Shiga Prefecture offers a mix of rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Located east of Kyoto, this area is best known for Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan.
Its neighbour, Kyoto, overshadows Shiga.
But it has its unique charm.
What makes Shiga special are the little-known facts and tidbits.
They give this region its unique character.
Here are some amazing experiences youy can have in Shiga prefecture:
Uncovering these unusual facts about Shiga gives you a deeper appreciation of one of Japan’s hidden gems.
- 1) The Koka Ninja House
- 2) Lake Biwa – Japan's Largest Freshwater Lake
- 3) Hikone Castle
- 4) Nagahama Bonbai Festival
- 5) The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park
- 6) Omihachiman's Spring Water
- 7) Sagawa Art Museum
- 8) Samurai Swordsmanship Experience in Koka
- 9) Mystery of Buddha Statues in Hikone
- 10) Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine – Power Spot
- 11) Mount Hiei Driveway
- 12) Ninjas Gathering for Koka Marathon
- 13) Delicious Funazushi – An Acquired Taste
- 14) Haiku Road in Koka
- 15) Genkyu-en Garden's Hidden Paths
Here are some interesting facts about Shiga.
1) The Koka Ninja House
The Koka Ninja House in Shiga Prefecture is a unique place to visit.
The house is located in Koka City and is around 300 years old.
From the outside, it looks like a typical house.
But it’s full of hidden traps and escape routes used by ninjas.
You can explore the house and see tools like shuriken.
There’s even a chance to dress up as a ninja.
2) Lake Biwa – Japan’s Largest Freshwater Lake
Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan, covering about a third of Shiga Prefecture.
Its surface area is approximately 670 square kilometres, with a maximum depth of 103 metres.
Near Kyoto, this ancient lake is over 4 million years old.
It’s one of the oldest lakes in the world and has a rich history.
You can explore the scenic beauty and diverse wildlife around its shores.
There are plenty of activities like boating, fishing, and bird watching.
3) Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle is a gem in Shiga Prefecture.
This Edo-period castle stands proudly in Hikone City.
It is one of the few castles in Japan that still has its original keep.
Built in 1603, it has a history of over 400 years.
The castle was home to the Ii clan, a famous samurai family.
The breathtaking view from its hilltop location gives you a glimpse into Japan’s rich past.
The castle is also known for its beautiful surrounding landscape.
You can explore the castle grounds, including the original walls and turrets, which have stood since the Edo era.
4) Nagahama Bonbai Festival
The Nagahama Bonbai Festival is a charming event held in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture.
It celebrates the blooming of plum blossoms in early spring.
Held at Keiunkan, a historic guest house and Japanese garden, the festival showcases around 90 plum trees carefully arranged in a traditional tatami-mat room.
This event offers a unique glimpse into Japanese culture.
It’s a family-friendly affair with an admission fee of 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for kids.
5) The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park
If you love ceramics, you should visit the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park.
This place is in Shigaraki, known for its pottery.
The park has a museum that focuses on ceramic art.
There is also an exhibition hall showing industrial ceramics.
6) Omihachiman’s Spring Water
Imagine walking through Omihachiman, a historic town by Lake Biwa.
You find yourself by a crystal-clear spring.
It’s incredible how clean and fresh the water looks.
Locals say you can drink straight from it!
Didn’t try it myself, though.
7) Sagawa Art Museum
Sagawa Art Museum opened on March 22, 1998.
It’s located in Moriyama, Shiga Prefecture, close to Lake Biwa.
The museum celebrates the legacy of Sagawa Express Co., Ltd.
The museum is surrounded by stunning nature.
The striking building has a minimalist design and a pond that reflects the sky.
The museum features an “underwater room”.
Light filters through the pond above, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
8) Samurai Swordsmanship Experience in Koka
In Koka, you can immerse yourself in the art of samurai swordsmanship.
Experienced instructors will guide you through the basics.
It’s a hands-on experience that brings history to life.
You’ll learn techniques used by real samurais.
Sharpen your skills and enjoy a unique part of Japan’s culture.
9) Mystery of Buddha Statues in Hikone
In Tennei-ji Temple in Shiga, you’ll come across some fascinating Buddha statues
They’re not just ornaments but hold deep cultural and historical significance.
The Hikone butsudan, or household Buddhist altars, are unique to this area.
10) Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine – Power Spot
You’ll find Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture.
This shrine has a long history, dating back over 2,100 years.
It originally protected the new capital when Emperor Tenji moved it to Ōtsu.
The shrine is notable for its unique blend of Shintoism and Tendai Buddhism, known as syncretism.
This fusion merges the worship of three sacred mountain gods.
11) Mount Hiei Driveway
The Mount Hiei Driveway is a must-visit if you’re in Shiga Prefecture.
This scenic road offers stunning views as you ascend the mountain.
You can drive or take a bus up.
Enryakuji Temple is one of the main stops.
Mount Hiei spans both Shiga and Kyoto Prefectures.
12) Ninjas Gathering for Koka Marathon
Shiga Prefecture has a special marathon where participants dress up as ninjas.
This event attracts ninja enthusiasts from all over.
Running in the Koka Marathon lets you feel like a true warrior!
13) Delicious Funazushi – An Acquired Taste
If you visit Shiga Prefecture, you have to try Funazushi .
This unique type of sushi dates back centuries.
Funazushi is made from Nigorobuna, a fish found only in Lake Biwa.
The fish is preserved in salt and fermented with rice for up to four years.
The taste is strong and sour, unlike any other sushi you’ve had.
Some people love it, while others find it challenging to enjoy.
14) Haiku Road in Koka
Haiku Road in Koka is a hidden gem in Shiga Prefecture.
This scenic path is lined with stone tablets featuring haiku poems.
You can enjoy a peaceful walk while appreciating the poems’ beauty.
15) Genkyu-en Garden’s Hidden Paths
When you visit Genkyu-en Garden, prepare to be intrigued by its hidden paths.
Tucked within the greenery, these paths lead to quiet spots perfect for reflection.
You might find yourself crossing charming little bridges.
