Shiga

  • Hikone Castle

    A famous castle built in early Edo period with national treasure keep. The white keep reflecting across the moat offers scenic views, with existing yagura towers and horse stables among highlights. Popular character Hikonyan's appearance events are held. Especially beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

    Address: 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture

    Access: About 50 minutes from Otsu Station via JR Biwako Line, 15-minute walk from Hikone Station

    Transportation: Rental bicycles from station are also convenient

    Tags: National TreasureCherry BlossomsHikonyanHistory

  • Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei

    Tendai sect head temple constituting World Heritage Ancient Kyoto Cultural Properties. Temple buildings scattered across three areas: Todo, Saito, and Yokawa. Konpon Chudo undergoes major renovation until 2026 but interior viewing remains possible. Touch ascetic history on this sacred mountain overlooking Kyoto and Omi.

    Address: 4220 Sakamoto-honmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

    Access: 40 minutes by bus and cable car from Otsu-kyo Station

    Transportation: Using Sakamoto Cable Car; check winter operation days

    Tags: World HeritageBuddhismAutumn FoliageAscetic Experience

  • Metasequoia Tree-Lined Road

    Approximately 2.4km of 500 metasequoia trees lining the prefectural road in Makino-cho, Takashima City. Changing appearance through seasons with fresh green, deep green, autumn colors, and snow creates photogenic overseas-like scenery.

    Address: Terakubo, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture

    Access: About 70 minutes from Otsu Station via JR Kosei Line to Makino Station, then 10 minutes by bus

    Transportation: Special shuttle buses operate on weekends

    Tags: Instagram-worthyDrivingAutumn FoliageSnow Scenery

  • Omihachiman Hachiman-bori Canal

    Water transportation hub built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu, surrounded by white-walled storehouses and latticed townhouses, famous as period drama filming location. Enjoy atmospheric castle town walks by hand-rowed boat or kimono rental.

    Address: Taga-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture

    Access: 30 minutes from Otsu Station via JR to Omihachiman Station, 7 minutes by bus

    Transportation: Rental bicycles available

    Tags: Water TownHistoric StreetscapeKimono Experience

  • Biwako Valley / Biwako Terrace

    Four-season resort spanning Mt. Uchimi and Mt. Horai at 1,100m elevation. Large ropeway ascends to mountaintop cafe terrace overlooking Lake Biwa, offering zip lines in summer and skiing in winter.

    Address: 1547-1 Kido, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

    Access: 20 minutes from Otsu Station via JR Kosei Line to Shiga Station, 10 minutes by free shuttle

    Transportation: Ropeway wait times during peak season

    Tags: Scenic CafeSkiingZip LineFamily-friendly

  • Chikubu Island (Tsukubusuma Shrine, Hogon-ji Temple)

    Sacred Shinto-Buddhist site counted among Biwako Hakkei. Accessible only by lake cruise, the island features national treasure Karamon Gate and important cultural property Kannon Hall, with kawarake throwing and lake worship experiences available.

    Address: Chikubu Island, Hayasaki-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture

    Access: About 2.5 hours lake cruise from Otsu Port

    Transportation: High-speed boats available from Imazu and Nagahama ports

    Tags: Lake CruiseNational TreasurePower Spot

Model Courses

  • First Biwako Valley 2-Day Cycling Plan

    Complete approximately 190km circuit with one overnight stay in north-south route. Beginners can enjoy sense of achievement while experiencing lakeside scenery and local gourmet.

    • Build excitement viewing Lake Biwa from ropeway
    • Short break at photo spot
    • Last boat worship from Imazu Port, stay in Nagahama
    • Visit at opening, might meet Hikonyan
    • Boat ride at Hachiman-bori & red konjac lunch