Shiga Prefecture boasts Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, covering approximately one-sixth of the total area of the prefecture. The floating torii gates, temples, and terraces overlooking Lake Biwa are just some of the many scenic spots related to the lake, making it a magnificent treasure trove of landscapes. This article introduces selected attractions in Shiga Prefecture, including the splendid views of Lake Biwa.
1. Shirahige Shrine (白髭神社)
The torii gate of Shirahige Shrine floats on Lake Biwa, creating a mysterious and beautiful spectacle. It is illuminated on September 5th each year, as well as on weekends. The enshrined deity is Sarutahiko no Ōkami, known as the god of longevity, and is believed to have various powers, including matchmaking, fertility, traffic safety, and good fortune.
- Shirahige Shrine (白髭神社)
- Address: 215 Ugawa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: http://shirahigejinja.com/
2. Biwako Terrace (びわ湖テラス)
This sky terrace opened in July 2016 and is located at an altitude of 1,100 meters atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views of Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa. A 5-minute cable car ride takes you to Biwako Terrace. It has a fantastic adult resort atmosphere with wooden decks, sofas, and tables. There's also a cafe where you can enjoy drinks and snacks.
- Biwako Terrace (びわ湖テラス)
- Address: 1547-1 Koto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: https://www.biwako-valley.com/tips/biwako_terrace/
3. Biwako Hakodateyama and Biwako View Hill (びわこ箱館山＆びわ湖のみえる丘)
"Biwako Hakodateyama" is a paradise where you can enjoy pink cosmos flowers from mid-July to early October, light green zinnias in July and August, and bright red zinnias in October. It's like a garden.
The park also features the "Biwako View Hill" at an elevation of 630 meters, which offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa. There's also a rainbow curtain created by passing through a rainbow-colored wind chime made from the local specialty "Takashima Chigimi." Other picturesque spots, such as the "Furin Yoshimichi (風鈴のよし道)," where rainbow-colored wind chimes produce soothing sounds, are worth sharing on social media.
- Biwako Hakodateyama and Biwako View Hill (びわこ箱館山＆びわ湖のみえる丘)
- Address: 4201 Ojiwahigashi, Imazucho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: http://www.hakodateyama.com/green/
4. Ishiyama-dera Temple（石山寺）
Ishiyama-dera Temple stands on a massive limestone rock and is famous for being the inspiration for the story in "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu, from which the temple's name is derived.
It is said to have been founded by the monk Ryōben of Tōdai-ji in Nara in 747 AD at the command of Emperor Shōmu. The main deity enshrined here is the Bodhisattva Kannon, believed to protect people in areas such as safe childbirth, marriage, warding off evil, and more.
The temple is adorned with 2,000 maple trees, and in autumn, the leaves turn red, creating a stunning display of seasonal flowers. In mid-November to late November, they also hold an illumination event, the best time to enjoy the trees. "Atara Yomomiji" is also registered as a Japanese night view heritage site.
- Ishiyama-dera Temple（石山寺）
- Address: 1-1-1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: http://www.ishiyamadera.or.jp/
5. Metasequoia Avenue（メタセコイア並木）
This avenue is lined with about 500 metasequoia trees on the road leading to Makino Highland and stretches for 2.4 kilometers. Its fresh and beautiful scenery has been selected as one of Japan's "New 100 Tree-lined Streets." During the fresh green season, it's lush and refreshing, while in autumn, it creates a romantic atmosphere with colorful foliage. In winter, it transforms into a dreamy snowscape.
- Metasequoia Avenue（メタセコイア並木）
- Address: Makinocho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: https://takashima-kanko.jp/spot/2018/06/post_155.html
6. Ukimido (Floating Hall) 浮御堂
Ukimido is one of the iconic landscapes of Lake Biwa and is also known as "Katanaka no Rakugan (堅田の落雁)." As one of the Omi Hakkei (Eight Views of Omi), this beautiful scenery has been loved by historical figures, including Matsuo Basho.
Legend has it that it was built during the Heian period by the Buddhist priest Keishin of Mount Hiei to pray for the safety and salvation of beings on the lake. The current building was reconstructed in 1937 and underwent repairs in 1982.
- Ukimido (Floating Hall) 浮御堂
- Address: 1-16-18 Motokatata, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/91/
7. Miho Museum (ミホ・ミュージアム)
Miho Museum is nestled in the lush mountains and is a true embodiment of the "town and country" concept. It was designed by the world-renowned architect I. M. Pei, who also designed the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum.
The walk from the reception to the exhibition hall takes about 5 to 10 minutes and offers views of weeping cherry blossoms in spring along the tunnel, creating a spectacular sight in cherry blossom hues.
