Shiga Prefecture, located right next to Kyoto and Osaka, is attracting attention from foreign tourists as an area where you can experience the "real Japan" without being overly touristy. It is characterized by a balanced combination of beautiful nature centered around Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, historic castle towns and temples and shrines, as well as local cuisine and cultural experiences.

Here's what you'll learn in this article:

• Why Shiga Prefecture is a unique travel destination for foreigners
• Popular tourist spots and hidden gems for foreigners
• Information on gourmet foods unique to Shiga, such as Omi beef and funazushi
• Experience-based tourism such as agricultural experiences and traditional culture workshops
• English support, transportation access, model routes, accommodation information
• Seasonal event information and issues and prospects for inbound tourism

This book can be used as a guide to gain a deeper understanding of Shiga Prefecture for inbound travelers looking for hidden gems when traveling to Japan, and for those who want to guide foreign guests.

What is Shiga Prefecture? The unique charms seen from a foreigner's perspective

Shiga Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan, adjacent to Kyoto Prefecture to the east. Its greatest feature is that Lake Biwa , Japan's largest lake, takes up about one-sixth of the prefecture's land area. Since ancient times, the prefecture has developed as a strategic commercial hub that made use of water transportation, and as a result, historical townscapes, castle towns, shrines and temples remain throughout the prefecture.

The presence of Lake Biwa, a world-class freshwater lake

Lake Biwa, with an area of approximately 670 square kilometers, is known worldwide as the largest freshwater lake in Japan.

• cycling
• cruise
• Canoe experience

With a full range of activities that allow you to become one with nature, it is a must-see spot for foreign tourists who love the outdoors. The scenery of the tranquil lake and mountains is highly acclaimed as a place where you can experience the original Japanese landscape.

Easy access from Kyoto and Osaka, and even a day trip is possible

Shiga Prefecture is well-connected by Shinkansen, conventional train lines, and expressways, and is easily accessible from Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport. It is about 20 minutes by train from Kyoto and less than an hour from Osaka, so

• Side trips while staying in Kyoto and Osaka
• Day trips

It is also attractive for foreign travelers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience Japanese culture in a calm atmosphere.

Top 5 Shiga sightseeing spots popular among foreigners

Here we will introduce five representative spots that are popular among foreign tourists. The lineup offers a good balance of history, nature, and cultural experiences.

1. Hikone Castle: History of the Warring States Period and the Popular Character "Hikonyan"

Hikone Castle is a national treasure castle building completed in 1607. Its excellent state of preservation and the spectacular view of Lake Biwa from the castle tower leave a lasting impression on foreign visitors. By walking around the castle grounds and castle town, you can experience firsthand the history of Japan from the Sengoku period to the Edo period.

Hikone Castle's mascot character, "Hikonyan," is also popular with tourists from overseas. Many tourists time their appearances to take photos and purchase merchandise, and his adorable appearance is frequently shared on social media.

②Omihachiman: Historical Streetscapes and a "Water Town Tour" Experience

Omihachiman is a historic town where the merchant houses and canal scenery from the Edo period remain. Particularly popular is the "Water Town Tour" experience, which is said to be reminiscent of Venice, Italy.

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In this activity, you will board a Japanese boat and slowly sail through a small canal.

• The townscape reflected on the water
• Flowers of all seasons
• Birdsong and the sound of water

You can experience the silence and seasonal beauty that are unique to Japan with all five senses. Although it is not flashy, it is highly rated by foreigners as a calming experience.

3. Nagahama City: Kurokabe Square and traditional craft experience

Nagahama City is home to Kurokabe Square , a retro tourist area centered around the Kurokabe Glass Museum. The unique townscape, where Western-style architecture and Japanese-style townhouses coexist, is photogenic and enjoyable even just strolling around.

Particularly popular with foreign tourists is

• Glass craft experience
• Pottery experience
• Japanese sweets making experience

These are workshops on traditional crafts and food culture, such as the above. The fact that you can create something with your own hands and take it home as a memento of your trip has been well received, and the event has been supported as a form of tourism where you can participate rather than just watch.

