- Attractions by Region -
Lake, castle, and sacred peak — the essence of Ōmi in one go.
Lake Biwa & Shirahige Shrine
A photogenic panorama with a torii gate standing in the water. At sunrise and sunset the scene turns mystical.
Lakeside drives and cruises are popular year-round.
Hikone Castle (National Treasure)
One of Japan’s 12 surviving original keeps and a National Treasure. The stronghold of the Ii clan for over 400 years.
The mascot “Hikonyan” is a beloved local star.
Enryakuji Temple (World Heritage)
Head temple of the Tendai school founded by Saichō. A sacred precinct of great halls and deep forests,
with sweeping views over Lake Biwa and the Kyoto Basin.
Japan’s largest lake at about 670 km². Enjoy lakeside drives, sightseeing cruises, SUP and more throughout the year.
The “Mother Lake” that sustains life and livelihoods
Lake Biwa is an ancient lake formed roughly four million years ago and is a biodiversity hotspot home to around 1,000 species.
Dishes featuring lake fish and fermented delicacies such as funazushi were born from this water culture.
White-sand beaches dot the shore; summer brings lake swimming while winter is ideal for waterfowl watching.
The 200 km “Biwaichi” cycling loop draws riders from around the world seeking an official finisher certificate.
From Otsu Port, the Michigan cruise circles the south lake with live jazz and buffet dining.
On night sailings, the lights of Mt. Hiei and the Otsu cityscape reflect across the water for a dreamy scene.
In recent years, research has uncovered submerged village sites and wrecks, raising archaeological interest.
As Shiga’s “water tank,” the lake continues to support daily life across the prefecture.
One of five National Treasure castles. The keep (1604) and structures like the Sawa-guchi tamon-yagura survive in Edo-period form.
Ii clan’s red armor and the beloved “Hikonyan”
Though only three stories, the keep combines hip-and-gable and gabled roofs in graceful lines. Its stone walls
skillfully mix nozura-zumi (unworked stone) and uchikomi-hagi techniques. The castle’s National Treasure status
stems from superb craftsmanship and preservation.
In town, see the Ii clan’s famous red armor (aka-zonae), said to project overwhelming presence — a tradition inherited
from the Takeda. The mascot “Hikonyan” is inspired by a legend of a beckoning cat saving Lord Ii Naotaka from lightning;
the character’s thrice-daily strolls draw big crowds.
The keep’s mood changes with the seasons — cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, blazing foliage in autumn,
and a snow mantle in winter. On special evenings, the illuminated keep mirrors in the inner moat for a breathtaking view.
About 500 dawn redwoods line a 2.4 km stretch — a photo icon whose scenery shifts each season.
Four seasons along Shiga’s “Champs-Élysées”
Delicate green in spring, deep green tunnels in summer, a blazing orange corridor in fall, and rime-iced branches in winter.
Selected among Japan’s 100 notable roads, it draws about a million visitors yearly and is a social-media staple.
At the center, “Makino Pic-Land” serves gelato and local produce. Renting an e-bike to glide the avenue is pure joy.
The surrounding beech forests, cafes, and glamping sites set a relaxing mood. At night, the silhouetted trees under a starry sky
make for a romantic time.
Frequently featured as a filming location for NHK dramas and commercials, it has become an icon of Shiga tourism.
Head temple of the Tendai school. A World Heritage complex spanning the Tōdō, Saitō, and Yokogawa areas.
Saichō’s sacred mountain that “illuminates its one corner”
Founded in 788 when Dengyō Daishi Saichō built Ichijō Shikan-in. “If you haven’t entered the mountain, you are not yet a monk,”
people once said — Enryakuji nurtured luminaries like Hōnen, Shinran, Dōgen, and Nichiren.
In the central precinct, the Konpon Chūdō hosts the “eternal flame” said to have burned for over 1,200 years since Saichō.
Photography is prohibited inside, but shafts of light through cedars lend a solemn air.
Shakadō in Saitō miraculously survived the Nobunaga burnings and is the oldest hall on the mountain. At Yokogawa’s Ganzandaishi-dō,
you can receive the horned Daishi talisman — linked to the origins of the Japanese omikuji (fortune slip).
Reachable by scenic driveways and ropeways. Temple lodgings with shōjin-ryōri (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and meditation
make it a “sky-high retreat” to reset body and mind.
A sky terrace at 1,100 m. Take in sweeping views of Lake Biwa from wooden decks and the infinity lounge.
Cloud-top café time with panoramic lake views
A five-minute ropeway from the base brings you to the ridgeline of the Hira Mountains. The lake melts into the horizon beyond
the infinity edge — a magical border of sky and water.
The signature “Lake View Soda” gleams vivid blue like the lake — an instant social hit. In winter the slope is a ski field;
in spring–autumn there are zip lines and stargazing events.
Early-bird hours let you greet the sunrise above a sea of clouds with hot coffee. Even in midsummer, it’s about 10°C cooler
than the city — great for beating the heat.
Trails to Mt. Uchimi and Mt. Hōrai and a family activity area (“Sky Walker”) make it a mountain resort for all ages.
Head temple of the Shingon sect built atop a massive calcareous sinter outcrop. The “Temple of Literature” where Murasaki Shikibu conceived The Tale of Genji.
Stone and moon that inspired a literary classic
The sinter bed supporting the main hall is a Natural Monument — among Japan’s largest tufa domes. Moonlight on the rock on Mid-Autumn night
is counted in the “Eight Views of Ōmi” as “Ishiyama’s Autumn Moon.”
In 1008, while staying in retreat, Murasaki Shikibu is said to have gazed at the moon reflected on the lake and drafted the “Suma” chapter
of Genji. In the “Genji Room,” a diorama recreates the writing scene.
Blossoms in spring, fresh greens in early summer, foliage in autumn, and snow in winter — true to its nickname “temple of four-season flowers.”
In February, 400 plum trees of about 30 varieties burst into bloom.
At the monthly “Moon Viewing” (first Sunday), you can join early-morning services and tea gatherings. The local “ayu rice porridge” at the gate
is a beloved specialty.
A romantic canal lined with white-walled townhouses and stone-paved paths — a classic period-drama filming location.
The main artery that powered Ōmi merchants
Built alongside Omihachiman Castle, Hachimabori linked Lake Biwa with Kyoto and Osaka and flourished as a logistics lifeline.
By late Edo it was a “high-speed waterway” underpinning merchant wealth.
Plans to fill it in emerged in the Shōwa era, but a citizen movement saved it. Today cobbled promenades invite strolls,
and hand-rowed boats let you relive the scenery of old.
From spring cherry lanes to summer willows, autumn foliage, and winter snowscapes, the canal is a living painting.
Night lights reflecting on the water create a dreamlike mood.
Nearby Vories buildings and Club Harie’s flagship store make for sweet breaks on your town walk.
Don’t miss the September Hachiman Festival’s boat procession.
A retro quarter of black-plastered townhouses housing glass studios, cafes, and shops — welcoming 2 million visitors a year.
From Meiji bank to beacon of glass art
The landmark “Kurokabe Glass Museum” repurposes the 1899 National 130th Bank Nagahama Branch.
Stained-glass light pours over dazzling works, like stepping into a kaleidoscope.
Glassblowing and sandblasting workshops let you craft your own glass in 15 minutes under artisan guidance — beginner-friendly for kids.
Local bites abound: Kurokabe soft serve, saba somen (mackerel noodles), and Biwamasu (landlocked salmon) burgers
headline “Kohoku” flavors. In winter, the Snow Lantern Illumination is a photogenic tradition.
Nearby Nagahama Railway Square and Daiji-ji Temple add Meiji modernity and castle-town charm for a well-rounded stroll.
A sacred island on Lake Biwa where Tsukubusuma Shrine and Hogonji Temple stand side by side in a blend of Shinto and Buddhism.
Dragon-god legends and a National Treasure Karamon
Revered as one of Japan’s three great Benzaiten sites, it’s known for blessings of safe voyages and artistic success.
The National Treasure Karamon gate, moved from Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Fushimi Castle, flashes the opulence of Momoyama art.
Hogonji’s Kannon Hall is built on stilts over the lake. Tossing earthenware plates (kawarake) from the stage is said
to bring good fortune and ward off evil.
Boats run in about 30 minutes from Nagahama, Imazu, and Hikone. The lake cruise itself offers seasonal views —
cherry blossoms in spring, foliage in autumn, and snowscapes in winter.
The entire island is a power spot, drawing pilgrimages for matchmaking and temple stamps alike.
A traverse centered on Mt. Bunagatake, the range’s highest peak. Seasonal panoramas and stream routes abound.
