Things to Do in Takashima (高島市), Shiga: Sights, Train Access & Travel Guide

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

Overview & City Profile

Takashima (高島市) in Shiga Prefecture (Kansai, Japan) is anchored by local sights including Shimizuyama Castle ruins, National Historic Site, Tōju Shoin, National Historic Site, Biwa Lake (12.0 km) and served by Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km) via the regional hub at Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen). Set at 107 m elevation (35.3500°N, 136.0333°E), Takashima 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 Wakasa (若狭町) (22.7 km), Maibara (米原市) (23 km), Nagahama (長浜市) (23 km), Hikone (彦根市) (23.1 km).

Takashima is located on the western shore of Lake Biwa in the northwestern portion of Shiga Prefecture. The Adogawa and Ishida rivers form alluvial fans in the eastern part of the city on the shores of Lake Biwa, whereas the inland areas rise to the Nosaka and Hira Mountains. Takashima is part of ancient Ōmi Province and has been settled since at least the Yayoi period. The Kofun period Emperor Keitai was born in what is now Takashima, and there are many burial tumuli within the city limits. The economy of Takashima is centered on agriculture and light manufacturing. Within Shiga Prefecture, Takashima (高島市) serves as a city in Shiga Prefecture (municipal incorporation: 2005-01-01) 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 Takashima (高島市): Landmarks & Sights

Visitors exploring Takashima (高島市) from Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km) at 107 m elevation (35.3500°N, 136.0333°E) can visit these nearby shrines, temples, parks, and geographic landmarks (with straight-line distances from central Takashima):

• Shimizuyama Castle ruins, National Historic Site — local sightseeing landmark near Takashima (高島市).
• Tōju Shoin, National Historic Site — local sightseeing landmark near Takashima (高島市).
• Biwa Lake (12.0 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Takashima (高島市).
• Chikubu-shima (12.8 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Takashima (高島市).
• Take-shima (14.4 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Takashima (高島市).
• Primary Rail Gateway for Takashima: Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km) (connecting to Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen)).

Closest Neighboring Municipalities to Takashima

When planning a regional rail or driving loop around Takashima (高島市) and Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km), consider pairing your stop with the 5 closest neighboring municipalities across Shiga Prefecture and Kansai:

• Wakasa (若狭町) — 22.7 km from Takashima (Fukui Prefecture)
• Maibara (米原市) — 23 km from Takashima (Shiga Prefecture)
• Nagahama (長浜市) — 23 km from Takashima (Shiga Prefecture)
• Hikone (彦根市) — 23.1 km from Takashima (Shiga Prefecture)
• Toyosato (豊郷町) — 24.7 km from Takashima (Shiga Prefecture)

Getting to Takashima & Getting Around

Train & hub access to Takashima (高島市) via Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 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 Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km) to reach central Takashima (35.3500°N, 136.0333°E).

• Local rail & IC cards at Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km): JR regional trains and private commuter lines link Otsu with Takashima (高島市) and neighboring Wakasa, Maibara, Nagahama. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) work at major urban gates; for rural branch stations or local buses around Takashima, carry ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station coin lockers: Travelers exploring Takashima and continuing toward Wakasa 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 Takashima: While Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km) anchors public transit for Takashima, picking up a rental car at Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen) makes it easy to link Shimizuyama Castle ruins, National Historic Site and Tōju Shoin, National Historic Site with nearby Wakasa (若狭町) (22.7 km), Maibara (米原市) (23 km), Nagahama (長浜市) (23 km), Hikone (彦根市) (23.1 km). See our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

What to Eat in Takashima (高島市) & Shiga

Dining near Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km) and across Takashima (高島市) highlights the regional food culture of Shiga Prefecture and Kansai. Look for these local specialties at station restaurants, family-run shokudo, and markets in Takashima:

• Local specialty & terroir of Takashima (高島市): sweet cherry (sakuranbo) orchards and highland fruit farming alongside regional agriculture, seasonal produce, and traditional local craftsmanship.
• Omi wagyu beef (Japan's oldest branded wagyu) — regional specialty enjoyed across Takashima (高島市) and Shiga Prefecture.
• Funazushi (traditional fermented Lake Biwa fish) — regional specialty enjoyed across Takashima (高島市) and Shiga Prefecture.
• Biwa trout (Biwamasu) — regional specialty enjoyed across Takashima (高島市) and Shiga Prefecture.
• Kamo nabe (duck hotpot in Nagahama) — regional specialty enjoyed across Takashima (高島市) and Shiga Prefecture.

If you are dining in Takashima (高島市) with food allergies or dietary restrictions, use our Japanese Phrasebook & Allergy Show-Cards at restaurants around Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km).

Where to Stay in Takashima (高島市)

Visitors staying overnight in Takashima (高島市) can look for business hotels, traditional ryokan, or family-run minshuku near Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km), or base at major rail hubs in Otsu (Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen)) or neighboring Wakasa, Maibara, Nagahama for quick train access into Takashima. Compare hotel tiers and ryokan etiquette in our Japan Accommodation Guide.

Best Time to Visit Takashima & Seasonal Highlights

Seasonal guide for Takashima (高島市, 107 m elevation at 35.3500°N, 136.0333°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 Shimizuyama Castle ruins, National Historic Site in Takashima (高島市) 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 Takashima (高島市)

• Tourist information (観光案内所) for Takashima: Stop by the Kankō Annaijo desk at Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen) or Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km) for local bus schedules to Shimizuyama Castle ruins, National Historic Site and walking maps of Takashima (高島市).
• Cash & ATMs in Takashima: Convenience stores and major hotels around Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km) accept international cards, while smaller eateries and shrines near Shimizuyama Castle ruins, National Historic Site often prefer yen cash; 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs in Takashima accept foreign debit cards.
• Local dining hours in Takashima: Around Shinasahi Station (新旭駅) (0.6 km) and neighboring Wakasa, Maibara, Nagahama, 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.