Things to Do in Rittō (栗東市), Shiga: Sights, Train Access & Travel Guide

Last reviewed: October 27, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Rittō (栗東市) in Shiga Prefecture (Kansai, Japan) is anchored by local sights including Komasaka Stone Buddhas, National Historic Site, Otsuki Taisha, Shinto shrine, Wachūsan Honpo, Edo Period pharmacy, National Historic Site and served by Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km) via the regional hub at Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen). Set at 107 m elevation (35.0167°N, 136.0000°E), Rittō offers travelers a base for sampling regional Omi wagyu beef (Japan's oldest branded wagyu), Funazushi (traditional fermented Lake Biwa fish), Biwa trout (Biwamasu) cuisine and exploring neighboring Kusatsu (草津市) (3 km), Moriyama (守山市) (4.7 km), Yasu (野洲市) (6.3 km), Konan (湖南市) (7.8 km).

It is well known to Japanese horse racing fans because it is home to one of the two Japan Racing Association's training centers and the famous jockey brothers, Yutaka Take and Koshiro Take who were also born in Rittō. Located in the southern part of Shiga prefecture, Rittō is located on Japan's main transportation arteries. The Tōkaidō Shinkansen, JR Tōkaidō Main Line, Meishin Expressway, Shin-Meishin Expressway, Japan National Route 1 and Japan National Route 8 all pass through the city. Rittō is part of ancient Ōmi Province. Within Shiga Prefecture, Rittō (栗東市) serves as a city in Shiga Prefecture (municipal incorporation: 2001-10-01) and pairs naturally with wider prefectural highlights such as 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.

What to See & Do in Rittō (栗東市): Landmarks & Sights

Visitors exploring Rittō (栗東市) from Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km) at 107 m elevation (35.0167°N, 136.0000°E) can visit these nearby shrines, temples, parks, and geographic landmarks (with straight-line distances from central Rittō):

• Komasaka Stone Buddhas, National Historic Site — local sightseeing landmark near Rittō (栗東市).
• Otsuki Taisha, Shinto shrine — local sightseeing landmark near Rittō (栗東市).
• Wachūsan Honpo, Edo Period pharmacy, National Historic Site — local sightseeing landmark near Rittō (栗東市).
• Keikan Zan (4.3 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Rittō (栗東市).
• Mikami Mountain (5.1 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Rittō (栗東市).
• Primary Rail Gateway for Rittō: Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km) (connecting to Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen)).

Closest Neighboring Municipalities to Rittō

When planning a regional rail or driving loop around Rittō (栗東市) and Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km), consider pairing your stop with the 5 closest neighboring municipalities across Shiga Prefecture and Kansai:

• Kusatsu (草津市) — 3 km from Rittō (Shiga Prefecture)
• Moriyama (守山市) — 4.7 km from Rittō (Shiga Prefecture)
• Yasu (野洲市) — 6.3 km from Rittō (Shiga Prefecture)
• Konan (湖南市) — 7.8 km from Rittō (Shiga Prefecture)
• Ryūō (竜王町) — 11.4 km from Rittō (Shiga Prefecture)

Getting to Rittō & Getting Around

Train & hub access to Rittō (栗東市) via Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km): 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. From Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen), transfer to local JR or private rail lines serving Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km) to reach central Rittō (35.0167°N, 136.0000°E).

• Local rail & IC cards at Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km): JR regional trains and private commuter lines link Otsu with Rittō (栗東市) and neighboring Kusatsu, Moriyama, Yasu. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) work at major urban gates; for rural branch stations or local buses around Rittō, carry ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station coin lockers: Travelers exploring Rittō and continuing toward Kusatsu can store bags at major transfer stations or check suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker and ship large bags ahead via Takkyubin.
• Driving & car rental around Rittō: While Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km) anchors public transit for Rittō, picking up a rental car at Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen) makes it easy to link Komasaka Stone Buddhas, National Historic Site and Otsuki Taisha, Shinto shrine with nearby Kusatsu (草津市) (3 km), Moriyama (守山市) (4.7 km), Yasu (野洲市) (6.3 km), Konan (湖南市) (7.8 km). See our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

What to Eat in Rittō (栗東市) & Shiga

Dining near Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km) and across Rittō (栗東市) highlights the regional food culture of Shiga Prefecture and Kansai. Look for these local specialties at station restaurants, family-run shokudo, and markets in Rittō:

• Local specialty & terroir of Rittō (栗東市): regional agriculture, seasonal produce, and traditional local craftsmanship.
• Omi wagyu beef (Japan's oldest branded wagyu) — regional specialty enjoyed across Rittō (栗東市) and Shiga Prefecture.
• Funazushi (traditional fermented Lake Biwa fish) — regional specialty enjoyed across Rittō (栗東市) and Shiga Prefecture.
• Biwa trout (Biwamasu) — regional specialty enjoyed across Rittō (栗東市) and Shiga Prefecture.
• Kamo nabe (duck hotpot in Nagahama) — regional specialty enjoyed across Rittō (栗東市) and Shiga Prefecture.

If you are dining in Rittō (栗東市) with food allergies or dietary restrictions, use our Japanese Phrasebook & Allergy Show-Cards at restaurants around Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km).

Where to Stay in Rittō (栗東市)

Visitors staying overnight in Rittō (栗東市) can look for business hotels, traditional ryokan, or family-run minshuku near Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km), or base at major rail hubs in Otsu (Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen)) or neighboring Kusatsu, Moriyama, Yasu for quick train access into Rittō. Compare hotel tiers and ryokan etiquette in our Japan Accommodation Guide.

Best Time to Visit Rittō & Seasonal Highlights

Seasonal guide for Rittō (栗東市, 107 m elevation at 35.0167°N, 136.0000°E): 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.

Wider sightseeing across Shiga Prefecture that pairs well with visiting Komasaka Stone Buddhas, National Historic Site in Rittō (栗東市) includes: 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.

Practical Travel Tips for Rittō (栗東市)

• Tourist information (観光案内所) for Rittō: Stop by the Kankō Annaijo desk at Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen) or Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km) for local bus schedules to Komasaka Stone Buddhas, National Historic Site and walking maps of Rittō (栗東市).
• Cash & ATMs in Rittō: Convenience stores and major hotels around Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km) accept international cards, while smaller eateries and shrines near Komasaka Stone Buddhas, National Historic Site often prefer yen cash; 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs in Rittō accept foreign debit cards.
• Local dining hours in Rittō: Around Rittō Station (栗東駅) (2.9 km) and neighboring Kusatsu, Moriyama, Yasu, lunch service typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM with last orders between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.