Experience the “Kansai Alps” — gradients of mountain and lake
The route from Inotani to Mt. Bunagatake climbs about 1,000 m. From the top, a 360° panorama looks down on Lake Biwa;
when sea clouds form, the lake merges with the mist for a surreal view.
May brings fresh beech leaves, June rhododendrons, October foliage, and January–February rime ice — a new palette each visit.
In summer, the Yatsubuchi Waterfalls route offers stream-chilled hikes.
At the base, Biwako Valley provides hot springs and cafes for comfortable post-hike breaks.
Seasonal safety rites and trail races attract outdoor lovers from across Kansai.
Dedicated to Emperor Tenji. Famous as the venue for the Meijin and Queen championships of competitive karuta.
“Sanctuary of time” where poetry meets the history of clocks
A cedar avenue over 300 years old leads to a vermilion gate, with raised-floor worship and dance halls beyond.
Because Emperor Tenji authored the first poem of the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, the shrine is the sport’s spiritual home.
The Omi Learning Center doubles as a “Japanese Clock Museum,” displaying ancient timekeeping from water clocks to pocket watches.
On June 10, “Time Day,” the shrine hosts a special festival.
Behind the main hall, “Fugetsusha” offers reading experiences of the Hyakunin Isshu and workshops to engage with poetry.
Autumn nights see the gate glowing amid foliage, with gagaku court music performances heightening the solemnity.
Ruins of Nobunaga’s fabled fortress of “Tenka Fubu.” The grand stone stair and walls hint at its former splendor.
Walk the dream of unification and its brilliant tower
Completed in 1579, Azuchi Castle boasted a seven-tiered, octagonal tower with gilded tiles — a lavish bastion.
Painters like Kanō Eitoku adorned the interiors; the castle itself was a work of art.
In 1582, shortly after the Honnō-ji Incident, fire reduced it to ashes within three years of completion, earning the title “phantom castle.”
Massive stone walls and sculptures spur the imagination of visitors today.
The main approach, Ōtemichi, shifts angle every 32 steps — a visual trick that changes your view like theater as Nobunaga intended.
From the mountaintop foundation stones of the tower, you can see Lake Biwa and the Hira range — the same view Nobunaga surveyed
as he dreamed of unification.
A museum by I. M. Pei conceived as a terrestrial Shangri‑la, harmonizing ancient art with nature in an ethereal space.
Through the tunnel to a “paradise on earth”
The silver tunnel and suspension bridge approach feels like stepping into the classic fable of a peach-blossom spring.
With 80% of the building underground, it protects the landscape while flooding galleries with natural light — a masterpiece of eco‑architecture.
The collection spans about 3,000 works from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and across Asia — including famed Gandhara Buddhas and Nazca ceramics.
At restaurant “PEACH VALLEY,” organic vegetables and Koka tea headline seasonal menus; limited sweets like cherry‑blossom parfait and
autumn chestnut Mont Blanc are photogenic favorites.
In spring, a hundred cherry trees bloom over the tunnel; in fall, mountains blaze with color — architecture and nature in perfect duet.
A hands-on museum telling the story of an ancient lake and its people. The freshwater aquarium zone is a family favorite.
Learn 4.5 million years of lake history in one sweep
Gallery A traces the birth of the lake to the present with strata models and fossils. The full skeleton of a “Stegodon” (elephant ancestor)
is truly impressive.
Gallery B explores the relationship between lake and people. A full-scale fisherman’s hut and traditional marukobune boats are
recreated with immersive detail — you can almost smell the lake-fish cuisine.
In the aquarium, endemic species like the Biwako giant catfish and honmoroko swim alongside others.
A huge tunnel tank lets freshwater fish glide overhead; touch pools with crayfish and loaches delight kids.
A 2020 renewal refreshed the cafe, adding black-bass burgers and “Biwako Blue” sodas.
Outdoor lakefront stages host workshops and markets seasonally.
Temple No. 14 on the Saigoku pilgrimage. An Ōmi landmark dotted with National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
Clap for the “crying dragon” and draw the sacred spring
Named “Mii-dera” after the sacred spring “Umi no Mizu,” which legend says served as the imperial birth water of Emperors Tenji, Tenmu, and Jitō.
The main hall is a prime example of Momoyama architecture; its hidden Maitreya is unveiled only once every 50 years.
The three‑storied pagoda, famed for moon viewing, crowns a hill with sweeping views of Lake Biwa and Otsu.
