Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県)
Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) is located in the Kansai region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Otsu and primary transport gateway at Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen). Spanning 19 cities, towns, and villages, Shiga is renowned for Lake Biwa (Japan's largest freshwater lake), original National Treasure Hikone Castle, Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji UNESCO monastery, Omihachiman canal merchant town, and Shirahige Shrine's floating torii.
| Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) Quick Facts | 2026/2027 Travel Reference |
|---|---|
| Region & Capital | Kansai · Capital: Otsu |
| Primary Rail / Transit Hub | Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen) |
| Municipalities Covered | 19 cities, towns, wards & villages |
| Top Sightseeing Bases | Ōtsu (大津市), Kusatsu (草津市), Higashiōmi (東近江市), Nagahama (長浜市), Hikone (彦根市) |
| Best Season to Visit | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov) |
| Signature Regional Food | Omi wagyu beef (Japan's oldest branded wagyu), Funazushi (traditional fermented Lake Biwa fish), Biwa trout (Biwamasu), Kamo nabe (duck hotpot in Nagahama) |
Top Cities, Towns & Sightseeing Bases in Shiga Prefecture
Whether you are basing in the prefectural capital of Otsu or planning regional day trips from Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen), these top municipalities in Shiga Prefecture offer the richest concentration of cultural landmarks, rail links, and dining:
- Ōtsu (大津市) — Core city (pop. 329,024, 464.10 km²) served by Ōtsu Station (大津駅) (2.0 km); key local sights include Ginkaku-ji (4.9 km), Nyoiga-take (2.1 km), Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji (5.0 km).
- Kusatsu (草津市) — City (pop. 123,512, 67.92 km²) served by Kusatsu Station (草津駅) (0.8 km); key local sights include Lake Biwa Karasuma Peninsula & Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden, Kusatsu-juku Honjin (Tokaido Post Station), Lake Biwa Museum.
- Higashiōmi (東近江市) — City (pop. 117,487, 388.58 km²) served by Yōkaichi Station (八日市駅) (0.6 km); key local sights include Eigen-ji, noted Rinzai Zen temple, Hyakusai-ji, noted Tendai temple, National Historic Site, Yōkaichi Kite Festival.
- Nagahama (長浜市) — City (pop. 113,079, 681.02 km²) served by Nagahama Station (長浜駅) (1.7 km); key local sights include Anegawa River, Central Nagahama, Chizen-in Temple.
- Hikone (彦根市) — City (pop. 110,945, 196.84 km²) served by Hikone Station (彦根駅) (0.7 km); key local sights include Kōjinyama Kofun, National Historic Site, Lake Biwa, Sawayama Castle ruins.
- Kōka (甲賀市) — City (pop. 94,007, 481.69 km²) served by Minakuchi Jōnan Station (水口城南駅) (0.2 km); key local sights include Miho Museum, Minakuchi Castle, Minakuchi-juku.
How to get to Shiga Prefecture
Just 10m from Kyoto Station to Otsu (or 48m to Hikone) on the JR Biwako Special Rapid line; Maibara is a direct Tokaido Shinkansen stop. Once at Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen), JR regional lines, private commuter railways, and local highway buses connect travelers across all 19 municipalities in Shiga. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Shiga
When visiting cities across Shiga, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Omi wagyu beef (Japan's oldest branded wagyu) — regional culinary specialty across Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県).
- Funazushi (traditional fermented Lake Biwa fish) — regional culinary specialty across Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県).
- Biwa trout (Biwamasu) — regional culinary specialty across Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県).
- Kamo nabe (duck hotpot in Nagahama) — regional culinary specialty across Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県).
Best time to visit Shiga
Early–mid April for Hikone Castle moat & Kaizu Osaki cherry blossoms; summer for cycling the Biwaichi loop around Lake Biwa; November for Enryaku-ji & Lake Biwa temples.
All 19 cities & municipalities in Shiga Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, local landmarks, nearest rail station, food specialties, and 5 closest neighboring stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ōtsu 大津市 | Core city | 329,024 | 464.10 km² | City guide → |
| Hikone 彦根市 | City | 110,945 | 196.84 km² | City guide → |
| Kusatsu 草津市 | City | 123,512 | 67.92 km² | City guide → |
| Moriyama 守山市 | City | 74,263 | 54.81 km² | City guide → |
| Rittō 栗東市 | City | 62,353 | 52.75 km² | City guide → |
| Kōka 甲賀市 | City | 94,007 | 481.69 km² | City guide → |
| Yasu 野洲市 | City | 49,821 | 81.07 km² | City guide → |
| Konan 湖南市 | City | 55,144 | 70.49 km² | City guide → |
| Takashima 高島市 | City | 52,967 | 693.00 km² | City guide → |
| Higashiōmi 東近江市 | City | 117,487 | 388.58 km² | City guide → |
| Maibara 米原市 | City | 40,757 | 250.46 km² | City guide → |
| Nagahama 長浜市 | City | 113,079 | 681.02 km² | City guide → |
| Ōmihachiman 近江八幡市 | City | 81,456 | 177.45 km² | City guide → |
| Taga 多賀町 | Town (町) | 7,781 | 135.77 km² | City guide → |
| Ryūō 竜王町 | Town (町) | 12,711 | 44.52 km² | City guide → |
| Kōra 甲良町 | Town (町) | 7,579 | 13.63 km² | City guide → |
| Aishō 愛荘町 | Town (町) | 21,307 | 37.97 km² | City guide → |
| Hino 日野町 | Town (町) | 22,400 | 117.6 km² | City guide → |
| Toyosato 豊郷町 | Town (町) | 7,350 | 7.8 km² | City guide → |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places and cities to visit in Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県)?
Top highlights across Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) in Japan's Kansai region include Lake Biwa (Japan's largest freshwater lake), original National Treasure Hikone Castle, Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji UNESCO monastery, Omihachiman canal merchant town, and Shirahige Shrine's floating torii. Major cities and sightseeing bases in Shiga include Ōtsu (大津市), Kusatsu (草津市), Higashiōmi (東近江市), Nagahama (長浜市), Hikone (彦根市).
How do I get to Shiga Prefecture and get around by train?
The primary rail and transit hub for Shiga Prefecture is Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen) (prefectural capital: Otsu). Just 10m from Kyoto Station to Otsu (or 48m to Hikone) on the JR Biwako Special Rapid line; Maibara is a direct Tokaido Shinkansen stop. Compare bullet-train fares with our Shinkansen Fare Calculator and JR Pass Calculator.
What local food and regional dishes is Shiga Prefecture famous for?
Signature regional specialties across Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) include Omi wagyu beef (Japan's oldest branded wagyu), Funazushi (traditional fermented Lake Biwa fish), Biwa trout (Biwamasu), Kamo nabe (duck hotpot in Nagahama)—served at station restaurants around Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen), local morning markets, and izakaya in Otsu and Kusatsu.
When is the best time of year to visit Shiga Prefecture?
Early–mid April for Hikone Castle moat & Kaizu Osaki cherry blossoms; summer for cycling the Biwaichi loop around Lake Biwa; November for Enryaku-ji & Lake Biwa temples. Check month-by-month weather, cherry blossom windows, and autumn foliage dates in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.