Mikami Shrine near the foot. The mountain is easy to spot from afar. An elevation of 432 meters makes it a fairly easy climb to the top, taking 40-80 min. depending on which trail you take. There is a steep trail (Front Mountain Path or Omote Tozando) and a less steep trail (Back Mountain Path or Ura Tozando) which takes longer to go up. From Yasu Station, take a short bus ride to Yamade-mae (or walk for 40 min.). From there, you can start going up the steep or less steep trail.
  • Kan-onji - Mountaintop castle ruins in Azuchi.
  • Mt. Hakodate
  • Biwako Valley
  • Mt. Ryusen

Fall Colors

Fall colors at Eigenji Temple in Higashi-Omi.
  • Koto Sanzan Temple Trio 湖東三山 - Shiga's most famous place for fall colors are the following three Tendai Buddhist temples east of Lake Biwa. They also have buildings designated as National Treasures.
    • Saimyoji 西明寺 - Established in 834, this temple is the northern-most one in the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio. The main temple hall, designated as Japan's first National Treasure, houses statues of gods with a carving of the 12 Oriental Zodiac signs on the head. During fall, the autumn leaves are brilliant, and you can enter the three-story pagoda (National Treasure) to see the wall paintings. Near Amago Station on the Omi Railway Line. Admission 500 yen.
    • Kongorinji 金剛輪寺 - Established in 741 and the middle temple in the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio. The main temple hall is a National Treasure houseing an 11-faced Kannon statue and 13 other statues designated as Important Cultural Properties. The 3-story pagoda is engulfed in foilage in autumn. Also see many little stone Jizo statues. Visit this temple before or after Saimyoji. Admission 500 yen.
    • Hyakusaiji 百済寺 - Located in Higashi-Omi and established by Shotoku Taishi in 609, this is Shiga Prefecture's oldest temple and one of Japan's oldest. Being the southern-most temple in the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio, visit it after Eigenji or Kongorinji Temple. The hillside garden gives a good view of Lake Biwa. The main temple hall worships an 11-faced Kannon statue carved by Shotoku Taishi. Admission 500 yen.
  • Eigenji Temple 永源寺 - Located in Higashi-Omi and established in 1361, Eigenji is a temple of the Zen Rinzai Buddhist Sect (Eigenji School) and well-known for fall colors with 3,000 maple trees. Although not part of the Koto Sanzan Temple Trio, most visitors also visit Eigenji together with the Koto Sanzan temples. Accessible by bus taking 30-40 min. from Yokaichi Station on the Omi Railway Line or from Hyakusaiji. Admission 500 yen.
  • Ishiyama-dera Temple 石山寺 - Founded in 749, this temple belongs to the Shingon Buddhist Sect. It is the 13th Temple of the Saigoku Pilgrimage. Lady Murasaki Shikibu is said to have written the epic novel, "A Tale of Genji" in a room at this temple. The fall colors are also brilliant.
  • Hiyoshi Taisha 日吉大社 - Near Sakamoto (Keihan Line) and Hie-zan Sakamoto (JR Kosei Line), this shrine is noted for National Treasures. The fall leaves in Nov. with 3,000 maple trees are also lit up at night 5:30 - 9 pm. In April, it holds the Sanno Festival.
  • Hyozu Taisha Shrine 兵主大社 - Established in 717 (Nara Period), this shrine's Japanese garden is designated as one of Japan's most famous. It is also one of Shiga's few Japanese gardens lit up at night during the fall colors in late Nov. A short bus ride from JR Yasu Station.
  • Genkyu-en Garden 玄宮園 - Japanese garden next to Hikone Castle. It was built as a castle garden in 1677 by Ii Naooki, the fourth lord of Hikone Castle. In Nov., the fall colors are beautifully lit up at night (6 pm - 9 pm). Admission 500 yen.
  • Kiyotaki Tokugen-in 清滝・徳源院 - Noted for fall colors, this temple is dedicated to the graves of the Kyogoku clan spanning generations. Pictures of neighboring Kiyotaki Shrine also included. Walkable from JR Kashiwabara Station.
  • Oku Ibuki

Other Scenic Points

  • Top of Otsu - Great views of Otsu and the southern tip of Lake Biwa from the top-floor restaurant in the Otsu Prince Hotel. The city's tallest building.

National Treasures

See a complete list of National Treasures in Shiga here: http://photoguide.jp/txt/National_Treasures_of_Shiga_Prefecture

National Historic Places

  • Hikone Castle
  • Azuchi Castle
  • Omi-Hachiman
  • Kusatsu-juku Honjin
  • Anegawa River battleground
  • Odani Castle
  • Mt. Shizugatake battleground
  • Minakuchi Castle
  • Toju Shoin ruins (藤樹書院跡)
  • Sufukuji Temple ruins (崇福寺跡)
  • Shigaraki-no-Miya Shrine ruins (紫香楽宮跡)
  • Ukawa Shiju Hattai Sekibutsu-gun stone buddhas (鵜川四十八体石仏群)
  • Anoshu Ishigaki stone wall (穴太衆積みの石垣)

Museums

  • The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga (Shiga-kenritsu Kindai Bijutsu-kan) 滋賀県立近代美術館 - First-class modern art museum in a scenic park. KInd of out of the way, but worth a visit.
  • Lake Biwa Museum - Learn about the lake's history and aquatic life. The aquarium is also worth seeing. In Kusatsu.
  • Miho Museum - Art museum blended with nature in Shigaraki. Designed by I.M. Pei.

Hot Springs

  • Ogoto Spa
  • Sugatani Spa
  • Kita-Omi Resort

Sports & Amusement

  • Ski grounds at Oku-Ibuki, Ibuki-yama, Biwako Valley, and Hakodate-yama.
  • Cycling around Lake Biwa. Most train stations have rental bicycles.
  • Michigan paddlewheel boat cruise from Otsu.
  • JRA Ritto Training Center JRA Ritto Training Center 栗東トレーニング・センター - Since 1969, the government-run Japan Racing Association (JRA) has trained jockeys and race horses in Ritto. It offers free tours (telephone reservations required) of this large, impressive facility on Sunday afternoons (1 pm - 2:30 pm) and early Wednesday mornings (when you can see horses running on the track).

Food

Train Stations

  • Nagahama Station
  • Notogawa Station
  • Nagahara Station
  • Koka Station

Photos

See over 12,000 photos of Shiga at Shiga Photo Gallery.

Related Articles

External Links

Municipalities of Shiga Prefecture 滋賀県
Cities & Towns: Aisho-cho | Higashi-Omi | Hikone | Hino-cho | Koka | Konan | Kora-cho | Kusatsu | Maibara | Moriyama | Nagahama | Omi-Hachiman | Otsu | Ritto | Ryuo-cho | Taga-cho | Takashima | Toyosato-cho | Yasu
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