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What are the hidden charms of Shiga Prefecture that attract foreigners? Introducing spots that even locals don't know about
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In recent years, demand for regional tourist destinations within Japan has been growing year by year, even among foreign tourists. Among these destinations, Shiga Prefecture, located near Kyoto and Osaka but relatively undeveloped as a tourist destination, has been gaining attention. With beautiful natural scenery, including Lake Biwa, historically significant temples and shrines, and a richly local cuisine and culture, Shiga Prefecture has earned high praise from international visitors as a place offering an authentic Japanese experience. This article thoroughly introduces recommended travel spots, cultural experiences, transportation, and accommodations for international tourists. It delves deeply into Shiga's charms in an easy-to-understand manner, including hidden gems often overlooked even by locals, as well as authentic accounts of delighted foreign travelers. This article serves as a complete guide for inbound tourists seeking hidden gems in Japan, serving as a useful reference for planning your trip.
Table of Contents
What is Shiga Prefecture? An overview of its unique attractions for foreigners
Shiga Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan, adjacent to Kyoto Prefecture to the east. Its greatest feature is that Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, takes up about one-sixth of the prefecture's land area. Having developed as a strategic commercial hub utilizing water transportation since ancient times, Shiga still retains its historic streets, castle towns, shrines and temples throughout the prefecture.
The presence of Lake Biwa, a world-class freshwater lake
Lake Biwa boasts an area of approximately 670 square kilometers and is known as Japan's largest freshwater lake. Its shores are home to a wide range of activities that allow you to become one with nature, such as cycling, cruises, and canoeing, making it an irresistible attraction for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
Easy access to Kyoto and Osaka
Shiga Prefecture is well-connected by bullet trains, trains, and expressways, and is easily accessible from Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport. It's only a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto, and less than an hour from Osaka, making it a great place for a day trip.
Top 5 tourist destinations popular with foreigners
1. Hikone Castle: History of the Warring States Period and the Cute "Hikonyan"
Hikone Castle, a national treasure, is a beautiful castle building completed in 1607. Its excellent state of preservation and the spectacular view of Lake Biwa from the castle tower leave a strong impression on foreign visitors. Hikone Castle's mascot, "Hikonyan," is also popular with foreign tourists, who often post photos of its cuteness on social media.
②Omihachiman: Historical Streets and Waterside Tour
Omihachiman is a town where the merchant houses and canal scenery of the Edo period remain, and the "Water Town Tour" experience, similar to that of Venice, Italy, is popular among foreigners. This experience of leisurely floating down the small canals in a Japanese boat is a rare opportunity to experience the silence and beauty of the four seasons that are unique to Japan.
3. Nagahama City: Kurokabe Square and Traditional Crafts
Nagahama City is home to a retro tourist area centered around the Kurokabe Glass Museum, where the unique townscape, where Western-style architecture and Japanese-style townhouses coexist, is photogenic. In particular, activities where you can try your hand at glass crafts, pottery, and Japanese sweets making are very popular with foreign tourists.
④ Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei: World Heritage Site and the Spirit of Zen
The 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 the perfect place to learn about Japanese Buddhist culture. Many foreign visitors wish to try out Zen meditation or sutra copying, making it an essential spot for travelers who want to deepen their understanding of Japanese spiritual culture.
5. Shirahige Shrine: A Japanese-style torii gate floating on Lake Biwa
The sight of the torii gate floating on the lake's surface has attracted the attention of travelers from all over the world, who say it resembles Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima. Photos taken in the early morning and evening are particularly magical, and the number of them posted to social media sites like Instagram is increasing day by day.
Gourmet food and food culture popular among foreigners
Omi Beef: The pinnacle of Wagyu beef that captivates palates around the world
Omi Beef, a brand of beef that Shiga Prefecture is proud of, is one of Japan's three great wagyu beef brands and ranks highly among the attractions for foreign visitors. In particular, the styles of grilling and boiling in front of you, such as teppanyaki, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu, are visually appealing and highly rated as an experience.