4. Mount Hiei Enryakuji Temple: Experience the spirit of Japanese Buddhism and Zen at this World Heritage Site

Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei is the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, built approximately 1,200 years ago, and is registered as a World Heritage Site. It is the perfect place to learn about Japanese Buddhist culture, and is popular with foreign tourists who want to experience the Japanese spiritual world in a solemn atmosphere.

actually,

• Zen meditation experience
• Sutra copying experience

Many foreigners visit the area hoping to do things like this, and some people visit not just for sightseeing but also to take time to reflect on themselves. It is also appealing because it can be accessed from both the Kyoto and Shiga sides, making it easy to incorporate into your Kansai travel itinerary.

⑤ Shirahige Shrine: A fantastical view created by a torii gate floating on Lake Biwa

Shirahige Shrine is known for the view of its torii gate standing on the surface of Lake Biwa. Its appearance is often compared to Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, and it has attracted attention from travelers from all over the world.

especially,

• Early morning quiet time
• The time when the evening sun colors the lake surface

The photos taken there are so fantastical that the number of photos posted to social media sites such as Instagram is increasing day by day. It is quickly becoming a must-see spot for photo travelers.

Must-try gourmet food and food culture in Shiga

Shiga Prefecture has developed a unique food culture thanks to the blessings of Lake Biwa and its rich natural environment. Here we will introduce some of the gourmet foods that are particularly popular with foreigners.

Omi Beef: The pinnacle of Wagyu beef that captivates palates around the world

Omi beef is a brand of beef that Shiga Prefecture is proud of, and is counted as one of Japan's three major wagyu beef breeds. Characterized by fine marbling, tender meat, and a rich flavor, it ranks highly among the "impressive points" for foreign tourists.

The style of presentation is

• Teppanyaki
• Sukiyaki
• Shabu-shabu

These are popular, and the lively atmosphere of the food being grilled and cooked right in front of you is appreciated as an "experience-based gourmet experience" that can be enjoyed not only taste-wise but also visually.

Funazushi: A traditional fermented food that will tickle your adventurous spirit

Funazushi is a traditional Shiga fermented food made with Nigorobuna (carp) from Lake Biwa. Due to its unique aroma and flavor, it is sometimes considered a bit intimidating for foreigners, but tourists interested in fermented food culture, especially those from Europe, find it an interesting experience.

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In recent years,

• Food and culture experience with a tour guide
• An explanatory program with tastings

Opportunities to try funazushi are increasing, with some people saying things like, "I was surprised at first, but it's an unforgettable taste." It's a uniquely Shiga food experience that's worth trying at least once.

Local sake and craft beer: Craft flavors nurtured by the waters of Lake Biwa

Shiga Prefecture is blessed with high-quality water,

• Japanese sake breweries
• Craft beer breweries

For foreign tourists who love sake, visiting breweries and tasting is a major pleasure of their trip.

In recent years,

• English-speaking tasting tour
• Experience program combined with brewery tour

The number of such products is on the rise, and many tourists are buying limited edition products that can only be tasted locally as souvenirs. Be sure to experience the delicate flavors created by the waters of Lake Biwa for yourself.

Why is experiential tourism popular with foreigners?

In Shiga Prefecture, instead of tourism that is just for sightseeing, experiential tourism that is deeply connected to local life and culture is gaining attention. This matches the needs of foreign tourists who are looking for a more authentic experience of Japan.

Experience rural Japanese life through farming and fishing experiences

In rural areas of Shiga,

• Rice planting and harvesting
• Vegetable harvest
• Fishing experience in a fishing village

These are some of the experiential programs that are set in the Japanese countryside. The appeal is that you can interact with local people while working in a setting that is unspoiled and unspoiled, something you can't experience in the city.

These experiences are also attracting attention as part of sustainable tourism that takes the environment and local communities into consideration, and are being praised as a new style of travel that benefits both tourists and local communities.

Traditional Culture Workshop: Create your own unique experience

In areas such as Kusatsu and Otsu,

• Making Japanese sweets
• Origami experience
• Kimono dressing

Workshops that teach Japanese culture such as the above are very popular. There are also many small-scale, intimate programs that are not featured prominently in guidebooks, and the fact that participants can have their own original experiences has led to an increase in repeat visitors.

