Top 10 Best Things to Do in Shiga Prefecture

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KuMa_Y

As the morning light pierces the mist over Lake Biwa, you'll understand why the Japanese consider it the "Lake of Life." As Japan's largest freshwater lake, its waters serve not only as a backup for Kyoto Prefecture but also as a living reservoir of cultural genealogy. Hikone Castle, reflected in the mirror-like waters of the early morning, its 400-year-old castle tower blending with the shimmering waters to create a breathtaking spectacle. Take a pontoon boat to Takebushima Island, where the bronze torii gates gleam in the sunlight. The Tang-style architecture of Hogon-ji Temple speaks of its cultural ties to China's Tang Dynasty. The lakeside bike path is the perfect way to explore. The 70-kilometer route connects reed marshes, vineyards, and century-old shops. Passing through the white-walled earthenware buildings of Omi Hachiman Water Village, it's like stepping into an Edo-era ukiyo-e painting. The gustatory memories are equally unforgettable. Omi beef sushi melts in your mouth, while sushi made with biwa catfish has a refreshing sweetness. The local wines from Lake Country Winery are even more mellow when savored against the setting sun. The most unforgettable moment was meeting a local elder on the lake's west beach. Pointing across the water, he said, "When I was a child, my father took me to those floating islands to pick mulberries. The water is still this clear." The magic of Lake Biwa lies not only in its scenery but also in its living ecological epic. From the migratory birds of spring and autumn to the snowflakes of winter, the cycle of seasons showcases the wisdom of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature. When the last rays of sunlight cast a golden path across the lake, you will understand why these waters have nurtured the essence of Japanese traditions such as the tea ceremony and haiku—they teach us how to find eternal beauty in the balance between movement and stillness. With their vastness and tranquility, these waters invite every visitor to find inner peace. Perhaps this is Lake Biwa's most moving travel gift.

Rei_大阪

▪️▫️MIHO Pei's Peach Blossom Spring▪️▫️ ——▪️▫️ The world-renowned architect Pei, who designed the glass pyramid of the Louvre Museum in Paris, designed the MIHO Art Museum. The design concept comes from Tao Yuanming's "Peach Blossom Spring" (I recited it a lot when I was in school and cried) The natural landscape around the building is well preserved, and 80% of the entire building is hidden underground, blending emotions with the scenery. While appreciating art works, you can also feel the natural scenery. More people come here because of Pei's architecture than the collections. I'll tell you that LV's fashion show was held here in a certain year. Please search for the beautiful photos yourself🔍 ——▪️INFO▫️ ▪️【Tickets】1300yen/person ▪️【Business hours】10:00-16:00 (during the epidemic) Reservations must be made in advance, and credit card payments can be made directly on the official website or reservations can be made by phone to purchase tickets on site. Closed on Mondays. ▪️【Food】There are two restaurants (restaurant Peach Valley/cafe Pine View). The cafe and restaurant in the museum provide food without pesticides, fertilizers, or additives. You can drink coffee and afternoon tea to enjoy the scenery. But when we went there on the weekend, it was sold out. I will go there next time with a little regret~ ▪️【Travel】You can drive yourself for a round trip, and there are many free parking lots in the museum. It is a half-hour drive from "Mitsui Outlet Shopping City (Shiga Ryuo Store)". You can continue shopping after visiting. ▪️【Design】The geometric design space made of glass is naturally lit through large floor-to-ceiling windows, giving the illusion of being surrounded by nature. I feel that the ticket here is worth it [snickering] ▪️【Works】The museum is divided into north and south exhibition halls. The north exhibition hall (2F) is a special exhibition area, and the works on display are generally limited in time. The south exhibition hall (1F, B1F) is the world's ancient art. ▪️【Recommendation】It is recommended to go during the cherry blossom season. The road leading to the art museum is full of cherry blossoms, and the tunnel will also be reflected in pink, just like being in a paradise. ——▪️▫️ 【Recall】 When the forest ends and the water source comes out, there is a mountain. There is a small opening in the mountain. It seems as if there is light. I left the boat and entered through the opening. It was very narrow at first, but it was passable. After walking a few dozen steps, it suddenly became clear.....

ろれるりら

The scenery had changed completely since I visited in the summer, and a world of silver spread out before me. The snow was of good quality, and it wasn't as crowded as the more famous ski resorts. I was able to ski while enjoying the wonderful scenery, and it became my favorite slope. The restaurant was open as usual.

死海的神奇

It is difficult to book a room on weekends during the red leaves season, so I can only stay in Maibara City. Maibara City is very close to Hikone City, and it only takes more than an hour to walk to see the scenery. Hikone Castle and Genguen Garden are sold as a bundle, and the ticket price is 1,000 yen. The castle tower of Hikone Castle is very beautiful, and it is even more beautiful with red leaves. The ticket price is a bit expensive, but it is better than Nagoya Castle.

心在飞的qy

Rurikoin Temple is a good substitute, except that the transportation is not as convenient as Rurikoin Temple, the scenery is not worse than Rurikoin Temple, the courtyard is very quiet and you can take a walk. There were only 3 groups of guests in the morning! The most important thing is that the ticket is only 300, which is very cost-effective!