Shiga Prefecture is blessed with water and mountains, including Lake Biwa (Biwako) and nearby Mt. Horai and Mt. Hiei.
People who live here enjoy outdoor activities and natural scenery as part of everyday life.
Shiga promotes “Shigarhythm”, a style of travel that lets visitors experience this local way of life and find a calmer pace. This article introduces a model itinerary built around spots where you can experience it.
Highlights include a cafe with sweeping views of the lake and mountains, the flagship shop of a sweets maker set in a nostalgic rural landscape, and a place to stay with plenty of lake activities.
The route also includes shops selling local specialties and a historic sake brewery, so it suits travelers who enjoy food and shopping as well as those who love the outdoors.
DAY1
On Day 1, take a cruise with Biwako Kisen, then visit a long-established sake brewery, Ukimido, a temple hall that appears to float on the lake, and a michi-no-eki roadside station filled with Shiga specialties.
The accommodation offers both water activities and camp activities, so you can enjoy Lake Biwa’s nature to the fullest.
[Biwako Kisen] 10:30 a.m.: Panoramic Views and Onboard Entertainment on the Michigan Cruise
Biwako Kisen operates sightseeing cruises on a variety of routes across Lake Biwa. For first-time visitors to Shiga, the Michigan cruise is a good place to start.
The Michigan is a large paddle-wheel ship that rocks very little, and the Sky Deck on the top floor offers views of Lake Biwa in every direction.
Onboard, the Michigan pursers host music and events, so passengers of all ages can enjoy the trip.
Have an early lunch onboard at the lunch buffet, which features ingredients from Shiga and is served in an elegantly decorated dining room.
If you prefer to eat while enjoying the breeze, there is also a lunch box, as well as the Michigan Bar, which serves Biwako hot dogs and curry with no reservation needed.
Lunch buffet (reservations required)
Cruise: Michigan 90, a 90-minute cruise from and to Otsu Port, departing at 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Venue: Michigan Dining (1st floor) or Michigan Hall (2nd floor), assigned according to group size
Price: Adults 4,200 yen, elementary school students 2,100 yen, children age 2 and up 800 yen (cruise fare not included)
Lunch box (reservations required)
Cruise: Michigan 90, a 90-minute cruise from and to Otsu Port, departing at 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Price: 2,500 yen with one drink (cruise fare not included)
| Biwako Kisen Michigan 90 Address: Otsu Port Passenger Terminal, 5-1-1 Hamaotsu, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture Phone: +81-77-524-5000 (Biwako Kisen Reservation Center, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Operating days: Daily for most of the year; weekends and holidays only in winter. Check the official website for the current schedule. Departures: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fares: Adults (junior high school students and older): 3,400 yen Elementary school students: 1,700 yen Preschool children: Free (one child per adult; for a second child, the elementary school fare applies) Official website: https://www.biwakokisen.co.jp/en/ RESERVATION |
[Naminooto Shuzo] 1:15 p.m.: Find a Relaxing Sake at a Historic Brewery
Naminooto Shuzo is a sake brewery with about 200 years of history.
It brews with Wataribune, a rice variety known as Shiga’s “phantom sake rice,” as well as historic sake rice varieties such as Yamada Nishiki, Omachi, and Aiyama. Its sake is known for a refined sweetness and savory depth.
The brewery’s motto, “new sake in an old jar,” reflects its aim to make sake that helps drinkers relax in any era.
For anyone new to sake, Te to Te is a good choice. Its name reflects the wish to connect with people around the world through carefully handmade sake, and it is fruity and light, with the savory flavor of rice.
| Naminooto Shuzo Address: 1-7-16 Honkatata, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture Phone: +81-77-573-0002 Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (occasional additional closures) Official website (Japanese): https://naminooto.com/ |
[Ukimido (Mangetsu-ji Temple)] 2:00 p.m.: A Temple Hall Floating on the Lake
Ukimido is a temple hall founded in the Heian period by Eshin Sozu, a monk of the Tendai school, who prayed for shujo saido*, the salvation of all living beings.
As its formal name, Kaimonzan Mangetsu-ji (“full moon temple”), suggests, the hall looks especially beautiful when reflected together with the moon.
The sight of wild geese descending near the temple at dusk was also chosen as one of the Eight Views of Omi, under the name “Wild Geese Descending at Katata”*.
The Eight Views celebrate Ukimido in the evening, but under a blue sky, with the lake shining emerald blue, the hall is just as striking.
The view from the stone bridge leading to the hall is unlike that of any other temple.
*Katata is the name of the area.
What is shujo saido?
In Buddhism, shujo refers to all living beings, including people, animals, and plants, and saido means to save and to carry across. Together, shujo saido means “Buddhas and bodhisattvas rescue all suffering beings and guide them to enlightenment.”
