Shiga

  • Lake Biwa has over 20 fishing ports, unusual for a freshwater lake.
  • In 1927, Mt. Ibuki recorded 11.82m of snowfall, a world record for snow depth.
  • Among Japan's 12 existing national treasure castle keeps, Hikone Castle is the only one facing an inland lake.
  • The prefectural bird Little Grebe refers to the nio bird from Lake Biwa's ancient name Lake Nio.
  • The Omi merchant philosophy Three-Way Satisfaction good for seller, buyer, and society is re-attracting attention as a pioneer of SDGs management.
  • Most traditional craft tanuki figurines in Japan are made from Shigaraki ware.
  • Shiga Prefecture has the highest per capita lake shoreline in Japan at approximately 1.5m per person.
  • Shiga Prefecture is the only prefecture where all areas are subject to water quality conservation ordinances among Japan's 47 prefectures.
  • JR travel time between Otsu City and Kyoto City is only about 10 minutes, with city centers very close.
  • Omihachiman City, known as the birthplace of Baumkuchen, uses registered tangible cultural properties for Club Harie's main store.
  • During the Edo period, Kusatsu-juku was an important hub where Tokaido and Nakasendo highways intersected in the courier system.
  • The Yanagase Tunnel (1882), one of Japan's oldest railway tunnels, remains at the Shiga-Fukui prefectural border.
  • Biwa trout, an endemic species of Lake Biwa, is called the phantom fish as its fresh export outside the prefecture is prohibited.
  • Shigaraki-cho in Koka City has flourished in pottery making since ancient times as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns.
  • Omi Hakkei scenery motifs became popular overseas as ukiyo-e and ceramic designs during the Edo period.
  • Shiga Prefecture ranks third nationally in university students per capita, also functioning as an academic city.
  • Biwako Valley's ropeway boasts one of Japan's longest horizontal travel distances.
  • The prefecture name derives from the ancient place name Shiga-gun near Otsu City.
  • The prefectural emblem's three lines express harmony and development between Lake Biwa and its people.
  • Salad Pan pickled radish plus mayonnaise is a Nagahama local food that gained nationwide recognition.