- Miho Museum (ミホ・ミュージアム)
- Address: 300 Tashiro, Shigaraki-cho, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: https://www.miho.jp/
8. Taga Island (多景島)
Taga Island is a small island floating in Lake Biwa, with a circumference of about 600 meters. It earned its name "Taga" because different views of the island can be seen from various directions, offering a variety of sceneries. The entire island is within the precincts of Jion-ji Temple, a Nichiren Buddhist temple, giving it a mystical atmosphere.
You can reach Taga Island by boat from Hikone Port, and there are two routes: one for circumnavigation and another for landing.
9. Onyu Pass（おにゅう峠）
Onyu Pass is a mountain pass located at an elevation of 820 meters on a forest road at the border of Shiga and Fukui Prefectures. It's a popular spot for driving enthusiasts. Typically, from October to November, the changing Japanese maple trees paint the forest road in beautiful shades of red and yellow. In the early morning, you can also witness a sea of clouds, creating a fantastic and scenic view alongside the autumn foliage.
10. Mebuki Seaweed of Mezagai (醒ヶ井の梅花藻)
Mebuki Seaweed is an underwater plant that grows in clear streams with water temperatures around 14°C, and it is found in only a few places in Japan. The Jizo River in Mezagai is where this Mebuki Seaweed thrives. The small white flowers of Mebuki Seaweed appear to swim in the river, creating a lovely and beautiful scene amidst the picturesque landscape of Jigaiga.
You can enjoy this sight from mid-May to late August. During the blooming season, the contrast between the white and pink petals floating on the water surface when the azaleas bloom adds to its charm.
11. Former Chikurin-in Temple（旧竹林院）
Sakamoto is a small town located in front of Enryaku-ji Temple, and it still preserves many of the "riho" (temple-owned lodging houses). "Riho" are the retreats for the monks of Enryaku-ji Temple. The Old Takebayashi-in Temple is renowned for its 3,300-square-meter stroll garden designed by Kobori Enshu, a master of the Japanese tea ceremony, garden designer, and architect.
The Hōrai-en Garden can be enjoyed in all seasons, but it is particularly recommended during the autumn foliage season and when the azaleas bloom from late May to mid-June. The pink azaleas add a bright touch to the garden, creating a more splendid space.
- Former Chikurin-in Temple（旧竹林院）
- Address: 5-2-13 Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: http://kyuchikuriin.web.fc2.com/
12. Kitamuki'iwaya Ju'ichimen 11-Faced Kannon (北向岩屋十一面観音)
Inside a cave on the summit of Mt. Inokoshi (268 meters above sea level) in Higashiomi City, there is a stone Kannon statue enshrined. Near Hokkō Iwaya Jūichimen Kannon, there is an observation deck that was once a popular spot for night views, but in recent years, it has become secretly popular for its magnificent evening scenery with flooded rice fields.
- Kitamuki'iwaya Ju'ichimen 11-Faced Kannon (北向岩屋十一面観音)
- Address: Inukami, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture
13. Daichiji Temple（大池寺）
The Hōrai-en Garden at Daichiji Temple is one of the most beautiful gardens in Shiga Prefecture. It was created by Kobori Enshu, who was famous as a master of the tea ceremony, garden designer, and architect.
The Hōrai-en Garden is a beautiful garden that can be enjoyed year-round, but it is recommended to visit during the autumn leaves season and when the azaleas bloom from late May to mid-June. The pink azaleas add vibrancy to the garden, creating a more luxurious space.
- Daichiji Temple（大池寺）
- Address: 1168 Nagasaka, Mizukuchicho, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: http://www.sunalix.co.jp/daichiji/
14. Kohoku Waterfowl Park（湖北水鳥公園）
Kohoku Waterfowl Park is a park where you can observe birds and many other waterfowl. It is also famous for its magical sunsets and the spectacular views of submerged trees, which have gained popularity on social media.
- Kohoku Waterfowl Park（湖北水鳥公園）
- Address: Kohokunobirdcenter, Imakanishi, Kohokucho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: http://www.sunalix.co.jp/daichiji/
15. Hikone Castle（彦根城）
Hikone Castle is a representative tourist attraction in Shiga Prefecture. It was built as the foundation of the Ii clan's 350,000-koku domain and is designated as a national treasure, along with Himeji Castle, Inuyama Castle, Matsumoto Castle, and Matsue Castle. The three-story white keep, standing at just 21 meters high, is relatively small but fully intact and features a beautiful architectural style that blends various architectural elements, such as hip-and-gable roofs and "karahafu" (curved gables). The castle is surrounded by a double moat, and the famous gardens (also known as the Lord's Garden) on the premises are worth exploring.
Hikone Castle is particularly renowned for its magnificent scenery, thanks to the water mirror cherry blossoms in the outer moat. Pink cherry blossoms are illuminated, creating a mesmerizing reflection on the water's surface, making it a truly magical sight.
- Hikone Castle（彦根城）
- Address: 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
- Official Website: https://hikonecastle.com/
