With many areas in Japan succumbing to over tourism, it is always great to change the balance of you travel style and include one of two locations where you can avoid the crowds and see a new side of Japan. The Shiga Prefecture which borders with Kyoto Prefecture offers you that chance. Home to the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa (670.4 km²/ 260 mi²) offers spectacular views, chance to take cruises, unlimited number of hiking courses, make land on islands that are in the Lake, as well as a chance to eat one of the best 3 Beefs in Japan. Everyone has heard of Kobe Beef, but right up there in the same quality is Matsuzaka Beef and also Oumi Beef of Shiga Prefecture.
Shiga Prefecture is also the pilgrim route in the days gone by from Tokyo to Kyoto. The sacred mountain of Mt Hiei is the gateway and the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism. Take Japan’s longest Cable Car ride from Sakamoto station to the summit of Mt Hiei and see the impressive Enryakuji Temple, which has a flame that has been burning for 1200 years. Even today the Temple plays an important part in World Peace. Every year at the Enryakuji Temple leaders of many World Religions come here in Summer to pray for peace which started from Pope John Paul II.
One of the crowd pleasers is Hikone Castle, one of the top 5 visited castles in all of Japan. The beautiful gardens of Genkyu-en are right next door and are beautiful in any season.
Another crowd pleasers is the Chikubushima Island. This small island, with a circumference of just 2km, is located in the offing of Lake Biwa, approximately 6km from shore. Here you can find both Hongonji Temple and Tsukubusuma-jinja Shrine. The Benzaiten (Sarasvati) at Hogonji Temple is known as one of the three best in Japan, and the temple also receives many visitors as the 30th location on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
There are a number of popular Temples and Shrines and some of these have been used in the filming of movies and Anime stories.
If you are more active, you may like to experience kayaking or ride a SUP.
From craft beer in Nagahama, to a walk on the shores of the lake, Lake Biwa offers a different angle to Japan.
Highlights: Biwako Balley • Mt Hiei • Biwako Terrace • Mt Hira Hiking • Nagahama City • Lake Biwa • Lake Biwa Cruises • Chikubushima Island • Hikone Castle • Hiyoshi Toshugu Shrine • Midera Temple • Ishiyama Temple • Oumijingu Shrine
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights