2-Day Shiga Itinerary - Hot Springs, Historic Sites, and Scenic Nature Views

About Shiga Prefecture

Shiga is a prefecture that you’ll no doubt come across as you make your way between the Kanto and Kansai regions as it stands in the center of mainland Japan, neighboring Kyoto, Fukui, Mie, and Gifu. Its convenient location made it a spot on many trade routes over the years, pushing its economic development. Along the way, Shiga also slowly grew into a major player in Japanese Buddhism.

On top of boasting stunning natural scenery, Shiga Prefecture is home to Hikone Castle - one of only five castles in Japan whose main keep is original and listed as a National Treasure - and Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. This lake sits at its center, and as the prefecture is landlocked, summers can be incredibly hot and humid. The locals have found ways to make the best of this, introducing various summertime activities centered around the lake.

Unlike other parts of the country, many tourist places in Shiga aren’t filled with tourists, making it the perfect destination if you want a more leisurely trip. Explore 2-3 spots in a day, or decide where to go according to your mood or the weather. The choice is entirely up to you.

How to Get to Shiga Prefecture

From Osaka to Shiga

By train: You can get to Otsu Station in Shiga Prefecture from Osaka by special rapid train in roughly 40 minutes.

From Nagoya to Shiga

By train: From Nagoya, take the shinkansen to Kyoto Station (around 35 minutes), then take the special rapid express to get to Otsu Station in Shiga Prefecture in around 10 minutes.

The Cheapest Way to Travel Around Shiga Prefecture

If you’ll be traveling a lot around Shiga Prefecture, we recommend getting the Ohmi Rail 2-Day Pass. It allows for unlimited rides on all Ohmi Railway lines, as well as designated Ohmi Bus and Kokoku Bus lines - a great way to save a bit of cash and time!

Day 1: Admire Part of the Eight Views of Omi

Onjo-ji Temple (Mii-dera)

Access: From Otsu Station, walk over to Shimanoseki Station and take the train to Miidera Station. The temple is around a 10-minute walk from the station. The whole journey should take around 30 minutes.

Though the actual name for this temple is Onjo-ji, it got the name Mii-dera (temple of the three wells) because of its sacred spring that Emperor Tenji and Tenmu and Empress Jito bathed in when they were born.

Some other highlights of the temple include its grand Daimon (Niomon) Gate, its main hall which is a designated National Treasure, and its belltower which houses an evening bell that inspired one of the Eight Views of Omi - a collection of scenic spots in Shiga Prefecture. 

Within the temple grounds also sits Honke Chikaraken, a tea shop with over 200 years of history. If you have a bit of time, take a seat, sip on some tea, savor its famous matcha-powdered mochi, and take in the serene atmosphere and the babbling of the sacred spring.

Michigan Cruise

Access: Take the train from Miidera Station to Biwako-hamaotsu Station and the port’s just a 3-minute walk away. The total journey should take a bit under 30 minutes.

The famous Lake Biwa is surprisingly close to Mii-dera Temple. This lake is not only fundamental to the livelihood of the locals, but also a place of relaxation thanks to all the water sports and fun you can have here. One popular activity is leisurely eating and enjoying the sights on a Lake Biwa cruise. If you’re interested, we recommend boarding the Michigan Cruise, an extremely popular sightseeing ship that has been offering tours of the lake since 1982.

The sightseeing cruise was named in honor of the sister city alliance that was formed between Shiga Prefecture and the state of Michigan of the United States. Here, you can indulge in fine food, lovely lake views, and groovy live music. It offers a grand and unique experience, with the interiors completely decked out in Western style - red carpets, giant light fixtures, and much more await.

As for the food? The lunch cruise is especially popular - it’s all-you-can-eat, with a menu that changes seasonally and makes good use of locally-grown ingredients. Don’t miss out on it!

Shopping Spot: COCOSHIGA

Access: 11-minute walk from Otsu Port.

Done with the cruise? Head over to COCOSHIGA for some hardcore souvenir shopping.

This store is set up by the local government and offers goods from all over the prefecture. It’s basically your one-stop shop for souvenirs, selling local traditional crafts and foods, accessories, character goods, and far more.

The staff there are also equipped to help you with your sightseeing. If you’re lost or need some advice on what to do on your Shiga trip, just ask them.

Ukimido (Mangetsuji Temple)

Access: Take the train from Biwako-hamaotsu Station to Katata Station. This will require at least one interchange. From there, you can take a bus to the Katatademachi bus stop, and the temple is just a 5-minute walk away. The total journey should take around an hour depending on which trains you catch.

This unique temple hall almost “floats” on top of Lake Biwa. It was built under the orders of the monk Genshin during the Heian period (794 - 1185) to pray for the safety and enlightenment of the masses.

The view from Ukimido will put anyone’s heart at ease, with migratory birds such as wild geese flying in and out, the surrounding pine-covered cliffs, and more. This spot rightfully deserves a place as one of the Eight Views of Omi, where it is known as “Katata no Rakugan” (Wild Geese Returning Home at Katata).

Ogoto Onsen

Access: Head back to Katata Station and then take the train to Ogotoonsen Station. This should take around 20 minutes.

Located on the bank of Lake Biwa, Ogoto Onsen is a place steeped in over 1,200 years of history and a bit of mystery. Some say it was founded by Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, while others say it was established around Hokoji Temple, which was established by Saicho. Regarding the latter, it’s said that locals at the temple discovered an underground spring that had amazing healing effects on illnesses. True or false, it’s still an incredibly popular sightseeing destination today.

If you’re looking to spend a night here, we recommend BIWAKO HANAKAIDO as it’s close to both the local attractions and Lake Biwa. On top of its panoramic views of the lake, the hotel offers a grand dinner experience where you can indulge in local vegetables, fresh seafood caught on the lake, marbled Omi beef, and much more. Don’t forget to relax in their hot springs, which are believed to have great effects on the skin, making it smooth and supple.

Day 2: Explore the History and Nature of Shiga Prefecture

Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple

Access: Take the train from Ogotoonsen Station to Hieizan-Sakamoto Station, then take the bus and get off at the Cable Sakamotoeki bus stop. From there, take the cable car and the temple’s just a short walk from the last stop. The total journey should take around 1 hour.

Established by monk Saicho in 788, Enryakuji Temple is an important historical site as it has produced many influential figures in Japanese Buddhism, including some who have gone on to form their own large sects. It is especially known for its strict practices, from 12 year seclusions to 1,000-day marathons and 9-day water and food fasts.

In 1994, it was registered as a World Heritage Site. Today, it is home to numerous National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties - so much so that exploring it all on foot can take a really long time. Luckily, there’s a bus to take you from area to area!

If you get hungry, head over to Hieizan Minemichi which offers gorgeous lake views and a menu that fully utilizes the local ingredients, such as mountain vegetables. Enjoy the flavors of the locality, such as Mt. Hiei’s famous sesame tofu!

Biwako Valley / The Biwako Terrace

Access: Go all the way back to Hieizan-Sakamoto Station and take the train to Shiga Station. There’s a bus that will take you from there to the resort. Get off at the “Biwako Valley-mae” bus stop. The total journey should take you around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

You can find ropeways all across Japan, but the fastest is in Shiga Prefecture at just 5 minutes!

At the end of the ropeway sits The Biwako Terrace, located at an altitude of 1,100 meters. It offers an incredible panoramic view of Lake Biwa - you can see it in its entirety, from the northern to southern tips!

It has two observation points, the Grand Terrace and North Terrace, each with a different viewpoint. The Grand Terrace is open all year round and sits facing the middle of Lake Biwa, so you can get a glimpse of the lake in its entirety. The North Terrace, closed in winter, faces north, so that’s the part of Lake Biwa you can see the most from there.

There’s also plenty of outdoor activities you can indulge in if you come in spring or summer, such as grass sledding at Summer land or “sky walking” at Sky Walker. The area is also covered with daffodils during these seasons, adding a touch of vitality to the surroundings. The main winter attraction is the Biwako Valley Ski Resort - with its numerous ski courses and soft powder snow, it attracts people of all skill levels for some good fun in the snow.

Local Food to Try: Omi Beef

When it comes to wagyu in Kansai, most people think of Matsusaka or Kobe beef, but Shiga Prefecture also has its own popular brand of wagyu beef: Omi beef.

Omi beef is one of Japan’s top three wagyu brands. It is also one of the oldest. Eating beef wasn’t common in Japan until the Meiji era (1860 - 1912). Despite this, Omi beef has actually been eaten for over 400 years!

For beef to be labeled Omi beef, the cattle has to meet several stringent requirements, including being raised in Shiga Prefecture. The result is beef that’s beautifully marbled, with a mellow aroma and addictive melt-in-the-mouth texture. It’s fatty but not too much so, attracting even those who don’t like very fatty cuts of meat.

Omi beef tastes amazing in sukiyaki or even barbecued. We’ve intentionally left this part of the itinerary open for you to taste the local wonders, so do take the opportunity to taste this fantastic brand of wagyu beef.

Biwako Flower Fountain

Access: Head back to Shiga Station and take the train to Otsukyo Station. Transfer to Keihan-otsukyo Station and make your way to Biwako-Hamaotsu Station by train. Now you just have to walk for around 5 minutes to reach your destination.

As night falls on Otsu Port, the lights flicker on and the harbor takes on a romantic air. The fountain nearby that sprays cool mist at noon turns into a light show at dusk with green, orange, and white lights taking center stage.

Installed in March 1995, this fountain can gush water up to 40 meters into the air at many different angles. Its performances change to match whatever the local show is, sometimes even extending in length. It’s a must-see if you’re in the area!

Stay the Night: Hotel Koo Otsuhyakucho

Access: Around a 13-minute walk from the fountain.

In the past, Otsu was a popular rest stop along the Old Tokaido Road as it wasn’t far from Kyoto and it also had a port. Many travelers heading between the east and west regions of Japan would spend a night here, resting their weary bodies and sometimes even fitting in a bit of sightseeing.

If you want to replicate that experience, stop over at Hotel Koo Otsuhyakucho. It offers a different experience from typical hotels, as it covers several renovated townhouses all located in a once vibrant district, each with their own unique decor and style.

Staying a couple of nights in these renovated Japanese townhouses feels like blending into the local everyday. It’s a different yet spiritually healing way of exploring Shiga Prefecture.

Far More Awaits in Shiga Prefecture

That's pretty much it for the end of our suggested itinerary, but Shiga Prefecture has so much more waiting to be explored - we've just covered some of the more popular spots. Will you continue to explore or call it a trip and go home? Either way, if you embark on this itinerary, we hope you'll have made many lasting memories!

Here's some other Shiga articles we recommend:
Shiga 2-Day Itinerary: Exploring Japan’s Largest Lake and Surroundings