Spring cherry and autumn foliage light‑ups are particularly popular.
Beneath the Nio gate, a “crying dragon” ceiling painting echoes claps like a dragon’s roar — a sonic lesson in Buddhist wonder.
In the museum, treasures like Kano Sanraku’s “Chinese Lion” screens wow visitors. Sutra copying and Buddhist chant concerts
connect ancient practice to modern hearts.
Head shrine of Sannō worship guarding Mt. Hiei — the root of 3,800 Hiyoshi/Hie/Sannō shrines nationwide.
Monkeys as divine messengers — “masaru” wards off evil and brings victory
Husband‑and‑wife monkey guardians sit at the East and West main gates, bestowing protection and matchmaking.
At the June Sannō Festival, seven 2‑ton mikoshi cross the lake in a majestic ritual.
Over 3,000 maples fill the precincts, making it one of Kansai’s top foliage spots. At night, vermilion halls glow against golden leaves,
mirrored on the water for a mystical scene.
The murmuring Omiya River and mossy stone bridges evoke the site’s ancient mountain faith.
The popular “Demon‑banishing Persimmon” charm plays on the word masaru (“to excel/evil leaves”), inviting good fortune.
Reconstructed keep modeled on Hideyoshi’s “career‑turning” castle. The observatory overlooks Chikubushima and Mt. Ibuki.
Learn at the castle that pivoted Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s fate
In 1573, after the fall of the Azai, Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi built Nagahama Castle, shifting the castle‑town center from Odani.
The current keep is a 1983 reconstruction, but many lower stone walls remain original.
Inside, the Nagahama Castle Historical Museum displays gilded tiles, tea utensils, and exhibits on cultural policy — plus the local
firearms tradition of Takashima.
Hokoen Park bursts with cherry and azalea; during April’s “Nagahama Castle Cherry Festival,” illuminated blossoms and the lit keep
reflect on Lake Biwa. In summer, it’s a prime seat for lake fireworks.
Combine with the Railway Square and Kurokabe Glass Museum for a day of history, art, and eats.
A 1677 daimyo garden in stroll‑around‑a‑pond style. Frames Hikone Castle as borrowed scenery.
National Treasure keep mirrored on a water canvas
Said to emulate China’s Dongting Lake, the garden built by Ii Naooki unfolds a large pond studded with nine islets —
pavilions and bridges stage ever‑changing views with the castle framed like a painting.
In October–November, evening light‑ups reflect foliage and the keep in perfect symmetry, drawing legions of photographers.
Spring weeping cherries, June irises, and summer lotuses cycle color through the seasons. Seasonal tea service offers matcha
with Hikone sweets against refined vistas.
A combo ticket with Hikone Castle is convenient — a tranquil interlude during your castle‑town ramble.
An eat‑and‑stroll street of white walls and black latticework. Omi beef croquettes and Omi rice gelato are local hits.
Sample Ōmi’s terroir amid Edo‑style lanes
Along roughly 350 m, over 50 shops and cafes line your path — ideal after touring Hikone Castle. Exclusive items include warrior seals
and Hikonyan goods you’ll find nowhere else.
Omi beef stars on menus: aburi sushi, roast‑beef rice bowls, and casual skewers. A sake bar pours tasting flights of local brews.
Several kimono/yukata rentals and rickshaw tours let you time‑travel. Stamp rallies and kids’ parades animate the seasons.
At dusk, lanterns set soft shadows on white walls, perfect for evocative evening photos in the “castle town at twilight.”
1,377 m — one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. A treasure trove of medicinal herbs and alpine flowers with easy skyline access.
Legend of Yamato Takeru and a sky‑high flower garden
The Kojiki tells how Prince Yamato Takeru met his end in Ibuki’s blizzards. The summit statue honoring him overlooks Lake Biwa,
and on clear days even the Northern Alps.
From July to August, meadows of spirea and Thymus quinquecostatus tint the summit pink. Golden pampas waves in autumn,
and frosted trees sparkle midwinter.
The Skyline Road brings you by car to the 9th station; the summit loop takes about 40 minutes — easy access for all levels.
At “Sky Terrace Ibukiyama,” the local medicinal‑herb soft‑serve is pleasantly bitter and refreshing after a hike.
Nicknamed “Mirror Lake” for glass‑calm reflections. Famous for smelt fishing in winter.