Funazushi: A fermented food that tickles your adventurous spirit
Shiga's traditional food, "Funa-zushi," is considered a bit of a challenge for foreigners, but it is seen as an interesting experience by people who are interested in fermented food culture, especially tourists from Europe. There are more and more opportunities to sample it in guided tours and other food culture experiences, and once you can get over the unique smell and taste, it is an unforgettable dining experience.
Local sake and craft beer: Craft flavors born from the waters of Lake Biwa
Shiga Prefecture is a treasure trove of high-quality water. Utilizing this, there are many sake breweries and craft beer breweries, making it an irresistible tourist resource for foreigners who love Japanese sake. English-language tasting tours are also on the rise, and there are many limited-edition products that can only be tasted locally, which can sometimes be taken home as a memento of your trip.
Why experiential tourism is popular
Experience the Japanese countryside through farming and fishing experiences
In Shiga, experiential tourism set in rural Japan is gaining attention. Rice planting, rice harvesting, vegetable harvesting, and fishing experiences in fishing villages offer a glimpse of Japan's unspoiled landscapes that cannot be experienced in urban areas. These experiences are also gaining interest as "sustainable tourism."
A wide variety of traditional culture workshops
In Kusatsu and Otsu, workshops where you can learn about Japanese culture, such as making Japanese sweets, origami, and wearing a kimono, are popular. These workshops allow you to have original experiences that are not found in guidebooks, and are leading to an increase in repeat visitors.
English support and current tourism infrastructure
Shiga Prefecture as a whole is becoming more and more prepared to welcome foreign tourists every year. Tourist information centers and major facilities are gradually installing English-speaking staff and information signs, and major transportation routes are also introducing English-language announcements and signs. Furthermore, efforts are underway to expand Wi-Fi installation locations and introduce mobile payment systems.
Access and model route
It's also easily accessible via Kansai Airport, Itami Airport, and the Shinkansen. Below is a popular model route: Day 1: Kyoto Station → Otsu City (Lake Biwa Cruise) → Hieizan Enryakuji Temple Day 2: Nagahama → Kurokabe Square → Hikone Castle Day 3: Omihachiman → Waterside Tour → Omi Beef Lunch In this way, you can create an efficient route that suits the number of days you have.
Accommodation situation for foreign tourists
Shiga Prefecture has a wide range of accommodations, from hotels that are comfortable for foreigners to hot spring inns, guesthouses, and private lodgings. Particularly noteworthy are the hot spring inns on the shores of Lake Biwa, which are extremely popular as places that offer a uniquely Japanese atmosphere and relaxation. The number of facilities offering English support is increasing every year, and their reputation is also improving.
Experience local events and seasonal festivals
Seasonal events such as the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival in spring, the Lake Biwa Fireworks Display in summer, the Omi Shrine Festival in autumn, and the Snow Viewing Boat Cruise in winter further enhance the charm of Shiga. These festivals are a valuable opportunity to interact with local residents, and are highly praised by visitors, who say they "felt more like Japan."
Challenges and prospects for inbound tourism
While Shiga Prefecture is promoting inbound tourism, it has also been pointed out that there are issues such as a lack of multilingual tourist information, a shortage of interpreter guides, and difficulty in transferring between public transport. However, with the understanding of local residents and the cooperation of small and medium-sized enterprises, there is great hope for further improvement and development in the future.
summary
Shiga Prefecture is a valuable region for foreign travelers to experience a "lesser-known Japan." The natural beauty of Lake Biwa, historical architecture, traditional culture, and the warm hospitality of the local people will leave a deep impression on all who visit. With inbound tourism now soaring, Shiga Prefecture is an ideal destination for those who want to experience authentic Japan while avoiding the crowds. We hope that this article will encourage as many foreign travelers as possible to experience Shiga's charms and contribute to the region's sustainable development.
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