The Kannon Hall on the temple grounds enshrines a seated statue of Sho Kannon, designated an Important Cultural Property. People of the past may have sought salvation as they gazed at Ukimido standing on the lake at dusk or under the moon.
| Ukimido Address: 1-16-18 Honkatata, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture Phone: +81-77-572-0455 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 4:30 p.m. in December) Closed: Open daily Admission: 300 yen Reference (Japanese): https://otsu.or.jp/thingstodo/spot159 |
[Michi-no-Eki Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza] 3:00 p.m.: Shiga Flavors with a View of Biwako Ohashi Bridge
Michi-no-Eki Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza offers a wide view of Lake Biwa and the Biwako Ohashi Bridge that crosses it.
Its farm stand gathers the flavors of Shiga, from Omi rice and local sake to fresh vegetables and tsukudani (simmered preserves) made with lake fish.
The souvenir shop sells bento topped with Omi beef steak, sweets, sake, and crafts, and the restaurant serves dishes such as rice bowls topped with Shiga-raised rainbow trout and Omi beef cutlet curry.
Enjoy shopping or a light meal while looking out over the calm lake.
Recommended food to buy here
For meat lovers, try Takashima Tonchan seasoned chicken. Tonchan is a home-style dish from Takashima, Shiga, made with chicken coated in a sweet and savory miso sauce, and it goes perfectly with rice.
Vegetables from the farm stand, such as asparagus, zucchini, and tomatoes, are also full of flavor when grilled.
| Michi-no-Eki Biwako Ohashi Kome Plaza Address: 3-1-1 Imakatata, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture Phone: Farm stand: +81-77-574-6161 Restaurant and souvenir shop: +81-77-572-0510 Information and rest area: +81-77-572-0504 Hours: Farm stand and souvenir shop: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (March to November), 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (December to February) Restaurant: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (March to November), 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (December to February) Information and rest area: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (year-round) Closed: Farm stand: December 31 to January 3 Restaurant and souvenir shop: Open year-round (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on December 31 and January 1) Information and rest area: December 31 and January 1 Official website (Japanese): https://kome-plaza.jp/ |
[Lakeside Terrace Biwako] 4:30 p.m.: A Stay Packed with Activities, Including Pedal-Powered Boards
Tonight’s stay, Lakeside Terrace Biwako, is a glamping resort where you can enjoy both water activities on Lake Biwa and camp activities.
Activity: Make the Most of Lake Biwa’s Nature
On SUP, you stand on a board larger than a surfboard and paddle across the water, and on a kayak, you paddle yourself along the surface. Both can seem difficult for anyone unsure of their balance, core strength, or stamina.
If that sounds like you, try a Hobie (a pedal boat for up to four people).
Hobie is a pedal-driven kayak developed by an American water sports brand.
Up to four people ride on a large board and pedal together across the water. The board is very stable, and a handle makes steering easy.
Because it is a lake, there are few waves, and the fresh water does not leave you sticky, so splashes or a fall into the water are no problem.
Time on the water with family, friends, or a partner is relaxing. SUPs and kayaks are available until 6:00 p.m., so enjoy them as long as your schedule allows.
Lakeside Terrace Biwako provides mess tins, rice cookers, and marshmallow skewers for camp cooking, along with a smoker.
Bacon, eggs, and cheese are classic choices, but you can also buy your favorite vegetables or meat at a roadside station or supermarket and smoke them.
Even beginners may discover how fun camping can be.
Spa: Private Natural Hot Spring Baths
Lakeside Terrace Biwako offers glamping, cottage, and villa accommodations, and every one comes with a natural hot spring bath.
The clear water is a mildly alkaline simple spring that feels soft on the skin. Soak while watching Lake Biwa change with the passing hours.
Gourmet: A Barbecue Menu Featuring Shiga’s Meat and Fish
Shiga is home to many local specialties, including Omi beef, Omi jidori chicken, and Biwa trout raised in Lake Biwa. Barbecue is a simple way to taste them.
With simple seasoning, you can fully taste the rich flavor of the meat, the delicate fish, and the sweetness of fresh vegetables.
Even with a meal plan, you are free to bring your own ingredients, so feel free to add more vegetables, meat, or fish.
| Lakeside Terrace Biwako Address: 1533 Katsuno, Takashima, Shiga Prefecture Phone: +81-50-3198-5847 (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) Official website: https://en.biwako-glamping.com/ |
DAY2
On Day 2, visit Biwako Valley, one of Shiga’s most popular viewpoints, to enjoy the clear mountain air and sweeping views from the summit.
Then head to the Omihachiman area to enjoy mentaiko (spicy cod roe) dishes at Kanefuku Mentai Park, followed by the nostalgic Hachiman-bori canal and La Collina Omihachiman.
This route combines scenery, food, and shopping.
[Biwako Valley] 10:30 a.m.: One-of-a-Kind Views and a Cafe at the Summit
Biwako Valley sits at the summit of Mt. Horai, which rises on the west side of Lake Biwa.
