Shiga

Shiga Prefecture has developed around Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, which occupies one-sixth of its area. Mountains surrounding the lake including Hira, Hiei, Ibuki, and Suzuka nurture abundant water, supporting Kinki region's livelihood as the Water Basin of Kinki. In ancient times, Omi-Otsu Palace was established here, and in medieval times it became a religious and cultural center with Enryaku-ji Temple, while Omi merchants flourished economically in the early modern period. The prefecture boasts one of Japan's highest concentrations of national treasure architecture, with Hikone Castle and historic townscapes of Nagahama and Omihachiman well preserved. In recent years, logistics and manufacturing have developed through the Meishin and Shin-Meishin expressways and Tokaido Shinkansen, growing into a major manufacturing prefecture in western Japan. The area offers outdoor activities in rich nature, Lake Biwa cycling circuit Biwako Valley, and a condensed blend of old and new attractions.