Shiga Prefecture: Biwaichi, Craftsmanship, and Mountain Landscapes

A cycling tour around Lake Biwa, a seasonal flower meadow on the prefecture’s highest mountain, and traditional crafts give Shiga several distinct travel interests. You can focus separately on cycling, nature, pottery, and museum visits, and plan your trip accordingly.

Getting your bearings from Maibara Station

Maibara Station on the JR Tōkaidō Shinkansen line is a transport hub for destinations on the eastern side of Lake Biwa. If your travel plans include this side of the lake, Maibara gives you a specific point of reference for finding your way. Check connections again before your trip.

Biwaichi: a cycling tour around the lake

Biwaichi refers to a cycling tour around Lake Biwa in Shiga. The circuit itself makes cycling a distinct focus alongside cultural and museum visits: the emphasis is on riding around the lake, not on a single place. If you’re considering the route for your trip, bear in mind that conditions can change, and check the latest information before setting out.

Mountain scenery and rural experiences

At about 1,377 meters, Mount Ibuki is the highest mountain in Shiga Prefecture. A natural flower meadow is located at the summit, where the scenery is beautiful from spring through fall. If the flower meadow is important to your visit, check the flowering season and access before your trip.

Green Tourism Shiga introduces facilities, experience programs, and events for agricultural, forestry, and fishing experiences, as well as everyday experiences in rural parts of the prefecture. This offers another thematic way in for travelers who want to include rural experiences alongside the scenery. Programs and events may change; check the relevant details in advance.

Craftsmanship and tradition in Shiga

Ōmi-jōfu is recognized by the Japanese government as a traditional craft. In Shigaraki, visitors can try hand-building pottery, painting, and using an electric potter’s wheel. This brings two distinct craft themes into focus: Ōmi-jōfu’s recognition as a traditional craft and hands-on pottery activities in Shigaraki. Which of the three pottery activities a business offers varies; check availability in advance.

It is said that しがらき火まつり has been held for several hundred years, since before the Edo period. People from outside Shigaraki can also take part in the torch offering. If you’re considering this opportunity, check the latest festival information before your trip.

Museums: architecture, artists, and events

The MIHO MUSEUM, designed by I. M. Pei, is located in Shigaraki. In Moriyama, the Sagawa Art Museum has exhibition halls featuring works by Hirayama Ikuo (1930–2009), Satō Chūryō (1912–2011), and Raku Kichizaemon. An architectural design and exhibition halls featuring works by three artists thus offer distinct cultural points of interest.

Several times a year, the Sagawa Art Museum holds special exhibitions, workshops where parents and children make objects, museum concerts, and tea ceremonies. The program offers more to explore than the exhibition halls alone. If you’re planning to attend one of these events, check the current program schedule.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gamou District, Kusatsu, Konan, Ōtsu, Higashiōmi, Ōmihachiman, Moriyama, Maibara, Ritto, Takashima, Hikone, Kōka, Nagahama.

For the main travel overview: Japan.