In winter it is a ski area, and from spring to autumn, visitors come for the zip line, the scenic swing, and cafes with sweeping views.
The view from the ropeway to the summit is beautiful, but for a closer feel of the mountain air, ride the sightseeing lift. The lift seats two, which makes it a nice ride for couples.
For more adventure, try the Zipline Adventure, where you glide along hanging from a pulley. The thrill and sense of freedom, as if passing between clouds, are unique to this place.
The average summer temperature at Biwako Valley is about 25°C (77°F), so it is comfortable even for those who dislike midsummer heat.
Café 360, a Cafe with Panoramic Views at the Summit
Café 360, at the summit of Mt. Horai at an elevation of 1,174 meters, is a cafe with sweeping views of Lake Biwa, the towns of Shiga far below, and mountains about 3,000 meters high in the distance.
Settle into a hammock and take a deep breath to refresh yourself.
Biwako Valley also has Ekinaka Kitchen, which serves burgers with a view, and HALUKA, a dining spot for grilled steak, for anyone who wants a full meal.
| Café 360 Open in the green season (summer to autumn) and the winter season Hours vary by season. Check the official website for details. |
| Biwako Valley Address: 1547-1 Kido, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture Phone: +81-77-592-1155 Hours and operating days: Vary by season, and the area closes for maintenance several times a year. Check “Today’s Status” on the official website. Fares: Ropeway fares vary by season. See the official website. Official website: https://www.biwako-valley.com/en/ |
[Kanefuku Mentai Park Biwako] 1:00 p.m.: Try the Limited Mentai Baguette and Jumbo Rice Balls
This is one of six Kanefuku Mentai Park locations in Japan.
Highlights include a factory tour where you can watch mentaiko being marinated and aged, a terrace overlooking Lake Biwa and Mt. Hiei, and a kids’ park where children can run around.
The food corner serves limited-quantity jumbo rice balls and mentai baguettes, as well as mentai soft-serve ice cream, which are fun to share.
There are also options for those who do not like spicy food, so everyone can enjoy the popping texture of mentaiko.
The factory shop sells many mentaiko items that make good souvenirs, including squid with mentaiko and coarse-ground mentaiko sausages that go well with drinks, mentai cookies, and plush toys of the official character Tara-Piyo.
| Kanefuku Mentai Park Biwako Address: 4187 Kikkawa, Yasu, Shiga Prefecture Phone: +81-77-589-8105 Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (food court until 5:00 p.m.) Closed: Open year-round Admission: Free Official website (Japanese): https://mentai-park.com/biwako/ |
[Hachiman-bori Canal Boat Ride] 3:00 p.m.: A Relaxing Ride Through a Nostalgic Scene
The Hachiman-bori canal is the birthplace of the Omi merchants, counted among Japan’s three great merchant groups.
Facing Lake Biwa and well served by water transport, the area flourished as a center of commerce, and the surrounding castle town was lined with merchant houses.
Today, merchant houses atop stone walls, paths along the canal, and small boats gliding quietly on the water create a nostalgic scene that draws many visitors.
Take a Hachiman-bori boat ride on a traditional Japanese boat.
Cherry blossoms and irises in spring, willows in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter make the canal look like the set of a period drama.
| Hachiman-bori Canal Boat Ride Address: 743 Taga-cho, Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture Phone: +81-80-1510-5334 Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed: Open daily Fares: Adults 1,500 yen, children 1,000 yen, infants free Duration: About 35 minutes *No reservation needed Official website (Japanese): https://www.oumi-waden.com/ship |
[La Collina Omihachiman] 4:00 p.m.: Omihachiman’s Rural Landscape and Carefully Made Sweets
For anyone drawn to the nostalgic atmosphere of Omihachiman, La Collina Omihachiman is a good stop.
La Collina Omihachiman is the flagship shop of Taneya and Club Harie, known for their baumkuchen, a famous Shiga sweet.
The site faithfully recreates the traditional rural landscape of Omihachiman, expressing gratitude that Shiga’s beautiful mountains and clean water support the farming behind its food.
There are tours to watch baumkuchen being made and tours to see and touch the soil and living things on the grounds, which are a good way to learn more about Omihachiman’s nature.
There is also a shop selling popular Taneya sweets such as baumkuchen and castella, and a cafe serving seasonal shaved ice, fresh dorayaki, and freshly baked baumkuchen.
Sweets you enjoyed here also make good gifts for friends and family.
| La Collina Omihachiman Address: 615-1 Kitanosho-cho, Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture Phone: +81-748-33-6666 Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed: Irregular days Official website (Japanese): https://taneya.jp/la_collina/ |
Summary
This article introduced a two-day model itinerary focused on southern Shiga.
Each stop shows Shiga’s natural beauty from a different angle, making the route a good way to experience Shigarhythm.
Many spots also offer local specialties, so the trip suits travelers who enjoy food and shopping as well.
More about Shiga and where to stay