Heavenly robe legend and dawn mist fantasy
A statue of a celestial maiden stands lakeside — echoing the robe of feathers legend tied to the lake.
At daybreak, mist drifts over the surface for otherworldly scenes.
In winter, smelt fishing enlivens the shore, and your catch can be fried on the spot at nearby shelters.
In summer, SUP and kayaking are popular.
The 6.4 km cycling loop takes about 30 minutes on a rental bike, winding through willow groves and countryside vistas.
At the autumn “Moon Viewing Festival,” traditional music and floating lanterns cast shimmering light across the water.
A tranquil irrigation pond borrowing Mt. Ibuki as its backdrop. Sunrise reflections are superb.
Line up the perfect “upside‑down Ibuki”
On windless mornings, a pastel dawn paints both sky and pond in symmetry, attracting rows of tripods.
In foliage season the water turns brocade; in winter, Mt. Ibuki shines white.
The 900 m loop path includes a birding deck; in winter, swans and ducks visit.
As irrigation needs vary, water levels drop seasonally — a chance to access the shore for shots mixing water plants with mirror stills.
Nearby “Ibuki Herb & Culture Center” offers a free footbath with herbal waters — a perfect warm‑up after shooting.
Lakeside flower fields: early canola in January and sunflowers in July against Lake Biwa and the Hira range.
Winter canola & summer sunflowers — a “reverse‑season” flower spot
In early January, about 12,000 early‑blooming canola flowers unfurl a yellow carpet with snow‑capped Hira Mountains behind — spring, ahead of schedule.
In July, about 12,000 sunflowers bloom; blue lake, green mountains, and yellow petals form a painterly triad. Temporary parking opens during peak bloom.
A 4.8 km lakeside bike path invites breezy rides through the flowers on a rental cycle.
At dusk, golden‑hour silhouettes with the lake make striking social‑ready photos.
A paradise of aquatic plants on Kusatsu’s Karasuma Peninsula. Over 200 lotus varieties bloom in the “Flowering Lake Biwa.”
Lotus and waterlilies compose a living water garden
From June to August, tropical waterlilies bloom in the greenhouse, and early‑morning boat tours glide past lotus blossoms
opening on the lake.
The café’s “Lotus Latte” folds lotus‑leaf powder into a matcha latte — a brisk, bittersweet summer sip.
Autumn showcases fringed orchid and water hyacinth; winter shifts to biotope birding — there’s no off‑season.
Combine your visit with the neighboring Lake Biwa Museum for a richer look at the lake’s plant ecosystems.
A limestone cave estimated to exceed 10 km in total length. Subterranean rivers and stalactites awaken your inner explorer.
Shiga’s own Indiana Jones set
About 150 m from the mouth is open to the public, where you can view a tri‑level structure carved by flowing water through limestone walls.
A jade‑green underground lake gleams at the far end.
Inside temperature is around 12°C year‑round — a natural AC in summer and cozy in winter. Helmets are provided free, making it family‑friendly.
It’s said poet Matsuo Bashō stopped here; a stone monument stands at the entrance.
Combine with Taga Taisha and Konomiya Shrine for a circuit of spiritual sites.
Selected among Japan’s “100 Best Cherry Spots.” About 800 Somei Yoshino line 4 km of lakeshore road.
Admire the lakeside pink road from the water
Peak bloom is early April. The lakeside road becomes a cherry tunnel — great for drives, but best appreciated from boats
as branches drape to the water and mirror into a 360° world of blossoms.
Traffic control is enforced at peak; shuttle buses and rental bikes are recommended. The earliest sightseeing boat at 6:00 a.m.
is a pro tip to beat crowds.
There’s no night illumination, so photographers aim for the “blue moment” of dusk for the best tones.
Pair with Makino Metasequoia Row to enjoy two signature tree avenues — spring and autumn — in one trip.
A hidden lookout where blazing beech foliage and a sea of clouds often appear together.
“Burning beech sea” meets rolling cloud ocean
In late October, beeches and oaks grade from gold to crimson while radiational cooling births morning cloud seas in the valleys —
a two‑tier panorama to remember.
It’s a three‑minute walk from parking to the lookout — easy access. Before dawn, shoot the Milky Way; at sunrise, capture the cloud sea;
by 9 a.m., roam the foliage trails.
Fallen leaves can be slick — sturdy shoes and warm layers are essential.
Afterward, warm up at Makino Shiratani Onsen and refuel with seasonal Makino soba — our recommended loop.