Many of these activities can be completed in a short amount of time, making them easy to incorporate into your sightseeing route.

English support and current tourism infrastructure

Shiga Prefecture as a whole is making progress every year in improving its environment to welcome foreign tourists.

• English-speaking staff will be available at tourist information centers and major tourist facilities.
• Providing information boards and pamphlets in English
• Introduction of English announcements and signs on major transportation routes
• Expansion of free Wi-Fi spots
• Introducing credit cards and mobile payments

Although it is not yet as perfect as urban areas, it is becoming a relatively safe and easy-to-visit region for foreigners who want to travel to Japan's countryside but are worried about the language and transportation.

Access to Shiga and recommended route

Shiga Prefecture can be easily accessed via Kansai Airport, Itami Airport, the Shinkansen, etc. It can easily be incorporated into itineraries based in Kyoto or Osaka, and it is possible to create an efficient route depending on the number of days you have.

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Below is a popular model route that allows you to experience Shiga's representative attractions in a compact space.

• Day 1: Kyoto Station → Otsu City (Lake Biwa Cruise) → Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei
• Day 2: Nagahama → Stroll around Kurokabe Square → Hikone Castle
• Day 3: Omihachiman → Waterside Tour → Omi Beef Lunch

In this way, by combining the natural beauty of Lake Biwa, historical buildings, the castle town, and gourmet food in a well-balanced way, you can fully experience the charm of Shiga in just three days. Depending on the length of your stay, you can also add in visits to Shirahige Shrine and agricultural experiences.

Characteristics of accommodation facilities for foreign tourists

Shiga Prefecture has a variety of accommodations where foreigners can stay comfortably.

• Business hotels and city hotels
• Hot spring inn on the shores of Lake Biwa
• guest house
• Private lodging

Particularly popular are hot spring inns on the shores of Lake Biwa . The experience of staying in an open-air bath overlooking the lake and a Japanese-style room is a major draw for foreign tourists seeking the unique Japanese atmosphere and relaxation.

The number of facilities with English-speaking staff is increasing every year, and their ratings on review sites are also rising. Many inns will provide detailed explanations of hot spring etiquette and how to use the Japanese-style rooms, so even foreigners staying at a Japanese inn for the first time can feel at ease.

Experience Shiga's four seasons through local events and seasonal festivals

Shiga Prefecture hosts events and festivals throughout the year, and you can enjoy different attractions depending on the time of year you visit.

• Spring: Nagahama Hikiyama Festival
• Summer: Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival
• Autumn: Omi Shrine Festival
• Winter: Snow Viewing Boat Cruise

These events allow visitors to experience traditional Japanese culture and the seasons while interacting with local residents, and are highly praised by many visitors, who say they "felt a deeper connection to Japan." If the timing is right for your trip, be sure to include one in your itinerary.

Challenges and future prospects for inbound tourism

While Shiga Prefecture is making progress in promoting inbound tourism, several issues have also been pointed out.

• There are some areas where tourist information and pamphlets are not fully multilingual.
• A shortage of interpreter guides
• Public transport connections in rural areas are difficult to understand

However, with the understanding of local residents and cooperation from small and medium-sized enterprises, efforts to improve these issues are growing. There is great potential for further development in this region, including the expansion of English-language services and the development of experiential content.

Summary: Head to Shiga Prefecture for a quiet experience of authentic Japan

Shiga Prefecture is a valuable area for foreign tourists to experience a side of Japan that is not yet known . The magnificent nature of Lake Biwa, historical buildings and castle towns, traditional cultural workshops, and the warm hospitality of the local people leave a deep impression on all who visit.

With inbound tourism booming and overcrowding at popular tourist destinations becoming a problem, Shiga Prefecture is an ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentic Japanese experience in a tranquil environment.

It is hoped that this article will encourage as many foreign travelers as possible to experience the charms of Shiga and forge lasting connections with the region. If you're visiting Kyoto or Osaka, be sure to take a step further and discover the hidden charms of Shiga Prefecture.

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